In this Alumni Voices episode, Nathalie Toribio, Director of Human Resources at Evolution Hospitality, shares her journey from student intern to hospitality executive. With warmth and insight, she reflects on family roots in the industry, the value of hands-on learning, and how leading with empathy shapes great teams.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Internships helped Nathalie grow from shy student to confident professional.
• Her career path included front desk, sales, and now HR leadership.
• Family connections in hospitality shaped her early interest in the industry.
• She stresses the power of observation and service tailoring, especially in union hotels.
• HR internships reveal company culture and help build strong internal teams.
• Modern apps (like Beekeeper) enhance team engagement and communication.
• Relationships and reputation matter — hospitality is a small, interconnected industry.
• Interns should lead with intention, curiosity, and heart.

In this Alumni Voices episode, Katie Marek, former Director of Operations Development and Business Analysis at Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, reflects on the pivotal role internships played in shaping her hospitality career. From front desk training at MGM Grand to insights on business intelligence, Katie shares lessons that continue to guide her work and mentorship.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Katie completed internships at MGM Grand and Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, gaining both immersive and traditional experiences.
• Her MGM internship gave her a strong foundation in front office operations — and an unexpected appearance on Dateline as a shining example of proper guest service!
• She emphasizes the value of hands-on roles over shadowing and the benefit of working alongside fellow interns for networking and peer support.
• Early exposure to different hotel types (mega-resort vs. luxury boutique) helped her understand varied operational styles.
• She encourages students to choose internships that align with company culture and offer active learning, not just observation.
• Katie highlights how data literacy and business analysis have become critical in modern hospitality decision-making.
• She recommends interns be proactive, curious, and open to learning even from repetitive or “boring” tasks — they often build lasting career value.
• Building relationships with mentors and peers during internships can lead to long-term support and professional growth.

If this is your first time to the IOI podcast, it is recommended you start with this episode