GIAN Scholarship

My name is Raquel Guerrero, and I am a sophomore at Florida International University (FIU), majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management while pursuing a Pre-Law Certificate. Born and raised in Cuba, I moved to Miami at age 12, where my experiences shaped my resilience and inspired my passion for creating meaningful connections. My academic and professional journey reflects my dedication to fostering memorable experiences and building strong communities, which aligns perfectly with the goals of event planning. My passion for event planning began in high school, where I held leadership roles such as president of the DECA Club and a board member of the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. Organizing events, from school fundraisers to travel competitions, taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and adaptability, skills that are essential for success in this field. Representing Florida as a finalist at the International Career Development Conference deepened my commitment to bringing people together through well-executed events. These experiences taught me the significance of planning events that are not only engaging but also purposeful in creating positive impacts on others. At FIU, I am honing my leadership and organizational skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry. Beyond academics, my current role as a front desk representative at CS Behavioral Services allows me to develop essential customer service and problem-solving skills that I know will serve me well as an event planner. I am also pursuing opportunities to connect with industry professionals, participate in internships, and attend workshops that will enhance my abilities to manage projects and oversee event logistics. Every new experience helps me refine my ability to create events that are impactful and memorable. My goal is to become a skilled project leader who uses creativity and innovation to make a positive impact. I envision planning events that promote cultural diversity, support local communities, and inspire lasting connections. For example, I aspire to organize conferences that empower young professionals, charity events that give back to underserved communities, and destination weddings that celebrate love across cultures. These events not only bring joy and inspiration to participants but also foster a sense of unity and shared purpose. By obtaining skills as an event planner, I aim to create spaces where people feel valued and connected. I believe that well-planned events have the power to transform lives, foster relationships, and address important societal issues. Events can be powerful tools for raising awareness, celebrating achievements, and driving social change. My vision is to create events that leave lasting impressions while addressing the unique needs of diverse audiences. For instance, I would love to organize fundraisers for environmental initiatives or cultural festivals that highlight the beauty of inclusivity and global traditions. This scholarship will enable me to further my education, gain hands-on experience, and ultimately make a meaningful impact on the world through the art of event planning. With the support of this opportunity, I plan to continue developing my skills, expanding my network, and embracing every chance to bring my vision for transformative events to life. Event planning is more than a career for me it is a way to touch lives, create shared memories, and contribute to a better world.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me in my first hospitality job in 2019. As a Black woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. The lack of diversity is a global concern. This experience led me to pursue a career in the events industry and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable environment for Black people and all minorities in the hospitality industry. In my dream life, I am a Conference Event Manager and use events as a channel for diversity and the positive message of acceptance. I will include minorities as speakers and vendors and appeal to a diverse audience. Conferences are more than just going to sessions and having networking lunches. Conferences are an opportunity for people to be exposed to new mindsets and knowledge and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves and learn. Therefore, my goal as a Conference Manager is to bring a diverse group of people together to enjoy a fun, educational event, build relationships, and expand their industry knowledge. I am practicing what I preach by working on events that celebrate diversity. One of my recent events was the Georgia State University School of Hospitality’s 50th Anniversary Gala. This event was significant because different generations and diverse groups came together to celebrate each other’s contributions and successes in the hospitality industry. With over 300 attendees, the audience consisted of people of different ethnicities, sexualities, genders, and abilities, and ages ranging from 18 to 95. The 50th Anniversary Gala encapsulated diversity, equity, and inclusion through the event planners, vendors, volunteers, and attendees. Plus, I am currently an Event Coordinator at the Georgia World Congress Center. This position is teaching me the fundamentals of conference management, handling clients’ and attendees’ needs, and curating memorable experiences. Furthermore, I was interviewed by MeetingsNet, a resource for the meeting and convention industry, to get my opinion on how event planners can attract young professionals to attend conferences and trade shows. Moreover, I am dedicated to immersing myself in hospitality on a global level. I traveled overseas for the first time to France and Italy through the Georgia State University European Hospitality Study Abroad Trip! Hospitality customs vary in different regions of the United States and especially in other countries. Exploring the different hospitality sectors in Europe, such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions, made me a more educated and cultured hospitality professional. Understanding other cultures helps prevent me from offending different individuals and cater to a diverse group of people’s expectations for hospitality. Al in all, this study abroad trip made me less scared to jump into different environments and more comfortable with the unknown. In conclusion, I am dedicated to showcasing my desire to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the events and hospitality field for minorities.

Cultural influences significantly shaped my perceptions of career choices and personal goals as a Filipina-American. Choosing to want to enter the event planning industry as a minority female I know will come with its own unique challenges. I know that I will face gender biases, prejudice, and racial discrimination when it comes to this job. It’s not easy being a minority, especially since Covid. I feel like the world has had a different viewpoint of Asian Americans since the virus. I am excited to work to see a breakthrough for Filipinos in the American event planning industry as I work towards my degree at the University of Georgia. The cost of education and training and the challenges of starting out in the industry with limited resources will strain my journey considerably. Building a reputation and client base without the financial backing that many of my peers will have will be difficult. Despite the financial hurdles, I will remain resilient and find creative solutions to propel my future career forward. As I pursue a career in event planning, I aim to positively impact the world by using my skills to organize impactful and meaningful events. My passion for event planning comes from my interest in organization, creativity, and community. I am excited to create experiences that leave a lasting impression on attendees. The thought of carefully planning every detail of an event, from conceptualization to execution, gives me a sense of fulfillment. It’s important to be knowledgeable about your job and have skills such as attention to detail, time management, communication, problem-solving, and creativity to ensure the success of my craft. Events can raise awareness about important causes and promote social change. Event planners can significantly make a positive change by organizing fundraisers for charitable organizations, awareness campaigns for social issues, or community-building events. Event planning is not just about organizing logistics; it is about using the power of gatherings to inspire, educate, and unite people for a common cause. As I continue my education to learn more about events and how they are planned, I am committed to using my skills and passion to create events that make a difference and leave a positive mark on the world. I want to make a way in the event planning industry for all the minorities who want to succeed as event planners. I want my story to stand as a testament to the power of determination and the ability to overcome adversities, no matter how hard they may seem.