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LaToya Lilly

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Finalist

Bio

I am a dedicated hospitality professional and full-time student with over 20 years of experience in customer service, operations, and team leadership within fast-paced hospitality environments. I have worked in retail, aviation, tourism, and food and beverage operations.

Education

California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Hospitality Administration/Management

Los Angeles Harbor College

Associate's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General

Los Angeles Harbor College

Associate's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Hospitality Administration/Management

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Hospitality Administration/Management
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Leisure, Travel, & Tourism

    • Dream career goals:

    • Chef's Office Assistant

      Los Angeles Community College District
      2023 – Present3 years
    • Key Holder

      Bath and Body Works
      2020 – 20244 years
    • Food Prep

      Walt Disney Company
      2023 – Present3 years
    • Aircraft Detailing Manager

      Advanced Air
      2016 – 20226 years

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Junior Varsity
    2002 – 20042 years

    Awards

    • none

    Research

    • Hospitality Administration/Management

      Cal Poly Pomona — Student
      2025 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Match — Advisory Board Member
      2025 – Present
    • Volunteering

      EXP — Advisory
      2024 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Sylvester Taylor Hospitality Scholarship
    I envision my passion for hospitality to heighten and improve guest’s experiences. I want to utilize the skills, knowledge, and passion that I have to bring people together. My goal as a hospitality specialist is to create memorable experiences for guests. Whether that is in food and beverage, event planning, property management, or another area of the tourism industry. I want the guest to remember their time at my business with joy, and a feeling of belonging. That starts with education and understanding. I am continuing my education to gain more knowledge and insight to be able to display that. Service is the most important role in the hospitality industry. Good service is good to provide, but I want to provide legendary service to every guest I encounter. I am the service that will brighten a day, no matter the role I am working in. That is so important to me. Being my best, and giving that to those that are around me. Acts of service with positive intent can be a game change within the industry. I want to exemplify what amazing service looks like. With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, and the perseverance to continue my education, I want to inspire the next generation of students. With mentorships, advisory boards, and volunteer work being areas that I will continue to prioritize with time and resources. I am going to pour into students all of the knowledge and skills that I have learned to increase their opportunities and chances of success. Sometime a little faith, guidance, and assistance is the additional push we need to reach the next level. I will be that for someone. Through empathetic leadership, amazing service, confidence, and continued education I will have a positive impact on not only the hospitality industry, but also the world.