Blog > Industry News
Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
By Michael Pinchera | Jun 9, 2020
Graduation is a highlight in the life of every student. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, graduation ceremonies as we have come to know them have generally been absent this year. To help celebrate the graduates in the greater MPI community, we present this digital yearbook of MPI members, their friends and family who are among the class of 2020!
This is the second in a four-part series exploring the unique perspectives and challenges facing hospitality and meeting industry students graduating during the coronavirus pandemic.
Part One: Disrupted Graduation, Jobs
Part Three: Coping with the Pandemic
Part Four: Changing Perceptions in the Industry
![Zach Abraham- Zach Abraham-](/images/default-source/blog-images/zach-abraham-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=7107b30_1) |
![Cassie Ahern- Cassie Ahern-](/images/default-source/blog-images/cassie-ahern-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=1034eec9_1) |
![Marwa Ammar- Marwa Ammar-](/images/default-source/blog-images/marwa-ammar-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=ba512e4d_1)
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Zach Abraham
U.S. Naval Academy
Grandson of Rod Abraham (MPI Charter & Life Member)
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Cassie Ahern
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
MPI San Diego Chapter
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Marwa Ammar, CMP
Cameron School of Business, University of St. Thomas
MPI Houston Area Chapter
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![Depannita Biswas- Depannita Biswas-](/images/default-source/blog-images/depannita-biswas-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=f74c23a6_1) |
![Kayla Branham- Kayla Branham-](/images/default-source/blog-images/kayla-branham-8b1681cbc5434116840bbe0549e76165.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=f055c0b8_1)
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![Paiden Brochu- Paiden Brochu-](/images/default-source/blog-images/paiden-brochu-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=3ae8ea04_1)
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Depannita Biswas
George Brown College
MPI Toronto Chapter
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Kayla Branham
International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Saint Leo University
Student of Judy Holcomb (MPI Tampa Bay Area Chapter)
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Paiden Brochu
First United Preschool of Fort Lauderdale
Son of Patrick Brochu (MPI South Florida Chapter)
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![Paxton Brochu- Paxton Brochu-](/images/default-source/blog-images/paxton-brochu-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=e537c5c3_1) |
![Kayleigh Browning- Kayleigh Browning-](/images/default-source/blog-images/kayleigh-browning-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=36d58dbb_1) |
![Quang Tan Phu Bui- Quang Tan Phu Bui-](/images/default-source/blog-images/quang-tan-phu-bui-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=8d077719_1)
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Paxton Brochu
First United Preschool of Fort Lauderdale
Son of Patrick Brochu (MPI South Florida Chapter)
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Kayleigh Browning
University of Rhode Island
Daughter of Carolyn Browning (MPI WestField Chapter)
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Quang Tan Phu Bui
Hospitality, Exposition and Event Management Program, Richland College
MPI Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter
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![Alyssa Grace Bunting- Alyssa Grace Bunting-](/images/default-source/blog-images/alyssa-grace-bunting-508de4ea27f241e08c14f2dacaea5555.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=857fa55f_1) |
![Ella Burkey- Ella Burkey-](/images/default-source/blog-images/ella-burkey-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=f0b9dfd3_1)
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![Tyler Carter- Tyler Carter-](/images/default-source/blog-images/tyler-carter-fe1673eaa3814126b40fad90671920d3.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=f097321f_1)
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Alyssa Grace Bunting
Business Administration and Management, San Diego State University
Friend/colleague of Michelle Harty, CMP-HC (MPI San Diego Chapter)
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Ella Burkey
Wakeland High School
Daughter of Allison Burkey (Event Specialist, MPI)
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Tyler Carter
International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Saint Leo University
Student of Judy Holcomb (MPI Tampa Bay Area Chapter)
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![Paloma Connolly- Paloma Connolly-](/images/default-source/blog-images/paloma-connolly-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=97d8ed9d_1) |
![Gabriela Cruz- Gabriela Cruz-](/images/default-source/blog-images/gabriela-cruz-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=a7c00354_1) |
![Shannon Dalton- Shannon Dalton-](/images/default-source/blog-images/shannon-dalton-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=f4304347_1)
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Paloma Connolly
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
MPI San Diego Chapter
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Gabriela Cruz
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
MPI San Diego Chapter
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Shannon Dalton
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
Friend of Erin Scholes (MPI San Diego Chapter)
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![Danielle Dela Paz- Danielle Dela Paz-](/images/default-source/blog-images/danielle-dela-paz-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=c93e38bf_1) |
![Brooke DiBiase- Brooke DiBiase-](/images/default-source/blog-images/brooke-dibiase-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=2f4f4345_1)
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![Jess DiGiovanna- Jess DiGiovanna-](/images/default-source/blog-images/jess-digiovanna-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=e50a6a1b_1)
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Danielle Dela Paz
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
Friend of Erin Scholes (MPI San Diego Chapter)
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Brooke DiBiase
Fashion Merchandising, Texas Christian University
Niece of Jacqueline Goldy (MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter)
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Jess DiGiovanna
Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Virginia Tech University
Student of Kristin Lamoureux, Ph.D. (MPI Virginia Chapter)
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![Isabelle Dougherty- Isabelle Dougherty-](/images/default-source/blog-images/isabelle-dougherty-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=76e6dce8_1) |
![Olivia Dowgiewicz- Olivia Dowgiewicz-](/images/default-source/blog-images/olivia-dowgiewicz-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=61cb75a7_1) |
![Olga Dubchak- Olga Dubchak-](/images/default-source/blog-images/olga-dubchak-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=79775df6_1)
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Isabelle Dougherty
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
MPI San Diego Chapter
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Olivia R. Dowgiewicz
Bryant University
Daughter of Tracy Schatten (WestField Chapter)
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Olga Dubchak
School of Entertainment & Hospitality Management, California State University Fullerton
MPI Orange County Chapter
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![Yesenia Franco- Yesenia Franco-](/images/default-source/blog-images/yesenia-franco-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=41059aaa_1) |
![Emily Gomes- Emily Gomes-](/images/default-source/blog-images/emily-gomes-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=4574cd55_1)
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![Zoe Gonzalez- Zoe Gonzalez-](/images/default-source/blog-images/zoe-gonzalez-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=a067ad6f_1)
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Yesenia Franco
School of Entertainment & Hospitality Management, California State University Fullerton
MPI Southern California Chapter
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Emily Gomes
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
MPI San Diego Chapter
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Zoe Gonzalez
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
Friend of Erin Scholes (MPI San Diego Chapter)
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![Allyssa Gundelfinger- Allyssa Gundelfinger-](/images/default-source/blog-images/allyssa-gundelfinger-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=26ac7b38_1) |
![Reagan Guthrie- Reagan Guthrie-](/images/default-source/blog-images/reagan-guthrie-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=2c722c6_1) |
![Brooke Heller- Brooke Heller-](/images/default-source/blog-images/brooke-heller-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=ce3f7e90_1)
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Allyssa Gundelfinger
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
Friend of Erin Scholes (MPI San Diego Chapter)
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Reagan Guthrie
Cathedral Catholic High School
Nephew of Erin Shean Bianchi (MPI San Diego Chapter)
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Brooke Heller
International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Saint Leo University
Student of Judy Holcomb (MPI Tampa Bay Area Chapter)
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![Chloe Hendricks- Chloe Hendricks-](/images/default-source/blog-images/chloe-hendricks-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=24e88679_1) |
![Maxwell Ryan Hickey- Maxwell Ryan Hickey-](/images/default-source/blog-images/maxwell-ryan-hickey-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=21e0b6e_1)
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![Olie Hoffman- Olie Hoffman-](/images/default-source/blog-images/olie-hoffman-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=8edd3071_1)
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Chloe Hendricks
North Gwinnett High School
Daughter of Fiona Corbett, CMP
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Maxxwell Ryan Hickey
Mariner’s Christian School
Son of Nicole Hickey (MPI Orange County Chapter)
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Olie Hoffman
Capistrano Valley High School
Son of Beth Hoffman (MPI Orange County Chapter)
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![Zach Hough- Zach Hough-](/images/default-source/blog-images/zach-hough-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=5c91c8e8_1) |
![Abigail Hunt- Abigail Hunt-](/images/default-source/blog-images/abigail-hunt-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=3fd21586_1) |
![Jamie Iverson- Jamie Iverson-](/images/default-source/blog-images/jamie-iverson-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=38dcb8eb_1)
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Zach Hough
Home School, pre-Enlisted in the Navy
Son of Jay Hough (Manager of Web Development, MPI)
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Abigail Christine Hunt
Grandville High School
Daughter of Amanda Hunt (MPI Michigan Chapter)
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Jamie Iverson
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
MPI San Diego Chapter
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![Honey Jain- Honey Jain-](/images/default-source/blog-images/honey-jain-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=137e43d0_1) |
![Jessica James- Jessica James-](/images/default-source/blog-images/jessica-james-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=e5a804b4_1)
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![Mara James- Mara James-](/images/default-source/blog-images/mara-james-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=96757d6b_1)
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Honey Jain
School of Entertainment & Hospitality Management, California State University Fullerton
Friend/mentee of Pawntra Shadab (MPI Orange County Chapter) and Amani Roberts (MPI Southern California Chapter)
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Jessica R. James
Tourism, Leisure, and Event Planning, Bowling Green State University
MPI Ohio Chapter
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Mara James
Communications and Business Marketing, Orange Coast College
Daughter of Maureen Sloan (MPI Orange County Chapter)
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![Shahna-Lee James- Shahna-Lee James-](/images/default-source/blog-images/shahna-lee-james-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=8e076e86_1) |
![Gwynne Janssen- Gwynne Janssen-](/images/default-source/blog-images/gwynne-janssen-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=3be896a0_1) |
![Logan Lamb- Logan Lamb-](/images/default-source/blog-images/logan-lamb-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=d4167ecb_1)
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Shahna-Lee James, M.Ed.
University of Pennsylvania
Daughter of Marcia James (MPI Greater New York Chapter)
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Gwynne Janssen, CED
Liberal Arts & Science, University College Maastricht, The Netherlands
Daughter of Ruud Janssen, CMM, DES (MPI France-Switzerland Chapter)
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Logan Lamb
International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Saint Leo University
Student of Judy Holcomb (MPI Tampa Bay Area Chapter)
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![Cheyenne McKenna Johnson- Cheyenne McKenna Johnson-](/images/default-source/blog-images/cheyenne-mckenna-johnson-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=f3b791cf_1) |
![Bella Karch- Bella Karch-](/images/default-source/blog-images/bella-karch-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=4baefa25_1)
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![Maya Kordovi- Maya Kordovi-](/images/default-source/blog-images/maya-kordovi-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=97d1cd65_1)
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Cheyenne McKenna Johnson
Kinesiology, Texas Tech
Granddaughter of Diane Hawkins (Vice President of People & Performance and Administration, MPI)
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Bella Karch
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
MPI San Diego Chapter
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Maya Kordovi
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
MPI San Diego Chapter
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![Ashley Krahulec- Ashley Krahulec-](/images/default-source/blog-images/ashley-krahulec-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=447129f0_1) |
![Jackie Leggett- Jackie Leggett-](/images/default-source/blog-images/jackie-leggett-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=991d2f08_1) |
![Joey Lorino- Joey Lorino-](/images/default-source/blog-images/joey-lorino-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=7fac320e_1)
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Ashley Krahulec
Franklin Academy High School
Granddaughter of Rod Abraham (MPI Charter & Life Member)
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Jackie Leggett
Tourism, Event and Sports Management, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Friend of Kaleigh Gipson (MPI Indiana Chapter)
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Joey Lorino
School of Entertainment & Hospitality Management, California State University Fullerton
Friend/mentee of Pawntra Shadab (MPI Orange County Chapter) and Amani Roberts (MPI Southern California Chapter)
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![Austin Luna- Austin Luna-](/images/default-source/blog-images/austin-luna-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=23dcc45e_1) |
![Angellina Mackinaw- Angellina Mackinaw-](/images/default-source/blog-images/angellina-mackinaw-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=cf8d4a5_1)
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![Michael Maurer- Michael Maurer-](/images/default-source/blog-images/michael-maurer-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=5c9fe6e6_1)
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Austin Luna
Kinesiology, Texas Tech University
Son of Rich Luna (Director of Publishing, MPI)
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Angellina Mackinaw
Plano Senior High School
Daughter of Scott Mackinaw (Vice President of Finance, MPI)
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Michael Maurer
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Cousin of Erin Shean Bianchi (MPI San Diego Chapter)
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![Macy Morris- Macy Morris-](/images/default-source/blog-images/macy-morris-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=90c00ed8_1) |
![Annette Ott-Barnett- Annette Ott-Barnett-](/images/default-source/blog-images/annette-ott-barnett-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=d50ee4e4_1) |
![Bianca Crystal Padilla- Bianca Crystal Padilla-](/images/default-source/blog-images/bianca-crystal-padilla-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=60ed730a_1)
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Macy Morris
South Walton High School
Daughter of Karen Morris, CMP (MPI North Florida Chapter)
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Annette Ott-Barnett, CMP, CMM, CAE
Event Management, University of Technology Sydney
MPI Potomac Chapter
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Bianca Crystal Padilla
University of California, Davis
Daughter of Olga Padilla, CMP (MPI Northern California Chapter)
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![Stephanie Paendong- Stephanie Paendong-](/images/default-source/blog-images/stephanie-paendong-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=315dd291_1) |
![Angela Palencia-Ovando- Angela Palencia-Ovando-](/images/default-source/blog-images/angela-palencia-ovando-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=1e3f30e6_1)
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![Amanda Paolini- Amanda Paolini-](/images/default-source/blog-images/amanda-paolini-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=5d1a05a_1)
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Stephanie Paendong
Tourism and Events Management, George Mason University
Friend/colleague of Leah Lewis, CMP (MPI Potomac Chapter)
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Angela Palencia-Ovando
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
MPI San Diego Chapter
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Amanda Paolini
Business Marketing, West Chester University
MPI Philadelphia Area Chapter
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![Chelsea Pashnick- Chelsea Pashnick-](/images/default-source/blog-images/chelsea-pashnick-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=8e3d8131_1) |
![Jessica Pierce- Jessica Pierce-](/images/default-source/blog-images/jessica-pierce-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=afded4d5_1) |
![Naomi Rozenberg- Naomi Rozenberg-](/images/default-source/blog-images/naomi-rozenberg-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=dd521eb1_1)
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Chelsea Pashnick
Organizational Leadership, Colorado State University – Global Campus
MPI Southern California Chapter
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Jessica Pierce
Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Virginia Tech University
Student of Candace Fitch
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Naomi Rozenberg
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Daughter of Eric Rozenberg, CMM, CMP (MPI South Florida Chapter)
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![Sydney Sarju- Sydney Sarju-](/images/default-source/blog-images/sydney-sarju-.tmb-medium.jpeg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=1193a6c9_1) |
![Amanda Schlicht- Amanda Schlicht-](/images/default-source/blog-images/amanda-schlicht-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=7526d36_1)
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![Dakota Schwalbach- Dakota Schwalbach-](/images/default-source/blog-images/dakota-schwalbach-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=f116e956_1)
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Sydney Sarju
International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Saint Leo University
Student of Judy Holcomb (MPI Tampa Bay Area Chapter)
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Amanda Ann Schlicht
Supply Chain Management, Michigan State University
Niece of Sue Laing (MPI Northern California Chapter)
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Dakota Schwalbach
International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Saint Leo University
Student of Judy Holcomb (MPI Tampa Bay Area Chapter)
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![Ari Sechopoulos- Ari Sechopoulos-](/images/default-source/blog-images/ari-sechopoulos-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=dcf91df5_1) |
![Jenna Sekutera- Jenna Sekutera-](/images/default-source/blog-images/jenna-sekutera-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=a092175d_1) |
![Michael Shean-- Michael Shean--](/images/default-source/blog-images/michael-shean--.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=250d7334_1)
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Ari Sechopoulos
College of Charleston
Son of Shelley Williams (MPI Toronto Chapter)
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Jenna Sekutera
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Meetings & Events, San Diego State University
MPI San Diego Chapter
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Michael Shean, Jr.
Hinsdale Central High School
Nephew of Erin Shean Bianchi (MPI San Diego Chapter)
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![Jasvinder Singh- Jasvinder Singh-](/images/default-source/blog-images/jasvinder-singh-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=45c0971c_1) |
![Sarah Teague- Sarah Teague-](/images/default-source/blog-images/sarah-teague-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=a2a0f313_1)
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![Grisel Vazquez- Grisel Vazquez-](/images/default-source/blog-images/grisel-vazquez-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=b0d7d119_1)
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Jasvinder Singh
Conestoga College, Kitchener
MPI Toronto Chapter
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Sarah Teague
Communication Studies, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
MPI Carolinas Chapter
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Grisel Vasquez
School of Entertainment & Hospitality Management, California State University Fullerton
Friend/mentee of Pawntra Shadab (MPI Orange County Chapter) and Amani Roberts (MPI Southern California Chapter)
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![Gina Wigney- Gina Wigney-](/images/default-source/blog-images/gina-wigney-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=2c3ea73d_1) |
![Brittany Wind- Brittany Wind-](/images/default-source/blog-images/brittany-wind-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=257a518_1) |
![Jared Witt- Jared Witt-](/images/default-source/blog-images/jared-witt-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=b3381a58_1)
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Gina Wigney
Advertising, California State University Fresno
Niece of Mary Anne Whittle, CMP (Arizona Sunbelt Chapter)
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Brittany Wind
Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management, Bowling Green State University
MPI Ohio Chapter
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Jared Witt
Hendersonville High School
Son of Allison Witt (MPI Tennessee Chapter)
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![Nathan Witt- Nathan Witt-](/images/default-source/blog-images/nathan-witt-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=3e461b71_1) |
![Lizzy Yingling- Lizzy Yingling-](/images/default-source/blog-images/lizzy-yingling-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=38d31b20_1)
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![Kendall Young- Kendall Young-](/images/default-source/blog-images/kendall-young-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=e9b78cfa_1)
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Nathan Witt
Hendersonville High School
Son of Allison Witt (MPI Tennessee Chapter)
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Lizzy Yingling
Longleaf School of the Arts
Daughter of Loretta Yingling, CMP (MPI Chicago Area Chapter)
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Kendall Young
Martinsburg High School
Daughter of Dawn Young, Bechtel Corporation (MPI At Large)
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![Kris Young- Kris Young-](/images/default-source/blog-images/kris-young-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=a33f561_1) |
![Camille Youngblood- Camille Youngblood-](/images/default-source/blog-images/camille-youngblood-.tmb-medium.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=be6be2a2_1) |
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Kristopher Young
Computer Information Technology, Shepherd University
Son of Dawn Young, Bechtel Corporation (MPI At Large)
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Camille Youngblood
Harvard Law School
Friend of Marcia James (MPI Greater New York Chapter)
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