December 2017 Student Relations Spotlight

Kennyara Zephyr

Kennyara is a Hospitality Administration major in the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. Her courses focus on developing managers and leaders within the hospitality industry. Kennyara has taken courses that focus on different segments in the industry such as Food Production & Service Management, Event Management, Venue Management, Hospitality Service Marketing, Hospitality Financial Analysis, and more. In addition to these hospitality courses, she has completed the required business courses, too. Business Communications, Finance, Accounting, and Managerial Sciences.

What made you choose the hospitality industry?

I realized my love for planning and parties in high school after interning for a few event venues. I always knew I wanted to pursue a career where I was helping others in a vibrant environment. This path made sense because I would help plan and execute events, and then experience the joy on our clients’ faces when their special day went as planned. I was thrilled to learn there was a college major that embodied everything I wanted to learn about the hospitality industry and more.

Tell us more about your intern experience:

I have been interning since my junior year of high school. I started out working for a historic venue in Roswell, Georgia, at Barrington Hall under event coordinator, Bill Browning. My next stop was The Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta until I started at Georgia State University. Since I began my college career, I have worked for the hospitality department as a Student Assistant. Other jobs included Proof of the Pudding, a premier Atlanta caterer; The Tabernacle as a Special Events Intern; Eternity Events as Assistant Event Coordinator; Omni Atlanta CNN Center as a Front Desk Agent; and MGM National Harbor as a Special Events Intern.

Career goals:

One long-term goal is to open, operate, and own a mid-scale music venue that focuses on exposing rising artists in the area. It will mimic “The Apollo” format. Depending on the success of this endeavor, I plan to franchise the company across the nation. I have worked in every segment of the industry thus far, and plan on developing my current venue and event management career within the entertainment industry. I look forward to working with MGM Resorts International and Live Nation to connect in the industry for the next 10 to 15 years until I am confident to open my own space or partner with a business. If the opportunity presents itself sooner, I will move forward on it.

Is there anything MPI can do that you think will help you better prepare for the workforce?

MPI helps me connect with related industry professionals and network with like-minded individuals. I also will be able to represent the organization as an avid meeting planner and hard-working member.

More about Kennyara:

I will be graduating this May. I enjoy volunteering for food organizations that help feed the homeless. I also volunteer with the Atlanta Humane Society because of my love for dogs. One day I’d like to start a foundation to assist high school students who are looking to develop attainable career goals and financial literacy.

What a bright future, Kennyara. The chapter sends congratulations on your many accomplishments. Perhaps a board position is also in your future.