HIDI and NSMH-CC

Embracing Diversity through Outreach Programs

(Pictured left) Kathy Patnaude, a faculty advisor to NSMH-CC, visits with a Hilton College student during the national NSMH conference held in Dallas in February 2006.

The Hospitality Industry Diversity Institute (HIDI) is pleased to be the sponsoring organization for the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality-Cougar Chapter (NSMH-CC). HIDI’s affiliation with this student group of future industry leaders underscores its participation in the development and implementation of educational and social diversity. Furthermore, this affiliation proves an ideal partnership in that the mission of HIDI—to foster healthier, more productive and more successful work environments through diversity education, training and issue resolution—goes hand-in-hand with NSMH-CC’s goals of teaching its members the value of embracing diversity by giving back to the community through outreach programs and other leadership initiatives.

Working cooperatively, NSMH-CC has embraced the diversity and cultural uniqueness of its membership by recognizing Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and National American Indian Heritage Month—among others. By participating in events such as World AIDS Day, Breast Cancer Awareness and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, both HIDI and NSMH-CC show their dedication to such outreach programs and, as a result, are helping to build future industry leaders who have a better understanding and acceptance of the many different cultures that make up our society.

Such community outreach opportunities help to build leadership skills and enhance professionalism. These character traits are further promoted in the Cougar Chapter’s core values, which include leadership, professionalism, outreach, empowerment, diversity, dedication, teamwork and career building. The power of NSMH-CC’s motto—Envision Our Vision—positions its members to enter the hospitality workforce with character, competence and charisma. HIDI is proud to support this vision.

Members of the NSMH-CC turned out in force to listen to HIDI board member and author Cary Broussard (standing, center) discuss her new book, From Cinderella to CEO, during a Readers Circle meeting held last spring at the Conrad N. Hilton College.

Student Chapter Newsletter

Recently, the students of NSMH created their first chapter newsletter. The Portal, written and designed by student members, is an overview of the chapter’s activities. To see what this dynamic group of students has been doing to further the mission of their chapter, read the latest edition of The Portal.

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