Remaining steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Mission
To transform the hospitality industry by intentionally uplifting and amplifying a culture representative of untapped talent.
Our Strategy
AHED's strategy is to catalyze Hospitality DE&I action through recruitment, scholarship, advocacy, mentorship, and partnership - elevating measurable belonging and accountability.
Our Vision
A future where the hospitality industry reflects the richness and diversity of its talent, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive experience for all.
Visiting Assoc. Prof, NYU
Brian Barker
“Dedication to fostering inclusivity and equity is integral to the positive transformation of our workplaces and society at large.”
AHED's leadership brings extensive experience to address today's crucial challenges. We're outcome-oriented, showcasing a track record of proven successes.
Initiatives
Explore our highly involved initiatives like AHED's Campus Takeovers! These initiatives discover the diverse intersections of hospitality with fields like engineering, accounting, and more. AHED collaborates with colleges to spotlight unique paths in the industry. Click below to discover more about our
Events
Click below to view our scheduled programming for upcoming events, workshops, and initiatives driven to commitment to true DEI inclusion.
Recruitment
AHED aims to establish influence and drive change in hospitality by empowering untapped talent. To achieve this, we'll form our own recruitment team. Learn more below.
Newsletters
Click below to view our complete catalog of newsletters lead by our Executive Director, Brian barker. Giving the latest news and key updates for everything AHED.
Partners
Explore the impactful relationships AHED holds with sponsors, donors, and partners. Join us in advancing our societal mission by discovering the key contributors driving AHED's mission forward.
Want to take the next step?
At AHED, we actively invest in outreach opportunities to advance our DEI inclusion initiative. Discover how you can contribute through donations or becoming a member. Every form of support strengthens our resolve for genuine inclusion in hospitality. Join us on this journey towards a more diverse and equitable future.
Follow the button below to donate or become a member!
Board Engagements and News
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Davidson Hospitality Group Partners with Alliance for Hospitality Equity & Diversity
AHED is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Davidson Hospitality Group to advance diversity and equity in hospitality. Together, we will create impactful opportunities through scholarships, internships, career fairs, and targeted recruitment of underrepresented students. We're also excited to welcome Crystal Beasley, Davidson’s Chief Administrative Officer, to the AHED Board, where her expertise will strengthen our mission and leadership.
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Board Senior Advisor talks Black Executive Leadership
On July 15th, our Board Senior Advisor Evan Frazier, discussed his leadership journey, recounting how diverse experiences inspired him to form TALI, a nonprofit devoted to fostering Black executive leadership. Highlighting the importance of financial acumen for future leaders, offers tips on standing out in a competitive environment, and introduces the Frazier Formula for Success. Lan Elliott's exclusive interview delves into cultivating Black executive leadership.
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Board Senior Advisor Honored in Cornell Hall of Fame
On Sunday, November 12, the Cornell Hotel Society will induct its 2023 cohort into the Hall of Fame, which includes Evan Frazier. The committee has chosen a very special class of 11 inductees representing many aspects of Hotelie successes. While they didn’t start out with a theme for this class, as they selected the inductees, the theme of “Game Changers” emerged. These Hotelies didn’t just play the game better than others, they literally changed the game for the industry. Congratulations to Evan, Class of ‘92!
Spotlights
Desirey Virgin, Grad. Asst., NYU
Graduate Assistant Spotlight
Our mission centers on recognizing the vast talent within diverse students. We're pleased to spotlight Graduate Student Desirey Virgin, a valuable contributor to our team.
A seasoned hospitality professional, Desirey is also an Atlanta native with a decade of experience in luxury hotels. She's studying global hospitality at New York University, actively participating in the NYU community, and aspiring to become the Director of Development for AHED.
Desirey's commitment to tourism and hospitality is evident in her extensive travel to over 10 countries, where she experiences international culture, studies tourism impact, enjoys local cuisine, and advocates for local tradition preservation. Continually learning, she invites you to follow her journey on LinkedIn.
Employee Spotlight
Donovan Speight is a senior computer information systems major with a cybersecurity concentration at Howard University School of Business. Since November 2023, Donovan has been providing technology consulting and serving as a a pseudo-IT manager for his mentor, Brian Barker, MA, CHE, PhD Candidate, at his startup non-profit, The Alliance for Hospitality, Equity, and Diversity (AHED). In this role, Donovan has spearheaded key projects, including creating the organization's website using Squarespace and CSS, developing a resource admissions tool, setting up a payment processor, establishing an email domain with user accounts, and resolving various technical issues. Donovan’s work with AHED reflects his strong commitment to leveraging technology for social impact while continuing to build his expertise in the field.
Donovan Speight, IT Manager, Senior, Howard University