NEW YORK—The Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC) has launched a nonprofit foundation that will direct the educational, philanthropic and research initiatives of the hotel industry.
“One area we are particularly interested in is how we can recruit and attract more young talent into the hospitality industry in the city, which would benefit greatly from young leaders coming out of hotel schools and education programs,” said Vijay Dandapani, president/CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City. “We are keen on exploring ways we might be able to assist them in making New York City hospitality a viable career option for young people to begin their careers.”
The foundation aims to provide a new and dedicated vehicle to raise money for charitable endeavors.
“The scholarships are one major goal,” said Dandapani. “The scholarship program will be available to the children of hotel employees. We have provided these scholarships for many years, but the foundation will have its own board of directors dedicated in part to this charitable mission.”
In addition, there will be educational and research activities that will support the growth and strength of the hospitality industry. “Another goal is to identify, through research, issues of significance to the hotel industry and educational efforts stemming from that,” he said.
Hermann Elger, GM, Baccarat Hotel, will serve as chair of the HANYC Foundation Board of Directors. In addition, other veteran hoteliers will join the effort, including the following:
- Stephen Alfieri, regional director of human resources, Denihan
- Patrick Athy, director of human resources, Sheraton New York Times Square
- Gabrielle Desintonio, regional talent & culture director, The Carlyle
- Christine Falciglia, human resources director, Lotte New York Palace
- Julie Greenberg, VP, Kasirer
- Karambir Kang, area director, Taj Hotels
- Kathy Morales, director of finance, Millennium Hilton New York
- Katelynn Morris, market director of associate experience, North Bergen Marriott
- Robert Salem, president, The Capacity Group
- Alan Steel, president & CEO, Javits Center