OHLA Emerging Professionals
OHLA Emerging Professionals is a community open to industry professional members. Emerging Professionals offers resources, networking, and education designed to ensure young, emerging professionals have the career development opportunities to move up in the lodging industry. Our mission is to provide a community that supports emerging hotel & lodging industry professionals and cultivates the next generation of leaders.
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Develop Your Craft We strive to offer resources and build opportunities to hone the skills, knowledge and professional acumen of our emerging leaders. |
Foster Discussion & Innovation We cultivate an open space to discuss issues and developments that impact the travel and hospitality industry. |
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Grow Meaningful Relationships We enable our members to grow meaningful connections by providing opportunities to engage in a social setting. |
Offer Encouragement We build up our members to strengthen and uplift the next generation of leaders. |
What does Emerging Professionals do for you?
- Provides education
- Leadership Skills
- Career Advancement
- Facilitates Networking Opportunities
- Third Thursday events with the hotel & lodging industry
- Group outings to local attractions
- Giving Back Events
- Encourages Career Development
- Trainings & Certification Opportunities - Coming Soon!
- Educational Scholarships Available to You
- Fostering Connections
- Exclusive Facebook Group for EP Community Members to connect
- Buddy System – Never feel alone in attending events!
- Explores Mentorship
- Opportunities to connect with collegiate students
Want to join us on this journey?
How to Join:
1) Complete
Must be a current OHLA member to be eligible. Any questions can be directed to michele@ohla.org.
2) Await confirmation of the received form & welcome email
2026 Schedule of Events
Event details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, check OHLA's Full Calendar here.
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January - Third Thursday Networking January 15, 2026 Time: 8:30 - 10:00 AM Place: Einstein Bros. Bagels |
July - Third Thursday Networking July 16, 2026 Time: 4:00 - 6:00 PM Place: Cleveland, OH |
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February - Third Thursday Networking February 19, 2026 Time: 8:30 - 10:00 AM Place: Playa Bowls (OSU) |
August - Third Thursday Networking August 20, 2026 Time: 8:30 - 10:00 AM Place: Columbus, OH |
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March - Third Thursday Networking March 19, 2026 Time: TBD Place: Columbus, OH |
September - Third Thursday Networking September 17, 2026 Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Place: Columbus, OH |
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April - Third Thursday Networking April 16, 2026 Time: TBD Place: Columbus, OH |
October - Third Thursday Networking October 15, 2026 Time: 4:00-6:00 PM Place: Cincinnati, OH |
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May - Third Thursday Networking May 21, 2026 Time: 12:00-1:00 PM Place: Online Webinar |
November - Third Thursday Networking November 19, 2026 Time: TBD Place: Columbus, Ohio |
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June - Third Thursday Networking before the WIL Luncheon June 18, 2026 Time: TBD Place: Columbus, Ohio
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December - Third Thursday Networking December 17, 2026 Time: 8:30 - 10:00 AM Place: Columbus, Ohio |
Meet the EP Committee!
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Lauren Butterfield, Chair Lauren is a Dual Director of Sales and Marketing at the SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites Columbus Easton Area. As a seasoned hotel/hospitality professional in operations and sales, she is proudly effective in capturing new business opportunities and building relationships with clientele. |
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Emily Maddox, Vice Chair Emily is the Design & Construction Project Administrator for Red Roof in New Albany, Ohio. With her background in entertainment, she's now bringing her skills to the hospitality industry. Emily is eager to connect with her fellow Emerging Professionals and make new friends through events and programming. |
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Samira Abeeb, Committee Member Samira currently works at Hyatt Regency Columbus as a Human Resources Coordinator! She has been in the hospitality industry for 15 years. Samira is a recent graduate from Franklin University where she completed her MS in Human Resources Management. Originally from Somalia, moving to Columbus where diversity, equity & Inclusion in hospitality, especially Hyatt Regency Columbus has given her a chance to gain new skills & personal development. |
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Monica Darst, Committee Member
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Kishen Das, Committee Member Kishen is a commercial real estate broker specializing in hotel sales, with a deep-rooted background in owning and managing franchise hotels. He combines this experience with over a decade in corporate finance strategy, three years of professional work in Milan, Italy, and membership in various real estate and hotel-related organizations, offering a unique perspective to the OHLA Emerging Professionals Committee. |
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Rhea Patel, Committee Member Rhea is currently the Sales & Marketing Director for AAAR Hotels based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Rhea has been exposed to the hospitality industry since a very young age as her family owned and operated multiple properties growing up. Since graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Rhea has joined multiple organizations to learn more about the industry and help others who may be interested in joining. Rhea sits on the Board of Trustees for OHLA, she is a regional ambassador for AAHOA and sits on AAHOA’s women’s committee. She is excited to bring in new ideas to the OHLA EP committee and looks forward to meeting OHLA members! |
Interested in getting more involved? The Emerging Professionals Committee wants YOU!
We are looking for individuals who want to get involved on a deeper level with OHLA and who have a passion for developing meeting content, helping others climb the ladder, and offer their skills & knowledge to be a part of the Emerging Professionals Committee. If you are interested email, intent of participation to michele@ohla.org. Interested parties will be reviewed by the existing committee before decision is made.
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