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 through 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 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 received form & welcome email
2023 Schedule of Events
Events details subject to change. For most up-to-date information check OHLA's Full Calendar here.
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February - Third Thursday Reception |
August - Third Thursday Group Outing |
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Will Be Rescheduled March - Third Thursday Trivia Night |
September - Third Thursday Networking Breakfast September 21, 2023 8:30am Pattycake Bakery |
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April - Executive Member Roundtable |
October - Third Thursday Group Outing |
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May - Third Thursday Networking Reception |
November - Third Thursday Volunteer Outing |
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June - Third Thursday Networking Lunch |
November - OHLA Annual Conference |
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July - Educational Event |
December - Third Thursday Group Outing December 21 7:00pm Columbus Zoo - Zoo Lights |
Meet the EP Committee!
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Claire Thrasher, Chair An alumna of The Ohio State University, Claire earned her bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management and began her career at Hotel LeVeque in 2020. She is now the Assistant Front Office Manager for the hotel and serving as the Committee Chair for her second year with EP. Outside of hospitality, Claire is passionate about the arts and dance, and someday, she hopes to retire and open a ballet studio where she can teach classes. |
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Bailey Laverty, Vice Chair Hi! I'm Bailey Laverty and I am a Catering Sales Manager at the Marriott Northwest in Dublin! I began my career in hospitality 5 years ago as a front desk agent at the Westin Downtown. I worked my way through the operations side of things, and eventually made it to my position today! I love hospitality because it gives me the chance to create exceptional, memorable experiences for people on a daily basis! |
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Sarah Weekman, Second Vice Chair My name is Sarah and I am the Food & Beverage Supervisor at the Aloft Columbus University Hotel. I love hospitality because there are endless opportunities and something new happens every day! |
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Heaven Spurlock, Membership Outreach Coordinator My name is Heaven Spurlock and I work as a Sales Manager at The Ohio State University’s on campus hotel, The Blackwell Inn & Pfahl Conference Center. I enjoy exploring the city and networking with my fellow OHLA EP members. |
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Lauren Butterfield, Committee Member 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 both operations and sales, she is proudly effective in capturing new business opportunities and building relationships with clientele. |
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Thomas Mount, Committee Member Thomas works Night Audit at the Blackwell. He is currently Junior in school at Ohio State and studying Hospitality Management. |
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Rosalyn Ransaw, Committee Member Rosalyn Ransaw is a Digital Marketing Manager at Red Roof, specializing in paid media and social media content strategy. She has a B.A. from Columbia University in Political Science and currently lives in Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she is a children’s author, avid reader and social media addict. |
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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