Hotel Leadership Development Program

Congratulations Oluwafunmilade (Funmi) Agboola '27 on your promotion to Sales and Marketing Student Supervisor!!

Funmi, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, is a junior in the Hotel School studying Marketing with a minor in Applied Economics. She began her HLDP journey in the Culinary Department as a banquet chef, then transitioned to Sales and Marketing.

Through her experience across multiple departments at the hotel, Funmi has developed a strong appreciation for the full scope of hospitality and is excited to carry that knowledge into her internship this summer. The Hotel School provides her the space to grow creatively, work independently, and stay grounded in serving her community. She looks forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact within the hotel and the hospitality industry as a whole.

Outside of the classroom, Funmi currently serves as a course assistant for Restaurant Management and is involved in Hotel Ezra Cornell, Cornell Hotel Society, the Hotel Student Mentorship Program, Cornell Marketing Immersion, Phenomenon Step Team, and First Love Church.

Cheers to Diana Mena '26 promotion to Front Office Student Manager!!

Diana is a graduating senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Her journey began her freshman year in the Housekeeping department at The Statler Hotel. After joining HLDP, she eventually transferred to the Front Office where she advanced her knowledge of front line operations, and was promoted to Supervisor. She strived to foster a positive work environment where all could feel safe and encouraged to grow, while supporting staff development, and providing high quality service.

As Diana comes closer to graduating, she seeks to explore opportunities within the hospitality industry while applying her background in agriculture and business administration. Although her path is unclear, she hopes to combine her analytical thinking skills with her hands on experience to help organizations operate efficiently and responsibly. Diana hopes to one day cultivate a collaborative workplace that values diversity and inclusion where everyone contributes to positive team culture.

Congratulations Beverly Kleinman '27 on your promotion to Student Meeting and Events Manager!!

Beverly is a junior at the Hotel School from Long Island, New York, with a strong interest in hospitality design and marketing. She joined The Statler Hotel during her freshman year as a member of the Meetings and Events team and is an active participant in the HLDP program.

Beyond her work at the hotel, Beverly serves as the Philanthropy Director for the 101st Annual Hotel Ezra Cornell and is a teaching assistant for several courses within the Hotel School. She has also gained valuable industry experience through internships at properties across the country, including in Colorado and Hawaii.

Beverly is excited to continue growing in her new role and contributing to the success of the Meetings and Events team.

HLDP recently welcomed back Alexis Sicklick '15 to hear about her culinary journey after graduating from the Hotel School and the Culinary Institute of America, which included spending time in New York City working at L’Artusi, Annisa, Dirt Candy, Aquavit, Balaboosta, and now Hudson Table! She is also chef and founder of Syncopated, where she offers guests the chance to dine to the ‘beet’ of her culinary rhythm through playful, vegetable-forward pop-up dinners and bespoke private events.

Save the date! 🎉 Cornell Giving Day is March 12! Together, we can support students and help Cornell continue to do the greatest good. Please mark your calendars and consider making a gift to the Hotel Leadership Development Program (HLDP). Your support helps enhance the HLDP experience through leadership materials, training sessions, guest speakers, and experiential learning trips. All HLDP supporters, no matter the amount, will be recognized on our Supporters page: https://statlerhotel.cornell.edu/hldp-students/supporters -content

Give Early: https://givingday.cornell.edu/early-give?campaign_id=253232&utm_source=personal&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=earlygive

Learn More or Give on Giving Day: https://givingday.cornell.edu/campaigns/hotel-leadership-development-program