Hospitality Alumni Chapter

Our Chapter's Mission

The goal of the Hospitality Alumni Chapter is to foster pride and connection among Harrah College of Hospitality alumni and students through networking, social engagement events, and educational opportunities. The Hospitality Alumni Chapter is one of numerous UNLV college-specific alumni chapters that operate as an important extension of the UNLV Alumni Association, which promotes and supports Rebel alumni engagement throughout the world.

Board of Directors

Representing all facets of the hospitality industry, members of the Hospitality Alumni Chapter Board serve as ambassadors of the Harrah College of Hospitality—cultivating a community that enhances the value of the college while supporting the college's mission. Board elections are held annually in the fall, with directors serving two-year terms. All Hospitality College alumni are welcome to volunteer in support of Board activities focused on the pillars of alumni engagement, student engagement, learning & development, and philanthropy. To learn more about how you can become involved, please contact Maggie Hausbeck at margaret.hausbeck@unlv.edu or 702-895-1052.

Executive Committee

Jenn Oshiro Rivers M.Ed. ('05, '08)

President, Class of 2005, 2008 M.Ed Alumni Engagement and Events Manager

Born and raised in Hawaii, Jenn found her way to Las Vegas to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Pairing her passion for hospitality, event management, and education, she earned a bachelor's degree in Hotel Administration and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. This led to a seven-year run with UNLV’s Student Union & Event Services department, selling and managing many…

Jordan Fischette

Vice President; Class of 2010

Jordan is passionate about the student experience and the impact of the hospitality industry. As the CEO of the Real Talk agency, Jordan uses his unique and innate ability to connect with audiences as he discusses leadership, courageous decision making, and custom programming. When he’s not writing programs or traveling the country speaking to students, Jordan volunteers as a crisis counselor.

Celine Endy

Secretary; Class of 2018
Senior Human Resources Onboarding Specialist, Boyd Gaming

As a Las Vegas native, Celine became interested in the Hospitality industry at a young age. While studying Hospitality Management at UNLV, Celine had the opportunity to intern with Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International. After graduating in 2018, Celine still stayed an active part of UNLV by serving on the College of Hospitality Alumni Board while building a career in…

Aniela Szymanski

Treasurer; Class of 1999
Attorney, Law Offices of Aniela K. Szymanski Ltd

After earning her bachelor's degree from the College of Hospitality, Aniela went to law school and then served as a judge advocate and civil affairs officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following many years in the D.C. area as a lawyer and lobbyist, Aniela is now an attorney in the Las Vegas area and continues to serve in the Marine Reserves. Aniela is passionate about veterans’ issues and advancing…

Charles Beris

Past President; Class of 2013 MS

Eric Eisenberg

UNLV Alumni Association Liaison; Class of 1995
Vice President of Hospitality, Purlin LLC

Eric Eisenberg serves on the UNLV College of Hospitality Alumni Chapter Board of Directors as Chairperson of the Student Engagement committee. With more than 25 years of Hospitality experience, Eric is Vice President of Hospitality for hospitality start up Purlin in Las Vegas. The UNLV Mentor program is one of Eric’s favorite ways to engage future Hospitality leaders. Eric is always looking for…

Dominique Acevedo

Class of 2013
Private Events Director, Canyon Gate Country Club

Dominique has over a decade of event experience working for MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and a Private Country Club. Dominique’s background focuses on planning special events from intimate wedding elopement’s to multi-million dollar events for celebrities. Dominique is a part if the Hospitality Alumni Chapter and alumni network: To help her get out of her own personal comfort zone of…

Albert Capanna

Class of 2012
Director, Corporate Client Solutions, Freeman

Albert is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 19 years of experience. Albert worked in hotel operations for five years in Las Vegas prior to joining Freeman in 2007. Albert manages a large team focused on corporate clients and events (e.g., IHRSA, JCK, Oracle Openworld, Cisco Live, Charles Schwab, and CES). Albert is a part if the Hospitality Alumni Chapter and alumni network: To give…

Natasa Christodoulidou

Class of 2006

Natasa believes that being a Hospitality College alumna is a great starting point for success. As a professor, Natasa has some flexibility in scheduling, which allows her to contribute her time behind the scenes. She has volunteered for a number of not-for-profit organizations since graduation, including the Las Vegas Philharmonic Guild, the Fire Department, Political Campaigns, and many others.

Charles Contreras

Class of 2010
On-Premise Project Manager, Back Bar USA

Charles’ one true passion in life is beverage. Beyond collecting fine spirits, Charles also enjoys talking to people, networking, public speaking, and traveling. It has always been important for Charles to maintain relationships, both personally and professionally. Charles is a part if the Hospitality Alumni Chapter and alumni network: Because he truly believes that if you have the ability to…

Jack Effel

Class of 2014 MBA

Jack is the Vice President of World Series of Poker (WSOP) for Caesars Interactive Entertainment (CIE). The 2019 WSOP was Jack’s 13th year overseeing the world’s most prestigious poker tournament series. He is responsible for the coordination and execution of the annual WSOP held at the Rio in Las Vegas and provides support and oversight of WSOP branded events across the globe.

Andrew Insigne

Class of 2011
Senior Director of Event Marketing, TAO Group Hospitality

Andrew Insigne is in charge of conceptualizing, planning and executing events, marketing initiatives, strategic partnerships, sponsorships and artist residency shows at TAO Group. After working on Kaskade's Summer Lovin' residency, the Marquee Skydeck VIP bottle service experience at EDC Las Vegas and TAO's 10-year anniversary, Andrew has even higher hopes for the future at TAO: "I plan to…

Kevin Sexton

Class of 1992
Manager, KPMG

Kevin grew up in Chicago, spent his teenage years in Florida, then moved to Las Vegas to attend UNLV. Upon graduation, Kevin worked for Caesars Palace on various properties and in various roles. After Caesars, Kevin went into consulting and currently works for KPMG managing technology projects for multiple companies and government entities. Kevin has been the Director of the Hospitality Alumni…

Marina Turner

Class of 2019
Complex Catering Sales Manager, Westin & Renaissance LV

Marina was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but has lived in Las Vegas for over 10 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Hospitality Management with an emphasis in Meetings & Events. After falling in love with events from a young age, she started working for various staffing and event execution companies, including Norton National, Blue Man Group, and…

Taryn Kole

Class of 2018
Resort Services Manager, Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Taryn started her hospitality experience working for an alumni-owned restaurant as a freshman at UNLV. After participating in the mentorship program, she completed her internship at the Venetian and has worked there in hotel operations ever since. She enjoys supporting hospitality students and attending capstone nights.

Natasha Mack

Class of 2012
General Manager of Casual Dining, Sahara Las Vegas

I was born and raised in Las Vegas and started my hospitality career at the Hard Rock Hotel where I worked for 12 years. During that time, I attended classes at UNLV to obtain my Hospitality Management degree. Once I graduated, I received a promotional offer to work at the Golden Nugget. After two years in a general manager roll, I accepted an opportunity to open the SLS Casino, where I have been…

Louis Orozco

Class of 2012, B.S. Communication Studies
Director of Housekeeping, Resorts World Las Vegas

I am a Nevada native, born in Reno and raised in Las Vegas. I grew into hospitality by way of my parents. I watched them work in housekeeping and front office operations, which sparked my curiosity to begin my hospitality career with MGM Resorts at the age of 16. Fourteen years later, I am now with Resorts World Las Vegas, where I have been serving as the director of housekeeping and a member of…

Malek Sadri

Class of 2013
Executive Casino Host, Wynn and Encore Las Vegas

Malek has worked as a hospitality professional for 13 years, originally starting with the opening team of Aria as a human resources training and development intern. He spent years in front office operations at Wynn and Encore before taking a leap to the casino side as an executive casino host. Malek graduated from the Harrah Hotel College in 2013 and received his MBA from the Whitman School of…

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