ALUM-TO-ALUM CAREERCENTER EVENTS STAYCONNECTED ALUMNICOUNCIL NEWS MEMBERBENEFITS

Kimberly E. Wardyga '07

Return to platform statements

Which on-campus activities were involved in as a student? How did those activities assist you in attaining your career goals?

As a student at Johnson & Wales University I took part in many on-campus activities that helped me to increase my knowledge, promote my success and shape my character into who I am today -  not only in my personal life, but in my professional life as well.  During my four years at JWU, I was an active member of Sigma Delta Tau, where I served as Vice President for a full term, a Panhellenic Council Delegate, a participant in the IAAM Student Chapter, a Greek Emerging Leader, a Rho Chi for winter Panhellenic Formal Recruitment and a Sweetheart for Sigma Pi Fraternity. 

My participation in these activities helped me to build my confidence and learn how to effectively communicate with others.  I learned the importance of time management, hard work and dedication, which has helped me to accomplish my goals.  After participating in the Greek Emerging Leaders Series, as an executive board member, I actively developed respect as a leader and was able to motivate other members to reach their fullest potential. My participation in community events has helped me become a more humble individual, with an appreciation for the importance of lending a helping hand to those who may not be as fortunate as me.  My passion for helping other people and the joy that I experience is a powerful motivator in staying focused on producing the best possible outcome for all concerned.  Others have told me that I possess a strong drive and work ethic. I am extremely organized and can be relied upon when it comes to staying on schedule and executing a plan. 

Please detail your career accomplishments. How will your career path help you be successful in the position that you are being nominated for?

I graduated from JWU last May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports, Entertainment and Event management. I have already achieved many career accomplishments that I am extremely proud of.  I am currently working as the Membership Services Coordinator for the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association.  This position has required the utilization of skills that I had learned during my studies at Johnson & Wales, which has allowed me to excel in my career as an event planner.  I am currently responsible for organizing and hosting monthly Women in Hospitality and Allied Council meetings where anywhere from 20-40 members attend regularly.  I helped to coordinate the final details of our Association’s annual awards ceremony; the “Stars of the Industry” event that took place only one month after I started in my new position.  I am also currently involved in planning a “Studio 54 theme Party”  - which is a fundraiser to benefit the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association.  My career path thus far has helped me to become more social, while still maintaining a high level of professionalism.  Planning meetings and events has given me the confidence and knowledge to plan successful events for the Johnson & Wales Alumni Council.  I have gained the skills necessary to plan, promote and effectively run events that attract people who want to attend and participate.

Please list what skills and/or qualities you will bring to the council to help take the council to the next level.

In order to take the council to the next level, the following skills and qualities would be beneficial:

• Superior communication skills, being an excellent motivator with emphasis on teamwork
• A goal oriented, hard-working individual who is determined to succeed
• Exceptional listening skills; paying careful attention to detail
• A passionate, energetic individual who is extremely easy to work with

What are your vision/goals for the council for the next two years?

My goals and visions for the council during the next two years, are clearly in line with my skills, knowledge and previous success. This will ultimately allow me to help bring the council to the next level.  I would love to further the connection between current Johnson & Wales Students and Johnson & Wales Alumni to provide unique opportunities that will build valuable networks before and after graduation, while allowing alumni to continuously stay involved in JWU’s student life.  The ultimate goal would be to bring alumni back to the University to teach and mentor current students and to help mold them into successful business professionals and also to provide Alumni support to the University in any way possible, including a financial commitment. 

My previous involvement with the university, professional and personal career and my willingness to promote further growth I believe qualifies me to be a part of the Johnson & Wales Alumni Council.  I hope that you will give me an opportunity to encourage others to gain more knowledge, promote their success within the council and to further build strong character bound together as a strong alumni community. 

Separately we can achieve great things, but working together as a synergistic team, we can create abundant opportunities to achieve greatness!

Return to platform statements

© 2002 Johnson & Wales University. All rights reserved.