Katie Cavuto-Boyle ’02, MS, RD, LDN
Katie Cavuto-Boyle ’02, MS, RD, LDN is president of Healthy Bites LLC, a nutrition and personal chef service. An expert in her field, she is a regular contributor on the Fox, NBC and CBS networks, has appeared on Rachel Ray and was one of 10 finalists on season five of “The Next Food Network Star.” Katie promotes farm-to-table fare using seasonal, local ingredients and “green cuisine” — eating healthy for body and planet.

What brought you to JWU As a gymnast growing up, I was always interested in healthy eating but I knew that to be a good dietitian I needed a good understanding of food.

Memorable JWU personality Professor [Janet] Rouslin was a huge support system and always believed that I could achieve my dreams.

Advice for new alumni Work hard, never say “no” to an opportunity and always make a good first impression with every person you meet.

Source of career passion I live what I teach and my mission is to help others see how easy living a healthy lifestyle can be if given the tools and information.

Defining moment Being a finalist on the “The Next Food Network Star,” being hired as the Philadelphia Phillies’ dietitian and opening my locally sourced market and café, Healthy Bites To-Go.

Outsider, rebel, entrepreneur or team player A driven entrepreneur.

Lori Pleva ’96
Lori Pleva ’96 is a sourcing manager of broadband and distribution for NBC Universal Inc. She’s responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations and contracting for digital media products and services. Lori has held similar positions with such Fortune 100 companies as GE Capital and JPMorgan Chase. She reduced NBC Universal’s digital advertising cost by 50 percent, resulting in significant savings in capital and expenses.

Impact of clubs and organizations My participation [in Sigma Delta Tau Sorority] was a starting point to a lifetime of learning and experiences in the disciplines of loyalty, leadership, teamwork, negotiation and conflict resolutions.

Best advice My father advised me to be well rounded; to have a job, do an internship, volunteer, be involved, hold an office and remember that the best office is the president.

Source of career passion My job directly impacts the company’s bottom line and mitigates risk for the business. My customers are both internal and external which gives me a unique view of the business and how the operations tie directly to the work we do. I’ve played a significant role in the cutting-edge technology NBC Universal Inc. (NBCU) uses.

Career advice for new alumni Recognize what you don’t know and learn from those who do. Learn from those around you.

Most important ingredient in life Integrity, passion, compassion and humor.

Clay Snyder ’93
Clay Snyder ’93 is senior director of brand performance for Hilton Worldwide. Based in Atlanta, Ga., he provides Doubletree hotels around the world with strategic and operational support to increase profits. Clay has helped open hotels in Tanzania, Russia and China. He is the president of the JWU Alumni Council and the primary link between alumni chapters and the university.

Qualities admired in others Honesty, integrity and straightforwardness.

Impact of Greek life Being part of establishing our local chapter of TKE at JWU, I was able to take that experience and utilize it in my career in building successful teams and organizations.

Future vision Global growth will be critical to expanding the hospitality industry. Many countries have a need for quality organizations to fill a necessary void with the expanding middle class.

Highest priority Leaving life better than I found it.

Heroes The people I work with every day.

Book on your nightstand “Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us” by Seth Godin

Career role of JWU Alumni connections have opened each opportunity from my first job as a valet parking attendant to my current role with Hilton Worldwide.

Ian McPhee ’94
Ian McPhee ’94 is executive assistant manager of food and beverage for The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii. With the luxury hospitality giant since graduation, Ian advanced from director of banquets in Boston, Mass., to fine dining manager in Osaka, Japan, and then to director of food and beverage in Washington, D.C. His responsibilities have included managing staff and payroll, piloting programs and events and leading a team that is among the company’s top 10 for guest engagement.

Favorite quote “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Impact of clubs and organizations My ability to work in teams, whether I was the leader or not, was strengthened knowing that my part was always equal and just as important. Great followers become great leaders.

Career satisfaction I am very satisfied with my career progression. Someone from Career Development saw value in the work I was doing ... and signed me up for an interview with The Ritz-Carlton. I have worked and lived in Boston, Japan, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and now Hawaii for The Ritz-Carlton.

Books on your nightstand John C. Maxwell’s “Developing the Leader Within You,” “Developing the Leaders Around You” and “Winning with People"

Advice for new alumni Set goals, follow your heart, whatever you do, do it with passion and always be true to yourself. The rest will fall into place.

Most important ingredient in life Love.