GMCVB’s H.O.T. Challenge Golf Tournament returns on May 9

The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (GMCVB) annual H.O.T. (Hospitality Opportunities for Training) Challenge Golf Tournament is set for May 9 at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa in Aventura. Now in its 33rd year, the tournament brings together hospitality leaders for a day of world-class golf and networking—all in support of scholarships for students across Miami-Dade County pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality. This year's tournament comes as the GMCVB expands the board of its Black Hospitality Initiative (BHI), adding new voices from Miami-Dade’s education, civic, nonprofit, and business communities. The 22-member board will focus on strengthening workforce development pipelines, expanding scholarships, and creating more equitable access to opportunities within Miami’s $20 billion hospitality sector. “Our future depends on developing a vibrant, motivated tourism and hospitality workforce,” said David Whitaker, GMCVB President & CEO. “The new board of directors will help guide strategic programs that give students the tools to thrive in one of Miami-Dade’s most important industries.” Board Chair U. Desmond Alufohai echoed the importance of outreach. “There are few things more rewarding than helping people discover this industry and watch them grow into it,” he said. “We want to reach those who may not even be aware of what hospitality has to offer and show them a path to long-term success.” Over the past three decades, the H.O.T. Challenge has raised more than $3.5 million and awarded 450 scholarships to local students. To register a team or learn how to support this year’s event, visit HotChallenge.com.

To register a team or support the initiative, visit HotChallenge.com.

BHI board of directors

Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB):

• David Whitaker – President & CEO

• Joseph Yarzabal – Chief Financial Officer

• Connie Kinnard – Senior Vice President, Multicultural Tourism & Development

Miami-Dade County and Miami Beach:

• U. Desmond Alufohai – Chairman of the Board, Protocol & International Affairs Division, Miami-Dade Aviation Department

• Retha Boone-Fye – Vice-Chair, Program Director, Black Affairs Advisory Board

• Rick Beasley – CEO, CareerSource South Florida

• Bill Diggs – Executive Director, Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust

• Debra Owens – Director, Government and International Affairs, PortMiami

• Heather Shaw – Interim Director, City of Miami Beach Economic Development Department

Education and Workforce Development:

• Julie Kennedy – NAF Career Academy Facilitator, Academy of Hospitality and Tourism

• David Countin – Career Specialist, Miami Dade College

• Katheryn Martin – Assistant Director, Career Development, Florida International University

• Dr. Samer Hassen – Program Director for Culinary Arts, St. Thomas University

• Allison Auston – Executive Director, Educate Tomorrow

Corporate and Nonprofit Sector:

• Ed Ponder – Founder, Rednop MG LLC

• Gale Nelson – President & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami

• Nashara Frazier – Director, Expedia Group

• Karen Hunter-Jackson – CEO, One Community Alliance Network, LLC & Foundation

Community and Advocacy:

• Yvette Harris – President & CEO, Harris Public Relations

• Carole Ann Taylor – Chair Emeritus, BHI

• William Anderson – Consultant, Research and Evaluation

• G. Eric Knowles – President & CEO, Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce

BHI Executive Director:

• Dr. Graylyn Swilley-Woods – Executive Director, BHI (Staff liaison to the board)