SCHOLARSHIPS In 2025, the Destinations International Foundation invested nearly $130,000 to expand access, strengthen leadership pathways and support broad participation across the global destination community. Through a comprehensive scholarship strategy, the foundation funded 97 scholarships for CDME candidates, professionals from small destination organizations and international participants—reducing financial barriers to professional development and industry engagement. These investments were further amplified by an individual-focused 30 Under 30 fundraising campaign at the Annual Convention, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to developing future destination leaders. HBCU In 2025, the Destinations International Foundation honored 12 HBCU Scholars representing five universities, continuing its commitment to expanding access and opportunity within the destination and tourism industry. The program was supported through a combination of external fundraising and direct investment, including $7,050 raised and an $85,000 foundation grant, ensuring sustained support for scholars while informing the next phase of the foundation’s scholarship strategy. Building on the success and learnings of the HBCU Scholarship Program, the foundation transitioned the initiative into Pathways to Success: Scholarship & Professional Development , a broader, more inclusive program designed to serve students pursuing hospitality and tourism management degrees across the United States and Canada. Pathways to Success expands the program’s reach by pairing tuition assistance with professional development, mentorship and industry engagement—strengthening talent pipelines and preparing the next generation of destination leaders.
2025 HBCU SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
COURTNEY STANBACK Morris Brown College
JOHN JAMES Morgan State University
NICOLETTE CONSERVE Morgan State University
EMMA BROWN Delaware State University
KAMRYN TAYLOR-CORLEY Delaware State University
NYJAIHA DEBOURG Morgan State University
EMARIE MCNAIR Delaware State University
KIMBERLY BERDUO VELASQUEZ Delaware State University
TYRA DUNNAWAY Bethune Cookman University
JAZMEN C. WILKERSON Morgan State University
NANCY VILLALTA University of the District of Columbia
Austin, Texas - USA
18
19
Powered by FlippingBook