Search | Menu Madison College student selected for prestigious Black professional program
Nat Mason, a standout student at Madison College, has been accepted into the Student Educational Program of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP).
Mason, a Hospitality Management student, is one of only ten students selected nationwide and one of the few two-year college students to receive this honor.
The NCBMP program is designed to attract students pursuing careers in all segments of the hospitality industry, offering educational sessions, networking opportunities, and scholarships to support their academic and professional growth. The conference is Nov. 13-16, 2024, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Mason will also receive support from Allison Aguilar Bultman, a Convention Sales Manager at Destination Madison, who will attend the conference and serve as a mentor during the event. This partnership underscores the collaborative spirit and dedication to student success at Madison College.
“Nat’s acceptance into this prestigious program is a testament to their hard work and potential, and we are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone in their academic journey,” says Dr. Lynea LaVoy, Madison College Faculty and Director of Hospitality Management.
Q and A with Nat Mason
How will you take advantage of being part of Student Educational Program of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and what would you like to learn?
Nat: The thing I'm most excited about is being able to network with other BIPOC hospitality leaders. In my three or so years being in the industry, I've met very few people of color who are making their way in the industry. I think it's important to have representation of all types because, in the industry, you will be catering to all sorts of people and having a wide range of understanding different people is incredibly beneficial. I'd like to learn more about the different routes I can take within the industry and attend some leadership panels.
How did you get interested in the hospitality industry and what do you like about it?
Nat: When I initially entered the industry, it wasn't a career path for me, it was just a job. My general manager at the first hotel I worked at, actually found me when I was working at Spirit Halloween. We had just chatted a bit while we were waiting for the store to open and my shift to start. He was impressed with my customer service skills despite the fact that I wasn't on the clock, and he gave me his business card. I sent him an email a couple days later and my journey began.
I love being able to connect with guests. My first hotel was an extended stay, meaning that we would have guests for long periods of time. Fostering relationships with them was one of my favorite things. I'm leaning more into sales and events coordination now, and I'm excited to be able to share Madison and my hotels with people coming into Wisconsin.
What are your favorite classes at Madison College?
Nat: I don't know if I necessarily have a favorite class. I've enjoyed all of my courses in the Hospitality Management program. I will say though, I love working with Madison College instructor Dr. Lynea Lavoy. She's been an inspiration for me to continue my education and make an impact within the hospitality world.
Tell us about your current position in the hospitality industry?
Nat: I am the Front Office Supervisor at the AC Hotel Madison Downtown near the State Capitol. I love the dynamics with the team I have, I have a second family there. I also love the encouragement I've had to explore different avenues besides the front desk. I've done some work with my Events Coordinator and he's the reason that I want to explore that career path more.
What are your career plans after you graduate Madison College in 2025?
Nat: Ideally, I will be in a position working in Events Coordination. I'd like to help set up wedding blocks and other incoming events at the hotel I'm working at. I recently got to spend at day at Destination Madison, and I'd be interested in taking Events Coordination to a larger scale to bring events into not just a hotel, but all of Madison.
