FIYou: Lourdes A. Gomez

By Joel Delgado ’12, MS ’17

Name: Lourdes A. Gomez

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Job Title/Department: Employer Relations Coordinator/ The J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation Career Services Program/ Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Campus: Biscayne Bay Campus

In a nutshell (what do you do in your position?): In my role, I facilitate student –employer interaction and networking events to increase student access to industry and career preparedness. In addition, I also support in advising, counseling and assisting current hospitality management students and alumni in the acquisition of internship and jobs.

Number of years at FIU: 1

What do you enjoy most about your job?: I enjoy developing impactful employer relationships in order to provide Chaplin School students and alumni with global leadership opportunities in the hospitality industry. It is also rewarding to support students and alumni in a way that really makes a difference in their lives and future careers.

Where is your favorite spot on campus?: My favorite spot would have to be the Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Lab located at the Chaplin School. In this state-of-the-art learning environment, students have the opportunity to practice and improve their restaurant management skills, as well as implement their event management advanced knowledge. I really enjoy seeing our students in action!

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?: The Wolfsonian- Florida International University is a museum, library and research center located in the Art Deco District of Miami Beach and is considered one out of the seven campuses that Florida International University has. This museum has a collection of over 120,000 objects which is composed of books, paintings, ceramics and even furniture!

How do you help make FIU “Worlds Ahead”?: Our office provides exclusive Management in Training (MIT) opportunities with global organizations such as Marriott Corporation, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Sofitel Luxury Hotels and others, which gives our students access to management careers abroad.

Family snapshot: I was born in Miami, FL and moved to El Paso, TX in 2003. After living there until the age of 16, my family moved back to Miami. I have an older brother who is also an FIU alumnus and is currently employed at Diario Las Americas. My father worked for the United States Department of Homeland Security for 32 years and now retired. My mother was a homemaker and raised my brother and me.

First paying job: Front Desk Agent at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Hialeah, Florida.

Favorite TV show: Law & Order SVU.

What is playing on your iPod?: I’m currently listening to Justin Timberlake’s the 20/20 Experience album.

Your proudest accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is the fact that I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Human Resource Development from the College of Education at Florida International University in December 2013. It was extremely important to further my education for my professional development. Earning this degree was truly a rewarding experience.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?: I really enjoy going to concerts with my closest friends and watching newly released movies. Most importantly, I absolutely love attending Broadway shows and plays.