NSMH Family and Supporters,

My name is Abayomi Egbeleye and it is with sincere gratitude that I serve as your 2010-2011 National Chairperson. This esteemed position comes with great responsibility. I am prepared to set and achieve goals that will enable us to grow as an organization and establish the foundation for a productive and effective year.

As the fall semester rapidly approaches we should all begin to concentrate on maintaining and growing our individual chapters. To begin taking steps towards maintaining our chapters we need to fully embrace all of the programs and opportunities that NSMH has to offer. A great opportunity to nurture the minds of new and renewing members is to take advantage of NSMH Regional Conferences. Regional Conferences are provided to educate and build a support network for our members, enabling the organization to truly live out the mission of educating and aiding in the recruitment, retention, and the advancement of minority students in the hospitality industry. It is important as students that we do not miss out on one of many building blocks that have been set in place to ensure our success.

As we embark upon this 22^nd year, it is easy to see that the organization has come a long way. We could have not have come so far without the dedication of our members and particularly the support of our Industry Partners and Sponsors. The leadership and members of the past have brought us to this pivotal point, but now it is upon us all to begin “Creating Our Own Legacy.” When I think of the word legacy the first thing that comes to my mind is leaving a footprint in time, so that no matter how many times you walk a given path you will always remember and see that footprint. This year’s 22nd National Conference and Career Fair themed “Creating Our Own Legacy” will be held in the city of Atlanta at the newly built Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel. It is an honor to have our National Conference in this prestigious city, which played a key role in the civil rights movement and has been home to many key leaders and organizations that have made a difference in our lives. Atlanta is considered to be a top business city with 13 Fortune 500 companies’ headquarters located there. The city boasts many attractions too, such as the Martin Luther King Center, the world’s largest indoor aquarium – The Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola. Of course, all of our Industry Partners have properties in or do business in Atlanta. With all of that being said I know that all of our chapters will strive to be strongly represented at this year’s National Conference as we work on creating the legacy that will be passed through our organization for many years to come. I encourage all past NSMH members and leaders to come and join us this year in Atlanta to truly live out the vision of building and maintaining relationships between hospitality professionals and minority students in ways that encourage lifelong commitment to our beloved organization.

I am highly enthused to be serving as your National Chair, and if there is anything I can assist you with throughout the year please do not hesitate to contact me. If you have any ideas that you believe the organization will benefit from, please contact me. I look forward to “Creating Our Own Legacy” with you in Atlanta.

Warm Regards,

Abayomi Egbeleye

2010-2011 National Chair