Temple School of Tourism and Hospitality in St. Thomas students are constantly contributing to the standards of equality and inclusion in the multicultural tourism industry.

Meagan Carty

STHM junior Meagan Carty was recently appointed to the National Board of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) as 2010-2011 Northeast Regional Chair, a prestigious position that attracted a competitive pool of applicants.
Originally from the Caribbean island of Anguilla, Carty is currently the president of Temple’s chapter of NSMH, the premier professional organization for minorities in the hospitality industry.

“Coming from where I come from, we don’t see race or minority. It doesn’t exist. So it was new to me coming into such an atmosphere like Temple,” said Carty, who became involved in NSMH as a freshman and held the position of treasurer by sophomore year.

Founded in 1989, NSMH hosts networking, workshop and seminar events for its members, as well as an annual national conference.

Starting her term June 1, Carty will be responsible for planning the Northeast’s regional conference and acting as a liaison for all of the NSMH university chapters in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

As Temple’s only student from Anguilla, Carty has been inspired to make sure that fellow minorities have the same professional opportunities as everyone else in the competitive tourism and hospitality industry.

“After being exposed to the organization, I see the benefits and opportunities that students can gain from this, so I want it to grow here at Temple University,” she said.

Carty said that she has been inspired and guided by her role models at STHM, including Assistant Dean Jeffrey Montague and Greg DeShields, senior director of corporate relations and NSMH chapter adviser at the School of Tourism.

“Meagan is a very effective leader and has successfully directed our chapter to success,” DeShields said in recommending her for the National Board position. “She has consistently demonstrated an ability to rise to any challenge that she must face.”

Carty said she hopes that her new position will open doors as she begins her career journey for a position within destination marketing.

“I am glad I have been able to grow more involved with the organization each year,” she said. “It has helped me in my personal and professional development, and now I can contribute my ideas not only to STHM, but to the national organization as well.”

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