2025 Honorees

Emilie Leyva

Marketing

Emilie Leyva's parents left Cuba months before completing their undergraduate degrees. They sacrificed their education for a chance at freedom. Because of them, education is a top priority for Leyva. 
 
Her time at USF is defined by academic rigor, leadership, and a commitment to professional and community development. 
 
Leyva graduates in May with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Future plans include getting a graduate degree to solidify a career in sustainable hospitality management. 
  
Leyva discovered her love for hospitality management as a student in the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Her capstone project was a 40-page thesis on leadership ethics in the hospitality industry.   
  
Beyond academics, she was co-president of the American Marketing Association at USF. One of her proudest projects was serving as director of the 20th Annual ScramBULL Golf Tournament. That event raised over $26,000 in sponsorships and donations. 
  
She also works as the assistant social media and brands coordinator for Hi Hospitality Group where she manages the social media accounts for five restaurants.  
 
“These hands-on experiences have prepared me to take on leadership roles in hospitality. They have solidified my desire to pursue a career in sustainable hotel management,” she said. 
  
Her future goal is to combine sustainability with employee-centered management practices in hospitality. She wants to ensure businesses are not only profitable, but also ethical and socially responsible.