Council will receive $5,000 to offset her education expenses, a complimentary registration, travel stipend and hotel accommodations to attend the 2017 ISPA Conference & Expo, a one-year ISPA student membership and will be assigned a one-year mentor to help navigate her career aspirations.
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“I am truly honored to have been selected to receive the 2017 Mary Tabacchi Scholarship,” said Council. “I am committed to completing my education and making a positive impact in the spa industry. Thanks to the generosity of the scholarship, I am one step closer to achieving my goals.”
Council is in her second year in the Master of Tourism Administration program at George Washington University, where her concentration is in hospitality management. Upon her graduation in December 2017, Council aspires to work in spa operations and development. Her long-term goal is to apply her experience to own and operate a spa consulting business.
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“LaTesha has all the qualities we look for when the ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi Scholarship Committee chooses its recipient,” said ISPA Foundation Chairman Frank Pitsikalis. “Her dedication to her education and desire to be a leader in the spa industry are exactly what we need in our business to tackle issues and provide forward-thinking solutions. LaTesha will be a great asset to our community, and we are honored to recognize her achievements and encourage her future endeavors.”
The scholarship was created in 2006 and later named in honor of Mary Tabacchi, Ph.D., RD, Professor Emerita for the School of Hotel Administration in the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University. Dr. Tabacchi is a beloved spa industry veteran and pioneer in spa education. With a doctorate in biochemical nutrition and biostatistics, she has published numerous books on nutrition, spa and related subjects.