SHL Alumna spotlight: Mollie Wumbrand

I made so many amazing memories during my time with the School of Hospitality Leadership, including a study abroad trip to Ireland to study sustainable tourism with the O’Halloran’s, which I will never forget. The classes that guided me were those that allowed us to create, plan, and execute real-life events outside the classroom. Professor Frank Cox, who left a legacy on the SHL, was someone I looked up to as a student, and his classes allowed me to grow and see who and what I wanted to be after graduation.

Graduating in 2020, directly in the middle of a pandemic, was less than ideal. I started out doing customer relations and sales, which then led me to catering and event planning. I was working in hotels planning conferences, events, and weddings before I moved back to North Carolina.

This past March, I accepted a position that is allowing me to flourish and thrive in the hospitality field. I work for a local non-profit organization called the Institute for Defense and Business. I work as a program associate planning and executing programs for the military, government, and civilians of all career levels. I love what I do and all the amazing people I meet along the way. I have finally ended up where I am supposed to be, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store.

Thank you to all the wonderful faculty I had during my four years at ECU in the SHL. You have all impacted me in different ways and have taught me lessons I will never forget.