Gerry Fernandez, founder and president of the MultiCultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), will speak on “The Business Case for Diversity” at 3:30 p.m., Oct. 1 in Todd Auditorium. A reception will precede the lecture at 3 p.m. in the Todd Atrium.
MFHA is an educational non-profit organization that promotes the economic benefits of multicultural diversity in the restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry. Under his leadership, MFHA has become the industry’s main source for multicultural information and is considered one of hospitality’s elite organizations.
Fernandez conducts lectures, workshops and strategy sessions for some of America’s best-known companies, organizations and brands. An accomplished restaurateur and foodservice professional, Fernandez has received numerous awards including being named one of the industry’s “Fifty Power Players” by Nation’s Restaurant News. He holds a bachelor of science degree in Foodservice Management from Johnson and Wales University where he also received an honorary doctorate in Business Administration for his contribution to the industry’s diversity efforts.
The Burtenshaw Distinguished Lecture Series is sponsored by D. Jerry and Angelina Burtenshaw in memory of their son, Calvin Brett, and presented annually by the College of Business and Economics’ School of Hospitality Business Management.
