2025 - 2026 NSMH National Planning Director

Dear NSMH community,

I am honored and filled with joy to serve as your 2025–2026 National Planning Director for the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH)!

NSMH has been a major steppingstone in my hospitality adventure. It has given me confidence, allowed me to build lasting connections, and most importantly given me a welcoming community. I look forward to showing you how impactful and inspiring it is to be part of this organization.

This year, I look forward to welcoming you all to our revamped NSMH Fall Conference in Orlando, Florida, taking place from October 31- November 2, 2025. This is a powerful opportunity to connect with the NSMH family, engage in workshops, and connect with hospitality professionals. Later in the year, we will come together again for our 36th Annual NSMH National Conference and Career Fair, which will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina from February 12-14, 2026. This conference will allow you to deepen your connections, discover new opportunities, and create a long-lasting unforgettable experience. 

I want to thank everyone who continues to make NSMH possible: our advisors, professional partners, and peers. It is your dedication and support that brings us all back together year after year. I hope to see students think freely, step outside their comfort zones, and help shape a brighter future.

I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” - Barack Obama

I cannot wait to see you all soon!

Warmly,

Shelby Johnson
2025–2026 NSMH Planning Director