With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Fatena Williams has made a significant impact in her field. She has held several prestigious titles, including Vice President at Crystal Springs Resort, Hotel Manager at Nobu Hotel, Managing Director of Life Hotel NYC, and Director of FO Hotel Operations at the Knickerbocker Hotel in Manhattan. Now, she is set to join the Rumi Awards 2025, bringing her wealth of experience and expertise to the esteemed event.

Academic Contributions and Recognitions

Williams is not just a seasoned professional but also an academic contributor. She serves as a professor at the NYIT School of Hospitality School of Management Hospitality Studies, teaching Managerial Accounting, Revenue, and Asset Management. Her contributions to the industry have been recognized multiple times, with her being named one of the Top women in hospitality NY for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019.

Transition and Certification

Originally from Lebanon, Williams moved to the USA with a degree in Hospitality. She furthered her education by earning a degree in Business Management & Economics. She has also added Certified Rooms Division Executive (CRDE) and Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) to her list of credentials, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Sustainability and Philanthropy

Williams has been a strong advocate for sustainability in the hospitality industry. She was the first woman chairwoman of the sustainability committee with the NYC Hotel Association, where she played a crucial role in promoting membership involvement and focusing on people, profit, and planet. Her efforts towards operating responsible businesses have been acknowledged by Mayor Bloomberg, and she led her hotel to win a Sustainable award amongst New York hotels.

Her philanthropic work extends beyond the hospitality industry. She has completed two NYC Marathons and several other races in NYC, raising funds for charity. She has been acknowledged by several council and assembly members for her community work and has been honored with the Presidents Volunteer Award and Presidential Champion Award by President Obama’s council on fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.

Advocacy and Leadership

Williams has been an active advocate for People, Profit, and Planet through her reign as Ms. Tourism USA and Ms. Tourism International. She has also served as a judge for Miss Universe in Guyana and judge for the Global Short Film Awards on Environment and Social Awareness Films at Festival Cannes, France.

She has served on the Board of Directors of the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association (NYSHTA’s) for three terms. She has been a strong advocate in local and nationwide advocacy efforts, including the Tourism Industry coalition in Albany and the Legislative Action Summit in Washington DC, where she lobbied the US congress.

Conclusion

Fatena Williams is a true veteran of the hospitality industry, with a career spanning over 20 years. Her contributions to the industry, academia, sustainability, philanthropy, and advocacy are commendable. As she joins the Rumi Awards 2025, her wealth of experience and expertise will undoubtedly add significant value to the event.