Q&A with Taylor!

1. What has your journey been like after graduating from MSU Denver?
It’s been a whirlwind in the best way. Since graduating, I’ve had the chance to step into roles that stretch me and let me grow as a leader. The journey hasn’t always been linear, but that’s what I love about hospitality: each step has given me new tools, new people to learn from, and new ways to make an impact. Looking back, I’m grateful for the mix of challenges and opportunities that shaped me into the leader I am today.

2. Can you talk about your current role at Converge Hospitality?
At Converge, I work as a Corporate Task Force Manager, which basically means I get to travel the country and step into different hotels across five different brands (Marriott, Hilton, Choice, IHG, and Independents) and help them, whether it is a new build hotel, a hotel transitioning into our management, or a hotel with new leaders on-site. It’s a blend of operations, culture-building, and mostly training. My favorite part is getting to meet teams and helping them feel supported and confident within their day-to-day. It’s about making sure both the business and the people are set up for long-term success.

3. What does a typical workday look like for you?
“Typical” isn’t really in my vocabulary these days, but that’s the beauty of it. Some days I’m working directly with a General Manager on leadership strategies or even training a new General Manager, and other days I’m shoulder-to-shoulder with front desk staff, housekeeping, or maintenance, making sure they feel trained and empowered. No matter what, the throughline is people: connecting, mentoring, and making sure everyone feels prepared for whatever comes their way.

4. What are you passionate about in the work that you do?
People, plain and simple. I’m passionate about creating environments where teams feel supported, respected, and inspired. I love mentoring, whether it’s helping a brand-new line-level associate see the bigger picture of their role or coaching a GM on how to bring out the best in their team. Hospitality can be a tough industry, but when people feel valued and set up for success, you see incredible things happen. That’s what drives me every day.

5. In what ways has your MSU Denver experience had an impact on your career and shaped who you are today?
MSU Denver gave me the foundation to lead with both heart and skill. Being part of the School of Hospitality and founding the Hotel Management Association taught me how to bring people together around a shared vision. The professors and hands-on opportunities showed me that leadership isn’t just about knowing the playbook; it’s about empathy, adaptability, and building trust. That mindset has shaped how I approach every team I work with today.

6. What career advice would you give to current and prospective MSU Denver students?
Don’t underestimate the power of asking questions; learn as much as you can. Take the internship, lead the student club, shadow that manager, but most importantly start early; it will allow you to be one step ahead. Those experiences will shape you more than you realize. Always, always put people first. Hospitality is about relationships, whether with guests, teammates, or mentors. If you invest in people and approach each role as a chance to learn and grow, you’ll go far. Some of the best advice I ever received and pass on to everyone I mentor is “be a sponge,” which means learn everything you possibly can, as it will help you better understand the industry as a whole.