At the NEWH Leadership Conference in Paris, two familiar faces reunited after more than a decade apart — Diana Dobin, Co-CEO of Valley Forge Fabrics, and Will Dowling, Director of Design for Virgin Hotels.
What began as a mentorship when Will was a hospitality student has evolved into a story of friendship, growth, and paying it forward. In this heart-warming minisode, they reflect on how one conversation can spark a lifelong connection—and how mentorship continues to shape hospitality’s next generation of leaders.
🎙️ Recorded live in Paris during the NEWH Leadership Conference.
Theme: The People
Episode: Scholarship Stories
Guests:
What happens when a scholarship becomes more than a cheque? In this episode of Hospitality Unpacked, we sit down with three designers whose careers were transformed by the support, mentorship, and community of NEWH.
From changing careers to crossing continents, Barbara Bischoff, Valerie Coleman, and Michael Quaglia share how receiving an NEWH scholarship opened doors far beyond the classroom. Their stories highlight the power of generosity in hospitality—the kind that shapes not only projects, but people.
Listeners will hear how each designer discovered their path, built lifelong connections, and turned scholarship opportunities into thriving careers across Marriott International, ODA, and Roam Interiors.
Hosted by Matt DeShantz, this conversation brings together three generations of NEWH scholarship recipients whose experiences span design studios, hotel brands, and international chapters.
Key Topics
• How scholarships validate creative risk and career pivots
• The network effect—why NEWH connections outlast graduation
• Mentorship and giving back through chapter involvement
• Inclusivity and diversity as drivers of design excellence
Hospitality Unpacked by NEWH is where the global hospitality industry comes to connect, learn, and be inspired. Powered by NEWH, Inc.—the leading network for education, scholarships, and professional growth in hospitality—this podcast peels back the layers of an ever-evolving industry through authentic, thought-provoking conversations.
Each episode dives into one of three core themes: The People, spotlighting individual journeys and mentorship that shape our community; The Design, exploring the creative forces behind spaces, products, and innovation; and The Guest Experience, unpacking how brands, technology, and cultural shifts redefine what it means to welcome and belong.
Hosted by industry voices who understand both the business and the art of hospitality, Hospitality Unpacked goes beyond headlines and trends—it’s about impact. From scholarship stories to design breakthroughs and brand evolution, listeners gain real-world insight into the people and ideas pushing hospitality forward.
Whether you’re a designer, brand leader, manufacturer, or student finding your path, this is your invitation to listen, learn, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of hospitality.