Davidson Hospitality Group Reinforces Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Leading hospitality management company appoints Kenny Imafidon to lead DE&I Council, invests in learning and development tools, and forges strategic partnership with National Society of Minorities in Hospitality

ATLANTA, Sept. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Davidson Hospitality Group announces an underscored commitment to the significance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) within the organization, fortified by appointing Kenny Imafidon, Vice President of Operational Excellence for Davidson, to lead its robust internal council; investing in training programs and workshops; and forging a strategic partnership with the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH).

Under the leadership of Kenny Imafidon, Davidson's DE&I committee is comprised of 17 individuals from all areas of the organization, from treasury and accounting to marketing to human resources. The role of the committee is to provide an advisory role from a diverse perspective, integrate initiatives to inspire, and create processes that will optimize accountability. Areas of focus include training & development, community outreach & engagement and attraction & recruiting.

"We firmly believe that our success is inherently tied to the diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our team members," said Davidson Hospitality Group Chief Executive Officer Thom Geshay. "By committing time and resources, we create an environment in which all team members can thrive under our core value of 'Be Inclusive, Together We Are Stronger.' Through our embrace, we create a tapestry of talent, enabling us to better serve our guests, partners, and team members."

Davidson has invested in learning and development programs that play a pivotal role in empowering team members with knowledge and tools to understand, respect and appreciate the rich diversity within its workforce and world. Moreover, it encourages continuous learning and adaptation, a necessary part of breaking down biases and promoting acceptance. A sampling of courses includes:

• "Hiring for A Diverse Workforce"
• "Leveraging Diversity and Strengths in the Workplace"
• "Culture Series: Being an Ally"
• "Creating Value through Diversity and Inclusion"
• "LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Workplace"
• "Understanding and Strategies for Tackling Unconscious Bias"

This month, Davidson embarks on a partnership with the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, a leading professional organization dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and career advancement for minorities in hospitality and related fields. The mutually beneficial alliance fosters inclusivity, drives innovation and contributes to long-term success of both the organization and the diverse professionals it serves.

"The hospitality industry thrives on diversity and the unique perspectives and talents that individuals from different backgrounds bring," said Kenny Imafidon, Vice President of Operational Excellence, Davidson Hospitality Group. "By engaging in educational initiatives, embracing cultural appreciation, and actively supporting the community, we demonstrate our commitment to fostering an inclusive culture that appreciates the contributions of all team members, regardless of their race, sex, gender, or ethnicity. This inclusive approach enriches our workplace, enhances guest experiences, and strengthens our industry as a whole."

Conscientious of the intersectionality of DE&I, Davidson continues to strengthen and evolve the Women in Leadership Development (WILD) program, a team member resource group for women to gain the mentorship, skills, and personalized development they need to progress in their careers. WILD's objectives include investing in high-potential women through American Hotel & Lodging Association's Castell Project; increasing female team member engagement; building a spirit of collaboration; and increasing effectiveness of current female leaders to maximize their reach.

To learn more about DE&I efforts at Davidson, please visit https://davidsonhospitality.com/about/diversity-inclusion/.

About Davidson Hospitality Group 

Davidson Hospitality Group is an award-winning, full-service hospitality management company comprised of 87 existing hotels and resorts; more than 200 restaurants, bars, and lounges; and over 2 million square feet of meeting space across the United States. A trusted partner and preferred operator for Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Kimpton, Margaritaville, and Nobu, Davidson offers a unique entrepreneurial management style and owners' mentality that provides the individualized personal service of a small company, enhanced by the breadth and depth of skill and experience of a larger company. In keeping with the company's heritage of delivering value, Davidson Hospitality Group is comprised of four highly specialized operating verticals: Davidson Hotels, Pivot, Davidson Resorts and Davidson Restaurant Group. In 2023, Davidson Hospitality Group was ranked #1 in Guest Satisfaction among Third-Party Hotel Management Companies by J.D. Power for the second consecutive year. For more information, visit www.davidsonhospitality.com. Follow us on Instagram: @davidsonhospitality and X: @DavidsonHospGrp. Like us on Facebook: @DavidsonHospitalityGroup. Connect with us on LinkedIn: @DavidsonHospitalityGroup. #DavidsonHospitality 

About National Society of Minorities in Hospitality

The National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) is a non-profit organization founded in 1989, to educate, encourage, and empower minority students interested in pursuing hospitality careers. With well over 80 chapters chartered nationwide, the organization is committed to providing resources, tools, and information to assist students in their endeavors to succeed in the hospitality industry as well as to work closely with industry partners in developing diverse, inclusive, and supportive environments. For more information, visit www.nsmh.org.

Media contact:
Carrie Drost
Davidson Hospitality Group
cdrost@davidsonhospitality.com 

SOURCE Davidson Hospitality Group