Hali Dietsche

Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

“Creative third-culture kid with a zest for learning, an elaborate cheeseboard, and belting out a tune.”

(A third-culture kid, or “TCK,” is a term for people who were raised in a culture other than their parents’ or the culture of their country of nationality.)

Fun fact about yourself: I love to sing! I grew up doing musicals and dancing, but now I enjoy performing with my a cappella group, the Touchtones.

Hometown: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

High School: The American School of Dubai

Major: Hotel administration

Minor: N/A

Favorite Business Course: Organizational Behavior and Leadership Skills allowed me to analyze the behaviors of leaders around me and thoughtfully craft my own leadership style. It was fascinating to learn about psychology in the workplace and how different management styles affect the success of an organization.

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

Leadership:

Hotel Leadership Development Program at the Statler Hotel (Restaurant Supervisor)

Nolan School of Hotel Administration (Student Assistant to Nolan School Dean Kate Walsh)

Hotel Ezra Cornell (Food & Beverage Director)

Nolan School of Hotel Administration Ambassadors (Executive Vice President)

Christian Union Vita (Worship Leader)

Activities

Teaching assistant for Organizational Behavior and Leadership Skills; Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series; Human Resources Management; Managing Professional Relationships

Member of the Touchtones All-Treble a Cappella Ensemble

Member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board

Awards

Dean’s List, Nolan School of Hotel Administration

Ye Hosts Honorary Society, Nolan School of Hotel Administration

Where have you interned during your college career?

YMCA Camp Thunderbird (Senior Counselor and Chief of Aquatic Activities, Lake Wylie, South Carolina, 2021)

YMCA Camp Thunderbird (Director Of Middle School Campers and Counselors, Lake Wylie, South Carolina, 2022)

The Ritz-Carlton (Front Office and Guest Experience Intern, Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, 2023)

Where will you be working after graduation? The Four Seasons, Boston (Rooms Manager In Training)

Who is your favorite business professor? Professor Christina McDowell is not only a fantastic educator of management communication, but one who prioritizes students’ growth and well-being alongside their learning. She has found the perfect balance between setting high expectations yet providing the resources. This includes her undivided attention, to allow students to reach new heights. Above all, she instills lasting confidence within students because she invests in each student first.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? Throughout my Cornell career, I have learned the importance of developing both soft skills and practical skills as a leader. Applying my knowledge gained within the classroom to real-life scenarios while at school has allowed me to challenge myself as a leader and understand the interconnectedness of the hospitality industry. Studying the business of hospitality from both vantage points — practical and managerial — has opened my eyes to the value of countless areas of the industry and how they support and rely on each other. What I will take with me is a lesson from lecturer Dave Roberts in my Hotel Operations course — the agency problem: every agent has their own set of priorities, and the challenge of a leader is to carefully manage a team’s priorities from a bird’s-eye view.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? During my first semester at Cornell, I received invaluable advice from Senior Lecturer Emeritus Stephani Robson, who taught our introductory “launchpad” course. She said to me, “Hali, you have a lot of unique interests, and you can do them all. Don’t limit yourself to what you think is expected. Pave the road if there isn’t one there.” I would encourage students looking toward business as a major to tune out the noise and expectations around them and explore their genuine passions while a student. There are so many potential paths to take, and changing course as you reset your goals as your perspective adjusts is a privilege that studying hospitality provides.

What has surprised you most about majoring in business? When I first arrived at the Nolan Hotel School, I thought I knew exactly what my future would look like — that I would perhaps open my own restaurant or hotel. However, the parameters that I thought hospitality existed in were immediately challenged by the courses, resources, alumni guest speakers and peers I encountered. I learned about topics I had never dreamed of and surprised myself after enjoying courses that involved Excel modeling, accounting, and strategy. I was inspired by the students around me who were passionate about technology, real estate, asset management, and aviation. I had the opportunity to reach outside of the Nolan School to explore courses in sustainable architecture, food science and the performing arts, further expanding my view of what was possible in hospitality. The Nolan School has provided me with an invaluable opportunity as a student and leader and pushed me to think beyond hospitality from an operational lens.

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? If I could go back in time, I would invest more time into maintaining relationships with professors after our time in the classroom. I have had fantastic professors over the years who I was able to get to know in an academic setting. Many extend invitations for students to keep in touch for career advice or to have as a resource in the future. I didn’t understand the significance of that. In my last year, I find myself wishing I had known to prioritize them as professional relationships during my college career. I have aimed to reconnect with many before graduation and would encourage all business students to email their past professors to keep in touch.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am proudest of my role as worship leader at Christian Union, a Christian ministry on campus. Finding such enriching communities at Cornell, where I have been able to form lifelong friendships, has fueled my growth as an individual and supported me like a family. In my role, I lead the worship band of six musicians where we organize events for our ministry, bringing the community together through song. I have especially enjoyed mentoring musicians of all majors into leadership roles on the team and making rehearsals a fun and supportive environment.

Which classmate do you most admire?  Tatiana Barelli is a force of nature. Brilliant both academically and in hospitality operations, she is a qualified, committed, and reliable leader. Tatiana balances difficult leadership positions in the school and hotel with astonishing ease, unfazed by achieving the impossible. Aside from her achievements, I am privileged to have a fiercely loyal friend who lives her life in service to others, one bowl of homemade pasta at a time. I can’t wait to see her take over the world.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader. Growing up participating in theater and auditioning from the age of 9, she always reminded me to “show them what I got” in the face of insecurity and rejection. She has always encouraged me to listen to my gut, lead with kindness, and maintain a sense of humor in every scenario. Starting my hospitality journey working in kitchens, I was able to take those words with me because I knew from a young age that obstacles were no match for hard work, listening ears and a kind heart.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. To further educate myself on the environmental and social implications of the hospitality industry so that I can mitigate negative impact and act with sustainability in mind during my career.
2. Explore the world and experience hospitality from a variety of cultures, all while remaining a student.

What made Hali such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“Hali Dietsche certainly qualifies as one of the best and brightest business majors that I have had the pleasure to know and mentor. In addition to her amazing guest service focus and experience, Hali is a wonderful leader among her peers. As the food and beverage director for the 98th annual Hotel Ezra Cornell, Hali was integral in the creation and conceptualization of the theme “Expo: Envisioning a Sustainable and Equitable Future Through Global Hospitality.” Her dedication to supporting her fellow directors, assistant directors, managers, and volunteers to create an amazing learning experience for students and guests for the entire conference showed with every connection. What sets Hali apart from others is her conscious determination to explore all viewpoints and support her team to rise above expectations. Her gracious hospitality extends beyond the classroom into every aspect of her interactions with others. Always willing to compassionately listen to others, she embraces collaboration and collegiality to help conquer challenges and obstacles together, encouraging everyone to do better and be better. Hali’s passion and dedication to service excellence are inspiring and motivating for all who know her.”

Heather Kolakowski
Senior lecturer of food and beverage management (Operations, Technology and Information Management area)
Nolan School of Hotel Administration
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Cornell University

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