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This year’s Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans wasn’t just about touchdowns and halftime show surprises—it was a masterclass in hospitality, mega-events, leadership, and resilience for over 20 students and alumni from Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
As women in the events and higher education industry, Sharifa Wilkinson (Teaching Professor and Event Management Program Lead), and Candice Imam (Director of Alumni Relations), we built a powerhouse team of students and alumni ready to tackle the Super Bowl challenge. We know that breaking barriers and thriving in high-stakes environments takes skill, adaptability, and a rock-solid support system.
For seven months, we prepped for the big moment—handpicking students and alumni passionate about sports and mega-events, teaming up with the NFL and key stakeholders, tackling unexpected hurdles, coordinating transportation across venues, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our team through the long days (and even longer nights) of pre-event activities and game-day operations. No detail was too small, no challenge too big—because when you’re playing at this level, every move counts.
Our hustle paid off. Thanks to teamwork and determination, FIU students and alumni secured once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, from working at the Super Bowl Experience to assisting with the 20th Annual Johnnie Cochran Jr. Salute to Excellence Luncheon. They served as city ambassadors, networked with industry professionals, and, most importantly, worked game day campus fan service shifts at Caesars Superdome, ensuring thousands of fans had an unforgettable experience.
Top 5 Takeaways From the Big Game
Beyond the Super Bowl’s excitement—just being there is incredible—here are five key takeaways to help women in hospitality grow, lead, and make an impact:
1. Embrace Every Opportunity—Even the Unexpected Ones Mega-events are unpredictable, much like a game that goes into overtime. Whether engaging with VIP guests, managing logistics, or solving last-minute hiccups, success requires adaptability. Women in hospitality must be ready to pivot and turn obstacles into opportunities.
2. Resilience is the Key to Success Event management is no spectator sport. It’s long hours, logistical puzzles, and physical endurance. Our students and alumni tackled late nights and logistical challenges with unwavering commitment, proving that pushing through adversity with a positive mindset is a game-changer.
3. Communication is Essential No championship team wins without a solid playbook, and no event succeeds without clear communication. From weekly check-ins to rapid-fire updates on game day, effective communication was the MVP of our experience. Strong leaders don’t just talk—they ensure every teammate is on the same page.
4. Community-Based Initiatives Like the Teammates Program Matter Programs like the Teammates Program bring together students, alumni, and community groups to create a seamless experience for event attendees. These initiatives aren’t just about staffing an event—they’re about training and empowering the next generation of industry leaders. Women in hospitality should seek out and support programs like these to elevate future professionals.
5. Never Underestimate the Power of Networking Mega-events are a who’s who of high-level executives, athletes, and industry professionals. Our students had the chance to build connections with peers and leaders nationwide—connections that might not lead to an immediate job offer but will undoubtedly open doors down the line. Women in hospitality should seize every networking opportunity as a step toward career growth.
Women in Hospitality: The Real MVPs
This experience reinforced that women in hospitality are shaping the industry’s future. With over 50% of students in FIU’s Event and Entertainment specialization being women, hands-on opportunities like working at the Super Bowl prepare them for leadership roles in mega-events, hotels, and global brands. These experiences aren’t just resume builders—they’re confidence boosters, career launchpads, and proof that women belong at the table (and in the control room). The industry thrives when women lead, so let’s keep opening doors and making space for the next generation of hospitality game-changers.
Sharifa Wilkinson, M.Ed is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Lead for Mega Events, Event Management, and Entertainment Management at FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. A former elite women’s football player, she transitioned from competing to leading on global mega-events across the globe. With over a decade of experience in venue and operations management, Sharifa is passionate about student well-being, and mentoring the next generation of event and sport industry leaders.
Candice Imam, MBA, MSc, is the Director of Alumni Relations at the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and a proud alumna of the Chaplin School. In her role, Candice drives alumni engagement efforts to build meaningful connections among alumni, industry partners, and students, while organizing impactful events and programs that strengthen the school's community. With over 15 years of event experience, Candice is deeply committed to supporting the success of both students and alumni. She leverages her expertise to create valuable opportunities for alumni to connect with the school, contributing to the growth and success of future hospitality professionals.