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Ashli Johnson has spent her career breaking barriers and paving the way for the next generation of hospitality leaders. From her early days in operations to academia, and now as the Founder & CEO of Hospitality Hued, Ashli has remained steadfast in her mission to elevate Black and Brown professionals in the industry. hertelier caught up with Ashli to talk about her journey, the importance of community, and how her organization is reshaping leadership and ownership pathways in hospitality.
What drew you to hospitality?
I actually grew up in a military family, so I lived all over the country and spent some time overseas as well. Because of that, I always say, “Pick a place, and I’ve probably lived there!” I studied hospitality, resort, and spa management at the University of West Florida and later pursued graduate studies in hotel development at Florida International University. Travel was a huge part of my upbringing, and I think that exposure at an early age naturally led me to hospitality.
Do you think there’s a “hospitality gene,” or is it something that can be learned?
I do think it can be inherent—especially if you grew up in a family where service to others was valued. My father is a retired Marine Corps officer, my mother, a retired social worker, and even my brother works in hospitality. I was raised to welcome guests, be respectful, and dedicate time to community service. But hospitality can absolutely be learned—it just comes more naturally to those with a genuine passion for serving others.
You started your career in operations. What was that experience like?
My first job in hospitality was at a small, independent hotel in Pensacola, Florida. I was just excited to be working in a hotel! The general manager spoke to my class, mentioned he was hiring, and I jumped at the opportunity. What I didn’t know at the time was that working the front desk also meant cleaning rooms, setting up the continental breakfast, and handling everything else that came with running a 75-room hotel near a military base. It was an eye-opening experience, but I learned so much from it.
How did you transition from operations to academia?
After undergrad, I entered a corporate management training program that placed me in resort properties. But during my time in school, I had met hotel owners and was exposed to the investment and development side of hospitality. That opened my eyes to career paths beyond operations—real estate, franchise sales, marketing, and development. I eventually moved into real estate consulting and started guest lecturing at universities. One day, a school approached me, asking if I’d teach for a semester as a practitioner. That turned into a full-time academic career at institutions like Georgetown University, the University of Central Florida, and ultimately, launching the Marriott Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University.
What was the goal of the Marriott Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership?
The program was designed to create pathways to executive leadership for Black students in hospitality. Traditionally, in the U.S., students graduate with a hospitality degree and go straight into operations with little crossover into corporate roles. At Howard, I worked with finance, supply chain, communications, and engineering majors—because all of those skill sets are needed in hospitality. The goal was to expose students to executives early and help them enter corporate roles so they could reach executive leadership in 10-15 years, rather than 40-50 years.
What inspired you to leave that role and start Hospitality Hued?
I realized that while mentoring students is critical, we also need to support current Black and Brown leaders in the industry. Otherwise, the talented young professionals we’re developing will hit the same barriers. I was often asked by CEOs, “Where are the Black executives? Where are the Black owners?” And my response was always, “They’re already in your organization—you just haven’t supported them properly.” Hospitality Hued was created to change that.
What does Hospitality Hued offer to its members?
Hospitality Hued is a membership-based community focused on elevating Black and Brown leaders. We host the annual Hued Summit, and this year, we’re adding a Black General Manager Summit. Our members receive career opportunities, professional development workshops, networking events, and access to industry leaders. Membership is just $250 a year, and we offer exclusive events, company visits, and discounted rates for the Summit.
What’s your advice for hospitality professionals who find themselves as “the only one” on their team or in leadership?
First, deliver in your role. You were hired because you’re qualified—don’t second-guess yourself. Second, ensure that you’re not the last. Use your influence to create opportunities for others. If you’re the only woman, the only person of color, make it a priority to open doors for more diverse talent.
How can professionals find mentors and sponsors to help them advance in their careers?
Be intentional about being seen. You can’t just walk up to someone and ask them to be your mentor—it’s about building relationships. Start within your organization. Request a short meeting to introduce yourself and express your career aspirations. Follow up, stay in touch, and share your progress. And don’t be discouraged if someone doesn’t respond immediately—leaders are busy. Keep at it and build those connections.
Given the current political climate, how do you feel about the anti-DEI rhetoric we’re seeing?
The data is clear—diverse workplaces are more productive and profitable. If you’re anti-DEI, you’re anti-business. In 2020, after George Floyd’s murder, we saw a wave of corporate commitments to DEI, but many lacked follow-through. If these initiatives had been truly embedded in corporate culture, they wouldn’t need a name—they’d just be standard practice. Leaders must continue making decisions that promote equity, regardless of political rhetoric.
What’s next for Hospitality Hued?
We’re expanding our reach, growing our membership, and hosting more in-person events. The Hued Summit will take place August 6-8, and we’re launching the Black General Manager Summit this year. My focus is making sure Black and Brown leaders have the network, support, and opportunities they need to thrive in hospitality.
Thank you for sharing your journey and insights with us. We’re excited to see Hospitality Hued continue to grow and make an impact!
Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share our mission. Looking forward to continuing the conversation!
To learn more about Hospitality Hued, click here.