Our Members

Harris has been part of The Statler Hotel since his freshman year and now serves as the Student Director of Rooms. He is from New York City and a junior at The School of Hotel Administration, also pursuing a minor in Judaic Studies.

Through the Hotel Leadership Development Program (HLDP), he focuses on improving operations and mentoring fellow students to deliver exceptional guest experiences. What he loves most about hospitality is connecting with people from all walks of life and creating experiences that make them feel truly valued.

Beyond The Statler, He is a student leader at Cornell Hillel, a Course Assistant for Introduction to Hotel Operations, and President of the Hotel Sales & Marketing Club. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, cycling, and cooking. While he is still exploring my career path, Harris is passionate about shaping the future of hospitality by driving operational efficiency,

Aaron is a rising senior at the Hotel School pursuing a concentration in beverage management. He began working at Taverna Banfi and Regent Lounge as a line cook during his sophomore year. Throughout his time in the kitchen, he has developed his culinary skills in every station on the line and he now serves as the Student Sous Chef. This year Aaron is creating two dinners for Dean Walsh's Distinguished Lecture Series, featuring cuisine from around the world. He has also cross-trained in Taverna Banfi front-of-house and Sales.

Aaron participated in HEC 99 as a Function Manager and for HEC 100, he was the Executive Sous Chef. For HEC 101, he is the Chef Tournant, assisting function managers with menu creation and event execution. Additionally, Aaron has worked as a Course Assistant for HADM 4300, a member of Cuvée, and an HSMP mentor. He also enjoys rock climbing, hiking, chess, and travel.

After graduation, he plans to pursue my passion for food and beverage by working in restaurants or hotels. Until then, you can find him in the kitchen, crafting dishes for our guests to enjoy!

Alicia, originally from Houston and New Orleans, is a Sous Chef in the Taverna Banfi kitchen. As a senior at the Hotel School, Alicia serves as the Food & Beverage Director for HEC 101 and a mentor in the Hotel Student Mentorship Program. She joined the culinary department in Fall 2023 and loves being a part of such an amazing team! She believes that working at The Statler gives her hands-on experience in an environment that's both challenging and incredibly supportive.

Her passion for food and hospitality is rooted in how they bring people together.   "Growing up in a big family, meals were where we shared stories and made memories."

After graduating this spring, she hopes to go into restaurant development—creating concepts that invite people to slow down, connect, and experience the sense of togetherness she grew up with around the dinner table.

Camila is a senior in the Hotel School from Managua, Nicaragua. She is pursuing a Food and Beverage concentration and a minor in Nutrition and Health. She has been in The Statler Hotel since the beginning of her freshman year and she is now a Sous Chef in the Culinary Banquets department. "Being part of HLDP has allowed me to apply what I learn in class to the real world. Over the last three years I have grown immensely as a leader and that is thanks to the wonderful mentoring from The Statler Hotel chefs. The skills I have learned in the fast-paced kitchen environment are transferable to any field I decide to follow"

In the future, she hopes to manage a diverse restaurant portfolio from fast casual to upscale. Until then, you can find her in the banquet kitchen cooking delicious food!

Gabi is a senior in the Hotel school from Boston, MA and she has been working at the Statler Hotel since the fall of her freshman year at Mac's & Terrace. Her experience in food and beverage operations have fueled her passion for hospitality and inspired her to pursue a career in hotel management. She is also pursuing an operations concentration. 

She has always loved cooking for others and seeing how much joy food can bring to people. The Hotel School allows her to continue to grow her hospitality skills and serve others. Gabi joined HLDP to enter an environment where she could translate classroom concepts into real-world applications. Through her participation in HLDP, she has had the opportunity to connect with fellow hotelies working in various departments, fostering bonds over shared experiences and memories from their time at Statler.

Outside of Statler, Gabi is a dedicated member of the Cornell Cheerleading Team. She can be found on the sidelines at football and basketball games, rallying school spirit and supporting Big Red athletes.

Ava is a senior studying Hotel Administration with a minor in Music. Originally from Hawaii, her love for hospitality stemmed from her family's work in the tourism industry, as well as from the welcoming Aloha spirit found across the islands. She started working in the Meetings & Events department her freshman year and now serves as a Student Supervisor in the Learning & Development department. where she has a passion for education and strives to make Statler a workplace for continuous learning!

Working at The Statler and being part of HLDP has given Ava so many amazing opportunities—from attending exclusive lunches with hotel executives to connecting classroom experiences to the real-world industry. She has learned so much about what it means to genuinely serve others and takes inspiration from this quote by Ellsworth Statler: "Life is service. The one who progresses is the one who gives his fellow men a little more—a little better service."

Outside of HLDP, Ava is involved in CRU Cornell and enjoys playing the pipe organ in her free time. She hopes to one day work internationally and manage hotels in different countries. Until then, Ava is here at The Statler to ensure you have a great stay!

Zach Atlas is a junior in the Hotel School from New York City, with an interest in hotel operations, airline operations, and loyalty. He began working at the Bellstand at the beginning of his first semester on campus, and now serves as a Student Supervisor in the Front Office.

Zach's passion for hospitality began at a young age—he used to place chocolates and handwritten notes in their guest room whenever visitors came around. Creating small moments of joy for others inspired him to pursue a career in hospitality. Working at The Statler has allowed him to bring that same spirit to our guests while gaining invaluable experience.

Beyond the Hotel Leadership Development Program, Zach serves as President of the Air & Sea Hospitality Club and as a course assistant in the Hotel School. After graduation, he hopes to continue his career in operations, specializing in either hotel or airline management. Until then, he will be in the Front Office, dedicated to creating lasting memories for our guests and hoping you enjoy your stay with us!

Will Bakos, originally from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is currently a junior in the Hotel School, focusing on food and beverage operations and hospitality design. He has been working at the Statler Hotel since the start of his freshman year, serving at Taverna Banfi, and is now a student supervisor! Will is passionate about food and beverage and hospitality because each shift presents new challenges and experiences—there's always something different, and he never gets bored.

Beyond the hotel, Will volunteered with HEC 99 in various F&B roles, and is also a member of the ski club. In his spare time, he enjoys playing piano, rock climbing, and woodworking. A fun fact about Will is that he has spent six years performing aerial circus acts, with flying trapeze being his favorite!

Looking ahead, Will hopes to work in historic hospitality venues and eventually own or manage a historic excursion train, providing unforgettable experiences for people of all ages. He has always had a passion for railroading, and this is his dream. But until then, you'll find Will here at Taverna Banfi, ready to take care of all your needs

Beverly, from Merrick, NY, is currently a junior at Cornell University's Nolan School of Hotel Administration. She is pursuing a Healthy Futures minor, exploring the intersection of hospitality, design, and healthcare.

Beverly began working at The Statler Hotel in the Meetings & Events department and now serves as a Supervisor. She loves creating personalized moments for every person she meets, and both The Statler Hotel and the Nolan School provide her with amazing opportunities to do this every day. She also enjoys exploring how the design of hospitality spaces affects guest perceptions and experiences, and she is passionate about finding ways design can
enhance guest stays.

Beverly joined HLDP to deepen her understanding of hotel operations and the many facets of hospitality. Beyond The Statler, she serves as the Philanthropy Director for Hotel Ezra Cornell 101, is an active member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and works as a TA for the HLDP class. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a career in hospitality design, creating spaces that inspire connection and elevate the guest experience.

Aidan, from Hershey, PA, is a senior at Cornell University's Nolan School of Hotel Administration. As a transfer student from the University of Miami, joining The Statler Hotel helped him find a true sense of belonging and community at Cornell. Working at the Front Desk, PBX, Bellstand, and Housekeeping—and now serving as a Guest Services Supervisor—has been one of the most enriching parts of his college experience.

Outside of Statler, Aidan developed a strong foundation in hotel operations through front office and food & beverage positions at luxury properties in Miami and Hershey. He has since taken that experience into the global events space, supporting guest hospitality at both the 2024 Paris Olympics and the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. These experiences solidified his commitment to a career in sports and event hospitality, where he aims to bring the high standards and service mindset of hotel operations to the world's biggest stages. Until then, he will be here at The Statler and is honored to be part of your stay.

Lance is from West Orange, NJ, and is currently a junior at Cornell University's Nolan School of Hotel Administration. He has been working at The Statler Hotel since the start of his first year and is now a Supervisor in the Meetings & Events department.

Being a student at the Nolan School has allowed him to further his passion in food & beverage management, marketing, and entrepreneurship through classes that provide hands-on experience. In addition, HLDP has enabled him to explore various areas within the hotel and expand his leadership skills. He also enjoys interacting with guests and exceeding their expectations when bringing their events to life.

Outside of HLDP, Lance serves as the Conference Services Director for Hotel Ezra Cornell 101, Executive Vice President of the Hotel Student Mentorship Program, Co-President of Air+Sea Hospitality, a University Tour Guide, and a Course Assistant for two Nolan School courses.

In the future, he hopes to pursue a career in cruise line operations, but until then, he will be here at The Statler Hotel, ready to ensure you enjoy your experience