Shawano, WI — NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), the premier organization dedicated to scholarships, education, mentorship, and networking in the hospitality industry, is proud to announce the winners of three scholarships to be awarded during this year’s HD Expo + Conference, from May 6-8, 2025 in Las Vegas.

The recipients include: Ladan Khalvati, who will be honored with the NEWH BERMANFALK Hospitality Design Scholarship—sponsored by BERMANFALK; Alexis Mansfield, who will receive the NEWH Harvey Nudelman Scholarship—sponsored by Fabricut Contract, FR One; and Sibgha Malik, who will be awarded the Diversity in Hospitality Scholarship—a partnership between Hospitality Diversity Action Council (HDAC) and NEWH, underwritten by Emerald. The students will receive their recognitions at the Women in Design Awards Breakfast on May 6, 2025, from 8:30 am to 10:00 am.

Each student was recognized for their dedication to the hospitality industry, embodying NEWH, Inc.’s mission to connect and uplift the community through meaningful professional connections and industry recognition as follows:

Ladan Khalvati (Texas Tech)

Ladan Khalvati is an international Ph.D. student in Interior Environmental Design at Texas Tech University, with an anticipated graduation in December 2025. She hopes to join a leading hospitality design firm where she can contribute to the development of luxury hotels, resorts, and experiential spaces that thoughtfully integrate sustainability, well-being, and cultural identity. Long-term, Ladan aspires to blend research and practice as both a designer and educator, mentoring future designers and driving innovation in hospitality design on a global scale.

Alexis Mansfield (University of Cincinnati)

Alexis Mansfield is a third-year Interior Design student at the University of Cincinnati, studying within the renowned Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) program. A naturally creative individual, her passion for design was sparked at a young age by her aunt, inspiring her journey into the field. In addition to being a NEWH Student Member, Alexis is actively involved in IIDA and plays for the University of Cincinnati Women’s Club Soccer team. Following graduation, she aspires to join an interior design firm specializing in hospitality design, where she can help create impactful, meaningful spaces.

Sibgha Malik (Kendall College at National Louis University)

Sibgha Malik is in her final year pursuing a degree in Hospitality Management at Kendall College at National Louis University. Her passion for the culinary arts and desire to bring people together through food sparked her journey into the hospitality industry. Sibgha’s long-term goal is to become a banquet manager at a luxury hotel in Chicago, where she can curate exceptional dining experiences that celebrate multicultural influences. She also aspires to own her own catering business, specializing in patisserie and confections, inspired by her diverse background.

To learn more about NEWH, its events, and educational offerings, please visit www.newh.org.

About NEWH

NEWH, Inc. is a dynamic association dedicated to awarding scholarships to those wanting to enter the hospitality industry. Through educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, NEWH strives to foster leadership development and facilitate meaningful connections among industry professionals.