W.I.S.E. Women in Hospitality is a student led organization established to empower and support the personal and professional development of women in the hospitality industry.
F.A.B.
Fearless Admirable Brilliant

Meet the Board
W.I.S.E. Women in Hospitality

Faculty Advisor
Dr. Wei Wei
Dr. Wei is an Associate Professor and M.S. Programs Coordinator at Rosen College of Hospitality Management of University of Central Florida. She also serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, an Editorial Board Member of 7 journals such as International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, and Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, and an Ad-Hoc reviewer for 26 journals. Dr. Wei's research agenda is guided by her strong desire to advance the understanding of human psychology and behaviors in emerging hospitality and tourism service settings, and to leverage this understanding to further the well-being of both consumers and employees through innovative human-centered experiences. Dr. Wei has produced over 100 journal publications, 86 conference papers, and 16 media publications. She is also in active pursuit of external grants targeting innovations & digitalization, well-being, and anti-human trafficking. Dr. Wei joined the Rosen College as an Assistant Professor in August 2014. Dr. Wei received her Ph.D. degree and Master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University, U.S.A. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Management from Northwest University, China. Courses Taught at the Rosen College: HFT 1000 Introduction to the Hospitality and Tourism Industry HFT 2220 Hospitality Human Resources Management HFT 4561 Destination Marketing and Management HMG 6228 Critical Issues in Hospitality Human Resources
@wei-wei-b5017a17
Founding President
Jonae A. Edwards
Jonae has uniquely paired her love for cooking and her passion for providing exceptional service into her future hospitality career. With an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, Jonae is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Lodging & Restaurant Service Management. Jonae’s study focus is centered around creating unforgettable experiences for guests through flavor exploding dishes and extraordinary events. Jonae is a member of ETA Sigma Delta International Hospitality & Tourism Management Honor Society. Jonae serves as a Dean’s Student Ambassador on the Rosen Leadership Council. She is also an active member of MPI Greater Orlando and MPI Knights Student Chapter serving as the Director of Programs and Events. Jonae serves as the Vice President for Rosen Intercultural Community. As a Rotarian and member of the Rotaract Club of East Nassau, Jonae makes a special effort to volunteer and give back to the community. One of her weekly commitments is being a volunteer in the Knights Pineapple Pantry. Rooted in the scripture Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, Jonae Edwards is a firm believer that test and trials only come to make us stronger and hope makes each day easier.
@jonae-edwards34151

Founding Vice President
Jaida Smith
Jaida is a Junior at UCF- Rosen College of Hospitality Management pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. She graduated from the University of the Bahamas in 2020 with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts. At Rosen, Jaida is a member of the ETA Sigma Delta International Hospitality & Tourism Management Honor Society. She serves as the Director of Membership for Meeting Professional International student chapter at UCF and is a student member of the MPI Greater Orlando Chapter. Jaida is also, an undergraduate assistant for the Professional Internship Department, where she enjoys helping other students navigate professional internship opportunities and honing her creativity creating graphics. When she is not busy with learning new trends in the Hospitality Industry she enjoys baking. In the future, she hopes to combine her passion for the Culinary Arts and the Hospitality Industry to open a bakery.
@jaida-smith1

Founding Secretary & Events Director
Sydney Weisman
Sydney Weisman is a graduate student at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management pursuing a Master of Science in Event Leadership and graduate certificate in Event Management. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Magna Cum Laude in Spring 2023 from the Rosen College. Sydney has four years of hospitality experience having worked in the club and events industry. She is currently a Graduate Research Assistant under Dr. Michael Duignan and Graduate Teaching Assistant for Dr. Yun Ying Zhong at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Sydney has a heart for mentorship having been an active member in the Peer Outreach Mentoring Program (POMP) for three semesters, eventually receiving the Peer Mentor of the Year Award for the 2022-2023 school year. She also is a member of the Rosen College Leadership Council, Knights of the RELM, and works as PeerKnights Coach providing support to students in need, having been selected as PeerKnights Coach of the Month for the month of February 2024.
@sydney-weisman01

Founding Treasurer & Social Media Director
Sydney Gross
Sydney Gross is Junior at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Entertainment Management and a certificate in Theme Park and Attraction Management. Throughout her time as a Rosen College student, Sydney has been an active member of the Rosen College Leadership Council (RCLC) since being inducted in the Fall of 2022. She has also been an Undergraduate Admission Student Ambassador for the Rosen College since Summer of 2022, where she now is the Head Student Ambassador and a trainer for the Undergraduate Admission Student Ambassador team. Sydney is also the Marketing Co-lead for the Spring 2024 Career Fair. She absolutely loves this role and cannot wait to see the event come to life! Outside of Rosen, Sydney is a Disney World Cast Member. She currently works as an Attractions Cast Member at the Frozen Sing Along, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Animation Courtyard. In her time as a Rosen student, Sydney has volunteered for numerous events. Her passion for serving others has long been in her since she started a coat and blanket drive in 2016. She won the 2018 Disney Dreamer and Doer award for her service to her community.
@sydney-gross
Interested in Joining?

Philanthropic
Are you looking to participate in community events and assist non profit organizations to make a difference in our community?

Congeniality
Are you eager to engage and contribute to empowering events focused on personal wellness, financial literacy and career development?

Friendship
Are you wanting to build a supportive community of like minded women who motivate each other?
W.I.S.E. Women in Hospitality