School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade Student Experiences
No matter where these current or former students are in the process of reaching their goals, we salute them. They have dared to turn dreams into reality through education in the School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade. Could you be next?
Sharon D. Gray
Network Operations Manager
AT&T Mobility
“I’ve learned that it’s never too late for your dreams to come true — you just have to keep pushing. With patience and determination, hard work will pay off. It just takes getting started. Going back to school was definitely one of the best choices I’ve made in my life, and I’m starting to see it pay off.”
Business and Management
Sarah Martinez
Hilton Dallas/Park Cities
“This program definitely made me feel inclusive and opens its doors to all walks of life to an industry that otherwise I would have never experienced or found on my own. I would tell people going through the program to take risks and try as many positions in this field. You never know when you may find your niche.”
Business and Management
Sharon Daniels-Megginson
Real Estate Broker and CEO
Sharon Daniels Properties and
Real Estate Specialist and Adjunct Faculty
“I was also able to apply for my real estate license exam with my associate degree. I make it my goal to tell other students, real estate agents and everyone I meet in the real estate field about furthering their education and obtaining a degree at the same time.”
Real Estate
Pat Sykes
Director
H&R Block Premium
“The on-the-job applications drew the positive attention of my boss and enhanced my performance in the workplace. The Management Program helped develop the skill sets necessary to lead and coach others.”
Business and Management
Oscar Vela II
Graphic Designer
Vision Printing
“This career is a good fit for me. It’s a good path for people like me who want to express themselves artistically but also want to have a good career opportunity in the business world. I would highly recommend Brookhaven’s program, and I think the whole career field will really grow over the next decade.”
Communications
Nicole Jordan Williams
Auto loan funder for an
international loan finance company
“Doors just open up for you with a degree. The job I’m in now required a minimum education of an associate degree, but the company hired me after I was just halfway through my degree program because I had already proved that I was serious about my education.”
Business and Management
Ngoc Trinh
Research Product Development Chef
PepsiCo Global Foods and Frito Lay North America
“The culinary program had a blend of professors, ranging from those with decades of experience in the industry to military backgrounds to science backgrounds. They had such a wealth of knowledge, which really translated for me into this deep knowledge for foods and flavors and science. If I had not pursued this education, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Culinary and Pastry Arts
Sommer Isdale
El Centro student
“The best part about the class was the fact that I gained so much knowledge in such a short amount of time. I thought the eight-hour class days would drag, but unexpectedly they flew by and left me wanting to learn more!”
Conflict Management
Kertrum Dominique Cobbins
Vice President and Managing Broker – Texas
Morris Williams Realty
“The instructors were great and gave me more than what was in the textbook. I still reflect on their advice today, not just in real estate — but in life. With their stories and my observation, I decided to become a real estate broker and educator.”
Real Estate
Bryant Aragon
Training and Refurbishment Coordinator
Hilti North America
“Due to my coursework, I was familiar with the process of loan acquisition, affordable housing programs and energy-efficient housing.”
Real Estate
Linda Perez Yater
Assistant Superintendent of Support Services
Dallas ISD
“As the first woman in my family to attend college, Dallas College was a natural choice for me. It was in my neighborhood, the tuition and fees were very reasonable and I was able to continue to live at home. These factors contributed to my being able to begin my college education.”
Business and Management
Marquiney Chan Anderson
Administrative Clerk and Department Assistant
“My experience has been so wonderful — the teachers are so good in the way they help us students. They’ve given me the opportunity of a lifetime. I just needed an opportunity, a door to knock on, and then I was off and running with it.”
Business and Management
Terrel Taplin Blair
Senior Analyst
Dallas Independent School District
“I enrolled in the BOSS program because I have always had a passion for technology and wanted to expand my knowledge in this area. My experience was instrumental in my growth personally as well as professionally by providing me the skills and confidence I needed to thrive in my current career choices.”
Computer Basics (MS Office, etc)
Tondelaya Cannon
Facility Specialist
AT&T Communications Inc.
“Taking online classes has been a tremendous help to me in achieving my educational goals. I already had a full plate, but with online classes I am able to work on my assignments any time of the day. It gives me the freedom I need to be able to maintain my family life and my academic endeavors.”
Business and Management
Melinda Loredo
Associate
Alliance Tax Advisors
Las Colinas
“What was expected of me in the classroom translated to success on the job, so that I could get out there with confidence and strength because of my strong education. I passed my real estate license exam the first time with flying colors, because I knew exactly what I was getting into when I walked into that test room.”
Real Estate
Will Zulu
Full-time student seeking job
“The Richland program has been an eye-opener. I’ve been exposed to quite a lot of things, and it’s so valuable to understand things from different points of view.”
International Business and Trade
Maria Gracia-Esquival
Senior Program Manager
Spear One
“I don’t think I could have opened doors on my own for a meetings job that I love. The skills acquired through the HEEM program ensured my success.”
Hospitality Management
Fred V. Fernandez
Corporate Liaison and Asset Management Support
Heritage Pacific Leasing
“This program is so valuable to managers — both those who are entering the job market and those who are already managers. The education and skills learned will stay with you for years to come. After three years, I am still referencing what I learned in the Management program.”
Business and Management
Loretta Allen
Director, Global Accounts
Omni Hotel
“The great thing about Richland’s program is that the classes are taught by people in the industry. They say, ‘Here’s what the book says, but here’s what’s real-life.’ That program really gave me the footwork to understand how things work in the hospitality industry. With their internships, you get the chance to actually take part in the industry.”
Hospitality Management
Loren Wesley
Assistant Event Services Manager, Hyatt Regency Houston
“I started cooking at the age of 12 and ever since have known I wanted to be a chef. I completed an internship at the Hyatt Regency Dallas while in high school, received an associate degree in Culinary Arts from El Centro and then earned a bachelor’s degree in hotel restaurant management from the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel Restaurant Management at the University of Houston.”
Culinary and Pastry Arts
Launch Your Future with the School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade
Discover a world of opportunity at the School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade—where innovation meets real-world experience. Whether you're preparing to enter the workforce, planning to transfer to a four-year university, or looking to sharpen your skills, our programs are designed to help you thrive in today’s dynamic global economy.
With flexible learning options, industry-aligned credentials, and expert faculty, Dallas College empowers you to build a career in some of the most in-demand fields nationwide.