Capstone Conversations - Value of Networking & Importance of Mentors

The UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality Student Engagement Alumni Committee invites you to join us and our panel of esteemed executives as they share advice on why it's important to build your professional network and the benefits of having a mentor.

Our panelists:

Stacey Purcell ‘90, Assistant Director of Sales - Caesars Entertainment

After graduating from UNLV in 1990, Stacey started her career at Caesars Entertainment in 1991 and has served the company for 30 years. In her current role as Assistant Director of Sales, she recruits, trains, and manages a team of sales managers who sell the 9 Las Vegas properties. She is the President of the UNLV Alumni Association and a big fan of the Harrah College of Hospitality!

Anthony Lai ‘08 - Student Affairs Program Manager, The International School of Hospitality

Anthony Lai is the student affairs program manager for The International School of Hospitality (TISOH) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lai joined TISOH in 2015 to oversee students as they embark on their externships, and to assist them with the first steps of launching their careers, from assistance with resume writing to providing career coaching and networking opportunities. Lai brings to TISOH a broad range of experience in the hospitality industry that includes a keen knowledge of the skills industry leaders look for in successful employees.

Lai previously worked as guest services manager at LINQ Hotel and Casino, where he trained, coached and motivated team members to successfully meet company expectations along with their career goals. Prior to his work at LINQ, Lai was the implementation specialist for the hotel division at MICROS Systems Inc., an updated computer system for hospitality applications intended to make hotel reservations more customer-specific. Lai’s extensive hospitality experience includes working at notable companies including Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Peninsula Hotels, and MGM Resorts International

Tyra Bell-Holland '94 - President, Ava Rose Agency & CEO/Founder, Resortcierge MD

Tyra Bell-Holland is a current UNLV Hospitality College Board, American Cancer Society Board Member and Las Vegas Business Academy Board Member while simultaneously owning and operating Ava Rose Agency and RESORTciergeMD focusing on both locals and the tourism corridor.

Adam Miller - Senior Director of Hotel Operations, Caesars Palace Las Vegas

Adam Miller is responsible for the hotel division of Caesars Palace, and Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino featuring 6,482 guest rooms, suites and villas, and leadership teams consisting Front Office, VIP Registration, Concierge, Valet, Self-Parking, Floral and Butler Services with over 500 team members serving high net worth guests, celebrities, and dignitaries. Previously, Adam served in a variety of roles at MGM Resorts International such as Director of Entertainment Operations, Director of Global Human Resources, and College & Diversity Recruiting Manager. Adam is originally from Michigan, graduated from Michigan State University and served as a Regional General Manager during college for a large hotel management company.