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?

A student with a red jacket poses for a photo in a downtown setting

Stephanie Gutierrez

Culinary Student

“At El Centro’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute, I’m learning how to plan a menu and use time management in the kitchen. Now with SkillsUSA, it’s teaching me to get where I want to go.”

Culinary and Pastry Arts

Albert Pantoja III

Senior Accountant American Home Mortgage Servicing

“My experience was really good; I learned a lot about different types of loans, underwriting and loan origination. The program gave us a broad overview from the get-go. I didn’t have any previous experience in mortgage banking at all, so it really helped me to prepare for changing jobs into the industry.”

Banking and Finance

Tammy White

Project Manager Verizon Telecom

“The most important thing I learned in my education was a sense of accomplishment and purpose, and that nothing is impossible as long as I am willing to expend the effort to reach my goals. I have been promoted a number of times in recent years, into positions of more and more responsibility as a direct result of my education.”

Business, Business and Management

Susan Flynn

Kroger Associate

“I loved it so much that I am planning to continue my education to obtain my associate degree.”

Business and Management

Stephanie Campos

Informa Markets

“Participate, engage and get involved with clubs, associations, etc. Networking is key for whatever you want to do after college.”

Hospitality Management

Martha Merkson

Senior Audit Officer Citigroup

“The most important thing I learned in my Dallas College education is how to build the foundation for becoming successful in the real estate industry as a salesperson, broker and an advocate for prospective buyers/sellers.”

Real Estate

Jennifer Pevehouse

Assistant Buyer Men’s Wallets, Belts, Gifts and Accessories J.C. Penney Co.

“The best part of the program was really my professors; they are so knowledgeable! And they follow up and stick with you — even once you’re out of their classroom, they’re there to help you and put you in contact with people out in the workforce.”

Fashion

Darren Bradley

DART Supervisor

“Once Darren completed the program and demonstrated its required competencies, he applied for and received a promotion to the level of Supervisor II. “With my earlier college work and the 18 credits from the Supervisor II courses, I’m on my way. They gave me a plan, and I am thinking about it. But right now, I want to relax and enjoy my promotion.”

Business and Management

Chad Houser

Executive Director/Executive Chef, Café Momentum

“The professional bonds I formed at El Centro were instrumental in helping me build confidence and a solid culinary foundation. Most importantly, the faculty at El Centro inspired me to always cook from the heart. I am a better person and the Dallas culinary industry is better because of El Centro.”

Culinary and Pastry Arts

Cathy McKinney

Administrative Assistant Case Management Department Baylor Medical Center Irving

“I’d have to say the best thing about my Dallas College experience was the teachers, especially those in the Office Technology division. They assisted me throughout my college career through thick and thin, and helped me get to where I am today.”

Business Technology

Angie Nabors

Owner at Stratevent

“Be a sponge! Learn all different facets of events and understand different perspectives. In corporate events you often have a wide variety of key players in making an event come to life - all the way from executives to the labor staff helping bring the event or show to life. Learn from them all and understand each of their objectives to meet your goals.”

Hospitality Management

Angelica Castillo

International Business and Trade student, Richland

“This program was a great beginning for me, and my journey has just started — I am taking classes to obtain an Import-Export Certificate. My next goals are learning a third language and study abroad.”

International Business and Trade

Adam West

Executive Chef, The Porch Restaurant

“El Centro helped me sharpen my skills as part of the Hot Food Competition Team — landing me ACF culinary medals in Orlando, Chicago, Dallas and Houston. I now helm The Porch — all thanks to the start I received at El Centro.”

Culinary and Pastry Arts

Blanca Piña

Director of Human Resources Tuesday Morning, Inc.

“One of the most important decisions I pride myself with is earning an associate degree and certificate in Management. This was the foundation that provided me the opportunity to be competitive and have a successful career. Through education, I am living my dream.”

Business and Management

Israel Bazan

Costco Associate

“Even though I have spent 15 years working in retail in various leadership roles, the RMC program gave me new points of view and illustrated for me the reasons why many things are done.”

Business

Kianna, Vaughn

Human Resources

“My dream job is to work in HR for the Dallas Mavericks.”

Human Resources Management

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

Karen Guenther

Compliance Inspector Texas State Board of Pharmacy

“With my travel schedule it’s really hard to be in a classroom, and even when I’m in town my work hours are erratic. The strong point of taking courses online is the flexibility and freedom. I can just log on and do my homework at home or on the road in a hotel.”

Accounting

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

View Additional Student Experiences

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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.