BV Hub 20/40 Speaker Series April

Our monthly BV Hub 20/40 Speaker Series returns on Wednesday, April 29 at 9AM after an engaging visit to Milford High School in March.

Of our entrepreneurship speakers, Milford High faculty, Brian Edwards shared, "Both presenters were phenomenal and the students really enjoyed the session."

To recap, fifteen students from Milford High's Entrepreneurship class were in attendance last month and each sent letters of appreciation to the speakers. Thank you again to the Milford High students, staff, and our speakers Kristin Caforio Marengo of Hot Power Yoga and Jaden Marc of Sneaker Sapphire for their engaging stories. To access our past BV Hub 20/40 Speaker Series' recordings and slideshows please contact barrett.lauren@bvhub.org.

Next up our series is heading to Blackstone-Millville Regional High School on Wednesday, April 29 at 9AM with a focus on Hospitality along with the Food and Beverage sector. An additional 11 school districts in Central Massachusetts have the opportunity to participate in this hybrid session via zoom.

Prom season may have influenced the theme of our April session... with businesses represented including Crystal Lake Golf Club (event site of the upcoming BMR Prom <3) and the Southwick's Zoo. Learn more about our speakers below!

Teia Dunne, Crystal Lake Golf Club Full time Office Manager, began working in the food, beverage and hospitality industry at 14, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every role—from bussing and hosting to serving, bartending, and management. Over the years, Dunne developed a strong passion for creating great guest experiences and keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes. Currently, she is part of the team at Crystal Lake Golf Club, where she continues to grow and contribute her skills. Dunne graduated from Ponaganset High School in 2005 and takes pride in her strong work ethic and dedication to the industry. Outside of work, Dunne is a proud parent to her 5-year-old son, who keeps her motivated every day.

Crystal Lake Golf Club, Photo credit: Conte Sound Productions

According to the website, Crystal Lake Golf Club opened its door May 2004 in Burrillville, Rhode Island. Crystal Lake is a 23,000 square foot facility and the main floor features an inviting tavern dining area, as well as newly renovated event spaces. The lower level houses our fleet of electric golf carts and locker room facility. The top floor has business offices, a private Member’s Lounge and Wedding Suite.

Teia Dunne will be joined by the energetic, Chelsea Daniels of Southwick's Zoo.

Chelsea Daniels is a restaurant and hospitality professional with more than a decade of hands-on industry experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre with a minor in Business from Dean College, along with an Associate’s degree in Hospitality: Food and Beverage Management from Quinsigamond Community College. Chelsea also earned a Restaurant Professional Certificate through the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, supporting her career growth and leadership development.

Chelsea began working in restaurants at age eighteen and steadily advanced from server to bartender to bar manager. At 23, she joined Galliford’s Restaurant and Tavern as an Assistant Restaurant Manager and was later promoted to Restaurant Manager and Human Resources lead. Today, Chelsea serves as the restaurant’s Full time HR professional, works as an Entertainment Coordinator for the zoo, and teaches as an Adjunct Professor in the Hospitality program at Quinsigamond

Community College, mentoring students exploring hospitality careers and workforce

development opportunities locally.

According to the website, Southwick's Zoo is New England's largest zoo. Located in the heart of the Blackstone River Valley, Southwick's is the ideal destination for a full day of family fun and more! From corporate outings and fundraisers to birthday celebrations and private gatherings, Southwick’s Zoo also offers unique venues throughout the park and a dedicated events team to guide guests every step of the way.

We are eager to hear more about Teia Dunne and Chelsea Daniels' career trajectories and their real-world experiences at two premiere New England venues. For any student curious about hospitality, event planning, management, culinary arts, and the food/beverage industries this will be a great opportunity to ask questions and develop a clearer picture of future possibilities!

Our BV Hub 20/40 Speaker Series’ objective is to engage and inform students along with school staff about future career pathway trajectories. We also aim to highlight New England-based companies and training programs. We want to help students see themselves in the workforce, provide career awareness, and fulfill our goals for Partnered Schools along with the Connecting Activities program.

School districts can access a link to this event and the subsequent recording of our April BV Hub 20/40 Speaker Series' session by contacting barrett.lauren@bvhub.org.