Yasmin Ali
Alumni/Development Coordinator

“I love my new job and the great communications between everyone at Hilton College. It really feels like the students, faculty, staff and alumni are like one big family.”

Before taking her skills to Hilton College this past November, Ali managed special events and worked with guests and benefactors at Bayou Bend, the house museum for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s collection of early American decorative arts and paintings. Here, she is looking forward to boosting alumni engagement and growing our scholarship and alumni mentorship programs. Ali will also provide staff support toward the mission and initiatives of Eric’s Club and the Hilton College Alumni Association.

Caitlin Fuller (’18)
Recruitment Manager 

“I am most looking forward to bringing new students to Hilton College. Seeing them go from wide-eyed high schoolers to thriving leaders in our college community is an indescribable feeling, and I can’t wait to witness it again and again.”

After graduating last spring and receiving the coveted Undergraduate Dean’s Award, Fuller joined the team at Kat Creech Events. Now that she’s back as part of our staff, this former Conrad N. Hilton College Ambassador hasn’t missed a beat in promoting the College to potential freshmen and transfer students. In addition to helping prospective students with every step of the application process, she’s also working to ensure current students have opportunities to stay involved and to have their best college experience. Fuller joined our staff when classes resumed on January 14.

Shibu George
Maintenance Mechanic

“We have an amazing community of students, faculty and staff. I enjoy working with them while also having the opportunity to support a full-service hotel.”

Before coming to the University of Houston last November, George worked as a laser technician at Tribocor Technologies in Stafford, Texas. Here, he is responsible for general maintenance at the Hilton University of Houston and the College. This includes making sure all classrooms and hotel spaces are in working order for our faculty, staff, students and guests. One of the best things about his job so far? Like some of the others have noted, Hilton College, he said, feels like family!

Katherine “Katie” Highfield (‘15)
Banquet Manager

“It’s pretty surreal being back at the College. I'm lucky I worked here as a former student because I have a better understanding of how the classes operate, and how that can oftentimes cross over into hotel operations.”

As a Hilton College student, Highfield was already working for Aramark in catering sales at Minute Maid Park. After graduating in 2015 with a focus in catering and event management, she grew with the company and was promoted to general catering manager for all-inclusive campus events at Baylor University in Waco. Highfield is now continuing her hospitality career with Aramark at her alma mater, where she is responsible for executing all the food & beverage needs for the Hilton University of Houston. She began her new position this past October. 

Marta Tesfamariam
Conference Sales & Service Manager

“Everyone has been very kind in welcoming me, and I am very impressed with the healthy and positive work environment here. I’m most excited to be part of an organization that is focused on hospitality and on educating brilliant young minds.”

Tesfamariam has come a long way from her hometown of Busto Arsizio, Italy, where she handled corporate meetings and special events for Red Sea General Import & Export. She’s a Hospitality Management graduate of Johnson & Wales University and holds a master’s degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International University. Bringing to her new role a wealth of management experience in catering and conference services, Tesfamariam joined the Hilton University of Houston right after New Year’s.    

(Story & Photo: Pearl Cajoles)

Posted on Jan. 23, 2019