NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), the premier association committed to scholarships, advancing education, mentorship, and networking in the hospitality industry, has announced Fiona Rath and Aiden Stich as the winners of their inaugural Structures of Hospitality Excellence (SOHE) Scholarships. Recipients will be honored at a ceremony during ALIS DESIGN+ at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles on January 31, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. PST on the main stage.

“Hospitality excellence is defined in many different ways, and we’re honored to recognize individuals who embody this concept in the pursuit of their careers in the construction industry,” says Chris Tucker, CEO of NEWH, Inc. “As the inaugural year of the SOHE program, we look forward to many years of honoring individuals and organizations that continue to accelerate hospitality innovations forward through construction.

The first scholarship, a $10,000 award sponsored by MGroup and ALIS DESIGN+, recognizes a student pursuing a four-year degree or graduate degree in architecture, construction management, civil or environmental engineering, or project management. This prestigious honor will be awarded to Fiona Rath, who is currently pursuing her Master of Architecture degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

The second scholarship, a $5,000 award sponsored by Delta Faucet Company and ALIS DESIGN+, recognizes a student pursuing a technical certificate or associate degree in the building trades at a junior college or trade school. This honor is presented to Aiden Stich, who is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Technology at Ozark Technical Community College.

In addition to the scholarship presentation at ALIS DESIGN+ NEWH, Inc. will present its inaugural 2025 NEWH SOHE Award, which recognizes excellence in hospitality construction and the honored firm's dedication to NEWH's mission. The SOHE Award ceremony will highlight the winner of this prestigious program, recognizing innovative methods, processes, and exemplary team management that drive exceptional renovations and new construction projects worldwide. The program also honors a firm who demonstrates a strong commitment to philanthropy.

The esteemed judging panel consists of: Lon Alperin, Senior Director North America of Architecture, Design, and Construction Lifestyle Brands at Hilton Worldwide; Scott R. Bouchard, Senior Director of Global Design US & Canada for Marriott International; Bridget Rooks, Vice President of Architecture, Design & Construction at Sonesta International Hotels Corporation; Suzanne Saunders, Senior Vice President of Design & Construction at Hospitality Ventures Management Group;  and David Tracz, AIA, LEED AP, Partner at //3877.

To learn more about NEWH, its events, membership opportunities, and educational offerings, please visit www.newh.org.