Two students pursuing a career in the beverage & culinary fields at Johnson & Wales University will be presented with a $2,000 fellowship grant at this year’s Bar & Restaurant Expo. The students, Lea Dalton and Grace Miles, will be awarded the grants during the expo’s red carpet and ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, March 25. Dalton and Miles will each also receive a full conference pass to the expo.
“We are excited to award Grace and Lea with these grants to help advance their education and hands-on experience,” said Tim McLucas, Market Leader, Hospitality Group at Questex. “Bar & Restaurant Expo is the perfect platform for them to gain valuable insights, connect with industry leaders, and engage with cutting-edge products and services shaping the future of hospitality.”
Lea Dalton is a junior at Johnson & Wales University, studying Beverage Sales and Marketing. She developed her love for hospitality while working in roles at both resorts and family-owned businesses. These experiences ignited her enthusiasm for crafting unforgettable guest experiences. Her career aspiration is to become a liquor sales representative, specializing in beverage programs for hotels and resorts.
“Winning this scholarship is an incredible opportunity to advance my career aspirations with the support and resources needed to make a meaningful impact in the beverage and hospitality industry. It recognizes the effort I’ve put into my studies and career goals, motivating me to keep growing as a professional and striving for innovation and excellence in my field,” said Dalton.
A proud Puerto Rican and second-generation German American from Trenton, New Jersey, Grace Miles is currently pursuing a degree in Food & Beverage Industry Management at Johnson & Wales University, with a focus on beverage. Her early interest in bartending sparked a passion for the creative aspects of crafting drinks. Currently, Miles aspires to build a career in the production and distribution of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This year, Miles was honored to be chosen as the first student assistant at the JWU Center for Beverage Education & Innovation (CBEI). In this role, she is committed to enhancing the CBEI’s profile and engaging more students in its diverse opportunities. In order to achieve these goals, Miles has launched a monthly newsletter, established a social media presence, and organized student-focused events such as mocktail mixers.
“At the expo, I’m hoping to learn the inspiration behind pursuing these creative endeavors. What do we hope to achieve as an industry?” said Miles.
The competition for the 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo/JWU Student Fellowship Grants was fierce. Applicants were evaluated on their work experience in the beverage industry, academic achievements, faculty and industry professional recommendations, and the quality of an essay detailing their interest in beverages. This year, the two scholarship winners stood out, even among a highly competitive pool of candidates.
"We take particular pride in enhancing classroom experiences by connecting students to the industry,” said Brian Warrener, Associate Professor & Director of the Center for Beverage Education & Innovation, Johnson & Wales University, “We appreciate Bar & Restaurant Expo’s ongoing partnership and support and thank them for providing this incredible opportunity to our grant recipients."
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