Abigail Diaz

Meet Abigail

At Cornell’s Nolan School, Abigail has discovered an incredibly passionate and close-knit community that goes far beyond her fellow students. She's built strong connections with faculty, staff, and even some of the 250,000+ alumni worldwide. Abigail is making the most of everything the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business offers, from hands-on experiences at the Statler Hotel, a teaching hotel, to the excitement of her first trip to New York City. 

What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?

I've been involved with the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, the Association of Latino Professionals for America, the Hotel Student Mentorship Program, Women Leadership in Hospitality, the Mexican Student Association, KKR accelerator scholars, Nolan Ambassadors, Hotel Ezra Cornell, as well as being a Statler Hotel culinary banquet cook.

How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?

I found my friends and community through cultural clubs, orientation, and exposing myself to new things. Staying involved and trying new things always comes with meeting someone new! All of my current friends are people who encourage me to be a better person! Always find friends in your college/major and outside of your major!

When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?

I chose Cornell because of the network! Cornell has fantastic opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Cornellians are everywhere, so there is always someone you can connect with for advice.

Tell us about your favorite Cornell memory.

My favorite Cornell memory is this past solar eclipse. At 1 PM, students got together on Libe Slope and watched the eclipse together.

What is your favorite thing about Cornell?

My favorite things about Cornell are the nature and location. I love going on hikes and being outdoors in my free time. Cornell has the most beautiful campus I've seen, and I genuinely love the nature it's surrounded by.

Why is the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration a great fit for you?

The Nolan School is a perfect fit for me because it provides me with a tight-knit community with people who share my passion. Knowing I have peers as persistent as I am creates an encouraging and uplifting environment.

What is your academic passion?

I am interested in food and beverage (F&B), both the culinary and service aspects. Cornell provides me with different aspects of hospitality, such as accounting, finance, marketing, HR, and more, that all correlate with my interest in F&B.

Hometown

Houston, Texas

Graduation Year

2027

Majors

  • Hotel Administration

Pull Quote

I have been able to connect with professors in a personal way, which has led to excellent connections with the hotelie alumni industry. Professors and staff want to see me succeed, so they always look for opportunities that could apply to my interests.

Tell us about an off-campus program you’ve participated in.

I traveled to NYC for the first time through the Diversity and Inclusion office at the SC Johnson College of Business. I have attended regional conferences through the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality!

What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?

My go-to campus resources are my professors and staff. I have been able to connect with professors in a personal way, which has led to excellent connections with the hotelie alumni industry. Professors and staff want to see me succeed, so they always look for opportunities that could apply to my interests.

Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.

I love visiting Collegetown and the Ithaca Commons and trying different coffee shops.

What is one piece of advice or something you wish you knew when you were applying?

Expand your interests! Coming to Cornell is about more than just studying and doing classes. There are so many clubs where you can find your community.

What is your favorite class so far, and why?

My favorite class is marketing! Marketing is an engaging class that allows you to apply the content to many industries and sectors within hospitality.

What makes the Cornell experience unique?

The Statler Hotel makes my experience unique because not every institution has a teaching hotel! Access to the Statler is also one of my most significant resources because I can experience the reality of hospitality.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to own and manage a restaurant or open a catering company.