Student Clubs

What is Back of House?
Back of House (BOH) is a student-led organization at Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism, specializing in event management. The organization is dedicated to providing students with hands-on experience and connecting them with volunteer opportunities at events throughout Miami. BOH participates in large-scale events such as Copa America, the Super Bowl, Ultra, SOBEWFF, and more, along with smaller FIU events and volunteer opportunities. The organization's goal is to help students build strong networks and gain valuable skills for their future careers.

How to Join
Every student at FIU is welcome to join. It's easy! Simply follow us on Instagram @fiuboh. In our bio, you'll find a link where you can book your interview and take the first step towards becoming part of our organization. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain real-world experience, network with industry professionals, and be part of a supportive community.

For Organizers
BOH students are skilled event personnel eager to gain hands-on experience. FIU students possess a blend of academic knowledge and practical skills developed through numerous workshops and event opportunities. Event organizers are encouraged to select students from Florida International University (FIU) to assist with their events due to:

• the university’s strong emphasis on experiential learning;
• students’ practical experience;
• the diverse student body.

Located in the heart of Miami, a culturally diverse hub, FIU ensures its students are well-prepared to work in multicultural environments, making them adaptable and effective in managing diverse audiences. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and strong community connections can significantly enhance the success and outreach of any event.

The BOH executive board will assist in selecting the most suitable students for each event, ensuring they have a genuine interest in the event’s scope and the necessary training and background to provide exceptional support.

If you have any questions or would like to connect for an event, please send an email to: backofhouse.fiu@gmail.com or visit our website: https://fiubackofhouse.my.canva.site/back-of-house-website

Officers Contact Information

President:  Natalie Fraioli, nfrai004@fiu.edu
Vice President:  Ivanka Mulanovich, imulanov@fiu.edu
Faculty Advisor: Sharifa Wilkinson, swilkins@fiu.edu

Collegiate DECA is a student-driven organization that values competence, innovation, integrity, and teamwork. It prepares students for careers by integrating skills learned in the classroom into real-world experiences. Collegiate DECA programs assist in developing academically prepared, community-oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders. Collegiate DECA conferences and other activities give students unique access to internships, scholarships, competition, and professional networking.

• Excel in the classroom in areas such as marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship
• Gain a competitive edge in the global job market
• Develop strategic decision making and project management skills
• Network with business and industry experts and nearly 15,000 students and advisors
• Receive awards and recognition through competition and leadership action

Visit the Collegiate DECA site.

HSMAI is the largest and most recognizable association of sales and marketing professionals in the hospitality industry. Founded in 1927, HSMAI has almost 7,000 members from 35 countries with 60 chapters worldwide. Its national, regional, and local education events help members stay knowledgeable about the industry. The primary objective of HSMAI collegiate chapter is to provide the resources, knowledge and networks students need to make critical connections with industry “movers and shakers”. In addition to activities that are specific to the collegiate chapter, student members can also benefit from receiving the same training and professional development as industry leaders, networking with local industry experts, and participating in “live” and virtual organized events, conferences, meetings, forums, discussions and presentations.

Faculty Advisor: Mike Hampton, Ed.D., mhampton@fiu.edu

The purpose of this club is to give students the tools to make sustainable choices inside and outside of the home via cooking lessons, engaging with local hospitality communities that share the same passion, and more regarding sustainability and hospitality/tourism.

Possible activities include beach clean-ups, food rescue missions, and restoration projects (following CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19), collaborations with Sustainable Souls at FIU, and additional collaborations with other FIU clubs/organizations.

Contact Information:John Noble Masi, jmasi@fiu.edu

The Wine Guild is a student-run organization that offers students opportunities to learn about wine through our various industry partnerships. We also offer certification opportunities, memberships, such as with the Women of the Vine and Spirits organization, and a chance to interact with amazing guest speakers, such as Eric Hemer, who is currently one of four people in the world with the title of Master Sommelier and Master of Wine. The Wine Guild meets every other Tuesday at 5:30pm.

The Wine Guild is continuing its partnership with Rioja and starting new partnerships, like the Wines of Argentina, to keep expanding student knowledge and connections in the world of wine. 

The Wine Guild has a competitive wine tasting team that allows student members to train their noses and palates on a more intensive level and allows them to have the opportunity to compete against other universities all over the world. This competitive wine tasting team meets every other Wednesday at 5:30 pm and strives to further emulsify students in the art of wine by training every week, studying the intricacies of not just the grapes and blend styles themselves, but each wine region’s history and terroir.

Contact Information: DM us on Instagram @wineguild_fiu