NEWH Inc. named Diana Dobin, co-CEO/chief sustainability officer, Valley Forge Fabrics, this year’s NEWH ICON of Industry recipient as part of HD Expo’s inaugural Women in Design Awards Breakfast.
A member of NEWH since 1995, Dobin was honored for embodying the ethos of the NEWH ICON of Industry. The award celebrates leaders of the hospitality manufacturing industry with more than 30 years of experience who have made a unique impact through innovative work and community or industry outreach. Dobin was recognized for her role as a leader, mentor and trusted advisor to many colleagues, students and industry professionals, according to the organization. Acknowledged as a sustainability pioneer in hospitality, she has championed innovative eco-conscious solutions long before it was elevated to the forefront of conversation. She will receive the award during the Gold Key Gala in New York City on November 11 held in conjunction with BD|NY.
“Members are the heart of our organization, and we’re thrilled to be able to recognize individuals like Diana through ICON of Industry,” said Shelia Lohmiller, CEO, NEWH, Inc. “This ceremony is special in that we celebrate established industry talent while embracing the next generation of hospitality leaders, including E’lexis and Jacquaia, through our scholarship programs.”
In addition to Dobin, E’lexis Brewer was honored with the Harvey Nudelman Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Fabricut Contract, FR One. She is an interior design student at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). She intends to pursue a career in interior design with an aspiration to establish her own firm.
Jacquaia Szucs was awarded the Diversity in Hospitality Scholarship, a partnership between Hospitality Diversity Action Council (HDAC) and NEWH and underwritten by Emerald, The scholarship, a partnership between HDAC and NEWH, encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion in and access to the hospitality industry. Szucs is a third-year student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Design.
