Business Practicum: Hospitality

As part of her recovery, Dionne Varney needed to find a new career. Before coming to Anna Ogden Hall, she spent 14 years in the adult entertainment industry. “I had all this experience,” she said, “but I wanted to do something that my family and the Lord and I could be proud of. Bottom line, something wholesome.”

Dionne worked with Tiffany Riddle, Director of Vocational Advancement, and determined she had strong skills in customer service, hospitality and sales. Next, they found a match for those skills at the Mirabeau Park Hotel. Dionne interviewed and was hired for a business practicum – a 12-week, unpaid staff position aimed at increasing her employability.

As Dionne prepares to move out, she is poised to get a job in which she can “succeed and be healthy” at the same time.

Staff and management at Mirabeau are pleased, as well. “They have had nothing but great things to say about Dionne’s work ethic and professionalism,” Tiffany said. “She has earned an excellent reference.”