Farouk Rajab, President and CEO, RI Hospitality Association.
By Farouk Rajab, President/CEO, RI Hospitality Association
Rhode Island’s hospitality community had a big reason to celebrate the future of the industry when a talented team of culinary students from William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School in Lincoln represented our state at the National ProStart® Invitational (NPSI) in Baltimore after winning the statewide culinary championship hosted by the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF). These students didn’t just showcase their talent; they demonstrated the value of investing in hospitality education and career and technical training.
Prior to the competition, Gov. Dan McKee visited Davies to meet the team and offer his support. His visit was more than ceremonial; it was a meaningful recognition of the critical role that career and technical education plays in building Rhode Island’s workforce—particularly in the hospitality sector, which continues to face labor shortages and retention challenges across the board.
At schools like Davies, students receive more than classroom instruction. They are gaining practical skills, hands-on experience and industry credentials that prepare them to step confidently into the workforce. Programs like ProStart expose students to culinary fundamentals, restaurant management principles and the fast-paced realities of the hospitality industry. They also teach soft skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving—qualities that employers consistently tell us they look for but can be hard to find.
Competing on a national stage gave these students the opportunity to showcase their talents to leaders from across the country and to see firsthand how far their skills could take them. For many, it was their first time traveling for a professional opportunity, a formative and empowering experience. For our industry, it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in young talent and support structured pathways into hospitality careers.
RIHA President/CEO Farouk Rajab with
team from William M. Davies, Jr. Career &
Technical High School in Lincoln.
Gov. McKee’s engagement reinforced this message. His presence affirmed the importance of aligning state-level workforce initiatives with real-world education programs. We need more of that—more visibility, more support and more collaboration between schools, government and businesses to ensure these programs not only survive but thrive.
The hospitality industry has faced enormous disruption over the past several years. While we’ve made great progress with recovery, long-term success will depend on our ability to build a sustainable workforce. That begins in classrooms, training kitchens and school-based programs like the one at Davies, shining light on the exciting and fulfilling possibilities a career in hospitality can provide. It continues with mentorship, on-the-job learning and meaningful employment opportunities offered by local businesses.
At RIHEF, we support these efforts through education, training and direct engagement. From hosting statewide competitions to offering ServSafe certifications, résumé workshops and job readiness resources, our goal is to open doors for students and connect them with meaningful career paths. These aren’t abstract initiatives. They result in real jobs, long-term career development and industry stability.
To our industry peers: supporting hospitality education isn’t just about giving back—it’s a smart investment. Students trained through programs like ProStart are better prepared, more motivated and more likely to stay in the field when given the right opportunities. If you’re not already involved—whether as a mentor, an internship host or an advocate—I encourage you to find a way to connect.
We extend our congratulations to the Davies team on a successful showing at NPSI and thank their educators and mentors for helping them reach that level. Their hard work and dedication reflect the future of hospitality in Rhode Island: passionate, prepared and full of promise.
