Gina Nicole Salvo

I attribute my success to my commitment to education, discipline, and perseverance, particularly through my decision to return to school at age 30 to earn my bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from San Diego State University. Balancing coursework with other responsibilities while being in a classroom with younger peers was challenging, but it strengthened my focus and determination to excel academically and professionally. I take pride in the effort I put into my education, including graduating from San Diego Mesa College with a 4.0 GPA and completing my degree at SDSU with a 3.8 GPA, reflecting my consistent dedication to learning and excellence. Because I personally invested in my education and paid for it out of pocket, I was deeply intentional about getting the most value from every course, which reinforced my work ethic and passion for building a meaningful career in hospitality.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that I can build the career I want at any stage in life and that it is never too late to continue my education or pursue a new direction. I took that advice to heart when I returned to school at age 30 to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management with an emphasis in Event Planning. That decision reinforced my belief that growth is always possible with dedication and intention, and it ultimately allowed me to align my education with my passion for hospitality and events.

I want to have a voice for other people that are going through the same thing that I went through, and just know that they're not alone. There are gonna be struggles along the way, but don't give up. No matter what, you'll get to where you want to be, and when you do come to that place, you're gonna be super proud of yourself. Just know that you're not alone, and you can do it, no matter what age. You just gotta stay optimistic and determined, and don't let anybody stop you from what you want to do.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve experienced in my role as a Catering Sales Manager over the past year is balancing high client expectations with tight timelines, evolving costs, and the fast-paced demands of managing multiple event venues, all of which require strong organization, clear communication, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing needs. At the same time, the field presents significant opportunities, particularly as demand continues to grow for personalized, experience-driven events, allowing me to be creative in designing customized menus and tailored event packages that reflect each client’s vision. Being early in my role has also given me the opportunity to grow quickly, strengthen client relationships, and deepen my understanding of both sales strategy and venue operations, all while reinforcing my passion for hospitality and delivering seamless event experiences.

In my work, I value connection, creativity, and continuous growth. I love creating experiences that bring people together and leave a lasting impression. Hospitality is an industry that’s constantly evolving, and I enjoy staying curious, learning new things, and finding ways to put my own spin on ideas. The opportunity to connect with people and make a meaningful impact is what keeps me passionate about what I do. In my personal life, my little black Frenchie named Olive is my world, so anything that I can involve her in, I'm absolutely 100% ready to do. I take her to the bay and the beach a lot, and we just run around in the sand. She loves swimming, and I take her for a lot of walks. I also do a lot of cooking and watch a lot of cooking shows. I enjoy cooking myself and love making things from scratch. All my friends call me Little Mini Martha Stewart.