ISPA FOUNDATION
E
FOUNDATION
2017
ach year the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship
Committee works diligently to seek out
dedicated and aspiring young profes-
sionals in the spa and wellness industry.
The Committee looks for individuals who not only
ISPA FOUNDATION
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS succeed in academics, but also have a true passion and
OFFICERS ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi Scholarship to
CHAIRMAN
Frank Pitsikalis
ResortSuite LaTesha Council. Council is from Alexandria, Virginia
VICE CHAIRMAN
Sharilyn Abbajay
Abbajay & Associates, LLC
drive to better the industry. After a thorough selection
process, the committee has decided to award the 2017
and is in her second year as a graduate student in the
Master of Tourism Administration program at George Washington University.
Council was selected from a group of highly qualified applicants,
the largest applicant pool to date, after an extensive review
DIRECTORS
Todd Shaw
ISPA Chairman
Todd Hewitt
ISPA Vice Chairman
Lynne McNees
ISPA President
MEDICAL ADVISOR
Brent Bauer, M.D.
Mayo Clinic
HONORARY BOARD
MEMBERS
Ruth Stricker
The Marsh, A Center for
Balance and Fitness
Deborah Szekely
WELLNESS WARRIOR
process, which included a comprehensive application review
and a video interview with the selection committee.
The ISPA Foundation is proud to offer Council a
US$5,000 scholarship to offset her education expenses, a
complimentary registration and travel stipend to attend the
2017 ISPA Conference & Expo, a one-year ISPA student
membership and a one-year mentor to help navigate her career
LATESHA COUNCIL
aspirations. Council hopes to work in spa operations and development
post-graduation and, in the future, would like to apply her experience to own and operate
a spa consulting business.
It gives me great joy to announce this year’s winner and the continuation of the ISPA
Foundation Mary Tabacchi Scholarship. Since the scholarship’s inception, the foundation
has awarded 13 scholarships to deserving students and future industry leaders. I also want
to extend a special thank you to the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship Committee, who worked
hard to find such a fitting recipient in a pool of outstanding candidates. I encourage you
The ISPA Foundation
wishes to thank the following
supporters for their generous
contributions:
to extend a warm congratulations to this year’s recipient and continue supporting the ISPA
Foundation.
LUMINARY
Ruth Stricker
—FRANK PITSIKALIS, ISPA FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN
BENEFACTOR
Dr. Howard Murad
PATRON
Red Door Spas
ResortSuite
l AUGUST 12: Deadline to be eligible for inclusion in the Live Auction.
l SEPTEMBER 13: Deadline to be included in the printed Auction Catalog.
l FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ISPA FOUNDATION or to donate an item
to the Auction, visit attendISPA.com or email ashley.roberts@ispastaff.com.
August 2017
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