isPa fouNdatioN
ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING INITIATIVES OF
THE ISPA FOUNDATION is awarding the annual Mary
Tabacchi Scholarship. It’s always so worthwhile to witness the
excitement and passion of future spa leaders.
This year’s scholarship winner, Christine Muchemu, is a
student at Cornell University and embodies the values and deter-
mination of the ISPA community. I sat down with her to ask a few
questions to help the rest of the ISPA family get to know one of
their own future leaders.
Frank Pitsikalis: In what way do you think the Mary
Tabacchi Scholarship can help you in your future spa career?
Christine Muchemu: I plan on being an entrepreneur within the
spa industry. My sister, who is my business partner, and I plan to
formulate and manufacture synthetic-free hair products and cosmetic
products that contribute to the overall well-being of individuals. The
Mary Tabacchi Scholarship opens opportunities for me to be mentored
by and to network with spa industry thought-leaders who will provide
credible insights into the current and future state of the industry. In
addition, because of the scholarship, I will also be granted access to the
exclusive ISPA research library along with educational material to help me
better understand and master the industry.
Muchemu will
accept her award
P: What do you think is the most valuable part of being
on the General Session
stage at the 2018 ISPA
involved in the ISPA community?
Conference & Expo. If you M: Learning from industry thought-leaders, networking with members
see her at Conference,
who are genuinely passionate about bringing health and wellness to
be sure to welcome
the
end-user and building relationships that will last a lifetime.
her into our ISPA
community!
P: How do you think the ISPA Foundation can help future students
looking for a career in the spa industry?
M: The ISPA Foundation research resources, in terms of the Foundation’s library and educational
material, are such help to any student preparing for a career in the spa industry. These resources
provide students with the knowledge they need to understand spa industry terminology, trends and
innovations.
P: What advice do you have for future students interested in pursuing a job in the spa
industry?
M: The industry is about health and wellness, you must be passionate about bringing these two aspects
to end users. It is also important to keep an open-mind on the role one may get to play in this extraor-
dinary industry because there is not just one way to contribute. The only way to keep an open mind is
to stay constantly informed on industry innovations and constantly seeking personal connections within
the industry. Education and networking can take you to places you never even dreamed of.
fouNdatioN
2018
ISPA FOUNDATION
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN
Frank Pitsikalis
ResortSuite
VICE CHAIRMAN
Sharilyn Abbajay
Mattison Avenue Salon Spa Suites
DIRECTORS
Garrett Mersberger
ISPA Chairman
Todd Hewitt
ISPA Vice Chairman
Lynne McNees
ISPA President
Todd Shaw
Technogym
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
The ISPA Foundation
wishes to thank the following
supporters for their generous
contributions:
LUMINARY
Ruth Stricker
BENEFACTOR
Dr. Howard Murad
PATRON
Red Door Spas
ResortSuite
—fraNk Pitsikalis, isPa fouNdatioN CHairMaN
68
PULSE
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August 2018