Brookdale Alum Natalie Jones Finds Success in Hospitality—And She’s Just Getting Started

Natalie Jones, a 2024 graduate of Brookdale Community College’s Hospitality Management program, is already making a name for herself in the industry. Just months after graduation, she stepped into a leadership role as Group Room Sales Coordinator at the Radisson Hotel in Freehold, bringing a blend of skill, heart, and ambition that sets her apart.

Family inspired Natalie’s path to Brookdale. Her older sister, Nia Jones, a Brookdale alumna who now works in marketing at NBCUniversal, helped guide her decision to enroll. Like Nia, Natalie chose Brookdale to save money while receiving a quality education, a decision she calls one of the best she’s ever made.

“Brookdale wasn’t just a college for me, it was where I found my purpose,” Natalie reflected. “When I discovered hospitality, it felt like everything clicked into place. I wasn’t just attending class anymore; I was building my future.”

Initially undecided on a major, Natalie discovered Hospitality Management while browsing Brookdale’s website. Having worked in restaurants since she was 15, the field felt like a natural fit. Her coursework ignited her passion and equipped her with real-world skills, including earning ServSafe and TIPS certifications at no extra cost.

“There were moments early on when I doubted myself,” she admitted. “But the professors at Brookdale believed in me, sometimes more than I believed in myself. They made me feel seen, and that made all the difference.”

One of those professors, Michelle Zuppe, became a pivotal figure in Natalie’s journey, not just because of what she taught, but because of how deeply she cared.

“Professor Zuppe noticed everything, including when I wasn’t in class,” Natalie said. “She genuinely cared, and that made a huge impact on me. To her, showing up mattered because she wanted you to succeed. That kind of attention and belief in her students taught me that being present isn’t just important—it’s everything. She didn’t just teach hospitality, she lived it. And she inspired me to show up fully in everything I do.”

While studying at Brookdale, Natalie worked at the Radisson’s front desk. She credits that experience with helping her secure a coveted Resort Concierge position with the Disney College Program after graduation. At Walt Disney World, she spent six months honing her skills in guest services, reservation management, and hospitality leadership—experience she now brings to her daily work at the Radisson.

“Disney didn’t just give me a job, it gave me confidence,” she said. “It showed me that kindness, attention to detail, and making people feel special can be a superpower in this world.”

Her time at Disney was transformative, both professionally and personally.

“Working at Disney taught me the true meaning of creating magic for others. Even the smallest gesture could change a family’s entire experience and knowing I could be part of that was the most fulfilling feeling.”

Natalie returned to New Jersey with sharpened skills and a broadened vision, ready for her next challenge. She found it at the Radisson Hotel, where she now manages corporate and group bookings, develops marketing strategies, and creates “magical moments” for guests, echoing the lessons she learned at Disney. She recently helped secure a major corporate account that significantly exceeded the hotel’s revenue targets, a milestone she calls one of her proudest achievements.

“When I walk into my office every morning, it’s not just a job, it’s a dream unfolding,” she said. “Every phone call, every new booking, every guest I help is proof that everything I worked for at Brookdale and Disney is real.”

Natalie’s Disney training continues to influence her approach.

“At the Radisson, I’m not just managing group sales. I’m building relationships, creating experiences, and carrying forward everything Brookdale and Disney taught me about caring for people and making them feel important.”

Her ambitions don’t stop there. Natalie is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business online through Hampton University. Her five-year plan includes becoming a general manager at a New York Marriott property and eventually launching her own hospitality group, blending all she’s learned into a brand rooted in personalized service.

The spirit of success runs deep in the Jones family. In addition to Natalie and Nia, their younger brother Nolan is also a Brookdale student, studying filmmaking and submitting his work to festivals, with exciting collaborations on the horizon.

“Our paths may be different, but it all started at Brookdale,” Natalie said. “Brookdale gave each of us the confidence, the skills, and the drive to pursue our dreams.”

Sitting in her office at the Radisson, Natalie is keenly aware of how far she’s come and how much lies ahead.

“Looking around my office, I realize this isn’t the finish line—it’s just the beginning. And Brookdale was the very first step that set everything in motion.”

The future is bright—and it’s just getting started.