AT Sandals and Beaches Resorts, leadership excellence is par for the course, and this is increasingly evident as the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) continues to provide team members with extraordinary opportunities for higher education, growth and professional development.

Recently, four of the company’s female leaders from properties across the Caribbean celebrated a major milestone, having graduated with the 2024-2025 cohort of the Les Roches Global Hospitality Education’s Executive Master’s in Business Administration (EMBA) and Executive Master’s in International Hotel Management (EMIHM) programmes.

Facilitated through the SCU, the programmes offered executive team members the opportunity to pursue advanced studies with Les Roches, an internationally recognised Swiss hospitality university accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and renowned for its comprehensive hospitality curriculum.

The graduating group included EMBA recipients Heather Effs, regional manager, entertainment – Sandals Resorts, Jamaica; Della John, general manager at Sandals Grande St Lucian; and Melissa Stacy Giddings, regional manager, entertainment in the Eastern Caribbean.

Also graduating was senior wedding manager at Sandals Royal Bahamian, Samaria Smith-Cooper who completed the EMIHM programme.

While studying for their degrees the EMBA students were able to enhance their experience through immersive classroom learning, travelling to the Les Roches campuses in Switzerland and Dubai to participate in the institution’s residential weeks.

Both weeks, which took place at the start and toward the end of the course, provided the leaders with opportunities for in-depth academic exposure, training and collaboration with fellow students from around the world.

Reflecting on their experiences and decisions to pursue higher education through the SCU, the graduates expressed long-standing aspirations to further their education and earn their master’s degrees. They extended gratitude to the SCU for making those dreams a reality.

John, who graduated with distinction, shared that it was a proud and emotional moment when she crossed the stage to collect her certificate. She recalled that while the programme was demanding, the opportunity to deepen her knowledge of the hospitality industry on a global level made the journey a rewarding one.

“Education has always been intrinsic to who I am. I believe we must continuously learn so we can grow in this industry where we serve and lead others. This programme allowed me to sharpen my tools as a leader while gaining a broader global perspective on hospitality and tourism. Collaborating with professionals from different countries and cultures was an incredible experience, and it challenged me to think differently about the future of our industry,” said John.

“My journey continues as I will keep sharing what I have learned to strengthen our teams and our brand every single day,” John added.

For Giddings, the opportunity to network, study with her colleagues, and lean into the vastness of hospitality were all the motivation she needed to embark on her Les Roches journey.

“I thought to myself, this was my chance to learn, expand and grow with two women I highly admire and respect,” said Giddings.

According to Giddings, the coursework itself was not without its challenges but she recognised the value in pushing forward to earn her degree, which would inevitably allow her to take the next step in her career.

“It is an investment in yourself. I feel a profound sense of achievement and confidence, and I feel prepared and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” Giddings added.

Smith-Cooper shared that the EMIHM programme was the perfect opportunity to discover what she was capable of. However, between designing dream destination weddings for couples and navigating parenthood and life in general, she admitted that the undertaking was no small feat.

“One of my biggest challenges was balancing school with my everyday responsibilities at work, at home, and in my personal life — but this experience showed me that my capacity could grow,” declared Smith-Cooper.

Despite the demands, she credits determination, self-belief, and the encouragement of a strong support system for helping her see the journey through.

“Today, I feel proud, relieved, accomplished, and more confident. This programme has helped to build my skills and prepare me for new responsibilities and future opportunities.”

Effs, who also earned her EMBA with distinction, regarded the experience as a transformative step in her professional journey.

“Pursuing this programme was truly a leap of faith for me. The coursework challenged me intellectually and professionally but each module stretched me in the best way. I was constantly learning, applying, and evolving,” said Effs.

The regional entertainment manager also encouraged other team members to take advantage of the opportunities available through SCU.

“To anyone considering taking the next step through SCU, my advice is simple: Take the leap of faith. Trust yourself. Tap into your superpowers. Growth begins the moment you step outside of your comfort zone. The journey may challenge you but it will also transform you,” Effs added.

Speaking on the partnership with Les Roches, senior corporate director of the SCU, Dr Luz Longsworth expressed her appreciation for the calibre of hospitality training offered by the institution.

“Les Roches’ commitment to working with the Caribbean really impressed us, and we were excited to take a team to Marbella to visit their campus and explore the possibilities for collaboration. The quality of the programme strengthens the capacity of our leaders to navigate the complex and ever-evolving world of hospitality and it is highly relevant to the needs of our region,” said Longsworth.

Della John, general manager at Sandals Grande St Lucia, is snapped on stage with the Les Roches team at the graduation ceremony held in Switzerland. 

Senior wedding manager at Sandals Royal Bahamian Samaria Smith-Cooper is all smiles post-graduation.

Melissa Stacy Giddings, regional entertainment manager for the Eastern Caribbean, is a picture of contentment after completing the postgraduate programme.