Bovard College Alum, Favela ’25, says the MSHT program, “reignited my sense of purpose in my role and gave me the confidence to take on a higher-level leadership position.”
Devyn Favela ‘25 has spent most of her career in the hospitality and entertainment industries, working in roles that range from interacting directly with guests in frontline hospitality to her current role managing a team of data analysts. After gaining industry experience post-undergrad, Favela was looking for a way to build upon her experience through a hospitality-focused graduate program. The Online Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism (MSHT) program at USC Bovard College proved to be the perfect fit for Favela, as it provided her the flexibility to complete her degree as a working mother and the opportunity to immediately apply classroom concepts to her job.
Favela’s remarkable dedication to academic excellence earned her recognition from faculty. Bovard College faculty members nominated Favela to represent her classmates as the banner bearer for the Bovard College commencement ceremony, in which she led the procession of faculty and graduates. Outside of the classroom, Favela would spend her time advocating for underrepresented communities through her involvement with Project Accelerate and the Disneyland Resort Summer Mentorship Program. Her excellence in and out of the classroom was recognized at the Student Recognition Awards Ceremony in May 2025, where she received the Order of Arête, an award that acknowledges a student’s academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and significant contributions to the university and community.
After graduating from the MSHT program, Favela transitioned to a new position as a Workforce Planning and Data Governance Manager. She also serves as a leadership member of HOLA (Heritage, Optimism, Legacy, Allyship) at The Walt Disney Company.
In this interview, Favela details her experience in the MSHT program and the impact it has had on her career. She also shares her observations of current industry trends and some advice for those who are considering the program.
Tell us a little bit about your career so far. How did you get into hospitality, and what do you do in your current role at Disney?
I’ve spent the majority of my career in the hospitality and entertainment industries, and my journey truly began with working for Disney. Starting in frontline hospitality roles at the Disneyland Resort taught me the importance of delivering exceptional guest experiences and laid the foundation for how I view service excellence today. After completing my undergraduate degree, I started in a back-of-house role at Disneyland in accounting, later moving to a role in finance at Universal Studios Hollywood. This laid the groundwork for understanding the business side of theme park magic.
I moved to my current role as Manager, Workforce Planning and Data Governance at The Walt Disney Studios about a year ago, where I manage a team of data analysts that drive labor forecasting, deliver talent acquisition insights, as well as cast and crew data analytics. It’s an incredible opportunity to bridge my hospitality roots with the entertainment industry and see firsthand how collaboration across Disney Parks and Studios can power both creativity and efficiency.
How did you decide to pursue your master’s in hospitality and tourism? Why did you choose USC’s program?
I first learned about USC’s program through a colleague who spoke highly of the curriculum, professors, and the sense of community within their cohort. Though I had previously earned my MBA, I found myself wanting a more specialized education—one that truly connected classroom academic concepts to the real-world hospitality experiences I’d lived in my career. As a native Southern Californian, I was especially drawn to USC’s preeminent reputation for excellence in academic programs.
What stands out when you think of your experience in the MSHT program?
What stands out most from my time in the MSHT program are the people and perspectives that shaped the experience. Members of my cohort went from classmates to friends, each bringing unique insights from across their own hospitality and tourism experience. The professors were equally inspiring—leaders with real-world insight who brought relevance and passion to every discussion. The two combined to create an environment where academia met practicality.
How did the program help you in your career?
The program helped me connect the dots between my operational experience and the coursework almost immediately. Hearing the perspectives of my professors and classmates would give me ideas that I could turn around the next day and implement. Of particular relevance were courses in sustainability, tourism development, human resources, and data analysis, which allowed me to meet the moment and tackle complex business problems as I learned. Overall, the program reignited my sense of purpose in my role and gave me the confidence to take on a higher-level leadership position.
What advice do you have for people considering pursuing the program?
Go into the program with an open mind and a willingness to apply what you learn immediately. The coursework is deeply relevant, but it’s the connections you make and the perspectives you bring from your own career that elevate the experience for everyone. Don’t be afraid to share your insights in class or challenge assumptions—everyone will gain so much more from the conversation. And, most of all, make time to enjoy the journey; visit campus, cheer on SC Football, and enjoy every moment of being a Trojan.
What trends do you see happening now in hospitality or tourism?
Innovation is changing the way that we all work across every sector. It has never been more important to be an agile, lifelong learner as technology is improving every second. The world is not a static place, and I would also be remiss if I didn’t say that data analytics and workforce intelligence are transforming how hospitality and tourism organizations operate and make decisions, bridging customer experience and operational efficiency. However, it’s important to keep close the idea that we should embrace technology with a balance of optimism, excitement, and responsibility – as a means of enabling human creativity, ingenuity, and productivity.
What do you like to do for fun, outside of work?
Family keeps me busy, especially with two young kids! We love exploring the very destinations that ignited my passion for hospitality and tourism in the first place. Whether it’s a weekend visit to nearby Disneyland or planning our next big adventure, we make the most of every minute. My almost-one-year-old is already well on his way to becoming a Disney fan, with trips to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland Resort, and Disney’s Aulani all before his first birthday!
Learn more about the Online MS in Hospitality and Tourism program.