Michelle Russen

Michelle Russen, Ph.D., is an academic and professional in the field of Hospitality Administration, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at California State University, San Bernardino. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Houston, where her primary research focus was on increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in hospitality leadership. Michelle has a robust background in education, having developed curricula and taught various courses ranging from Restaurant Management to Strategic Marketing. She is also recognized for her contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the hospitality industry, with numerous refereed publications, conference presentations, and industry news articles to her name. She has published in top-tier journals, such as the International Journal of Hospitality Management, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, and Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, presented her research at conferences within the United States and abroad, written online articles for CoStar, Hotel News Resource, and Hertelier, and appeared on business industry podcasts discussing various leadership issues. Her professional experience extends over a decade to roles in restaurant management, event planning, and hotel consulting showcasing a practical understanding of the industry she educates on. She is highly passionate about creating a better world for her students and the employees within her industry.