DkIT Hospitality Management graduate named finalist in prestigious Irish Hospitality Institute Awards

The annual awards recognise outstanding talent, leadership and excellence within Ireland’s hospitality industry. Crisalis has successfully progressed through a competitive selection process, including being shortlisted and interviewed by a panel of three industry experts, to secure her place among this year's finalists. 
A graduate of the BA (Hons) in Hospitality Management at DkIT, Crisalis demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and enthusiasm throughout her studies. She also recently received the President’s Prize for Academic Excellence at her graduation ceremony.

During her time at DkIT, she led the highly successful D’Kitchen pop-up restaurant project, showcasing her ability to manage operations, lead a team and deliver a professional hospitality experience. She also represented DkIT in the IHI Business Management Game in both 2025 and 2026, demonstrating her commercial awareness, problem-solving abilities and teamwork. In addition, Crisalis generously volunteered her time as a Student Ambassador, supporting college events and representing the Hospitality Department. 

Her professional career at the Conrad Dublin, one of Ireland's leading five-star hotels, has been equally impressive. Beginning as a Food and Beverage Intern, Crisalis progressed to Food and Beverage Assistant and subsequently Food and Beverage Supervisor, before taking up her current position as a Financial Analyst earlier this year. 

Her progression reflects both her commitment to professional development and the diverse career opportunities available to graduates of hospitality management programmes. 

Maria Roddy-Freyne, Lecturer in Hospitality Management at DkIT, who nominated Crisalis for the award, commented: 

"Having taught Crisalis over the past four years, I am incredibly proud to see her recognised as a finalist for this prestigious award. Throughout her studies, she consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism and a genuine passion for the hospitality industry. Crisalis was always willing to take on new challenges, support her fellow students and make the most of every opportunity presented to her. Her progression at the Conrad Dublin, from an internship to her current role as a Financial Analyst, is a fantastic achievement and a testament to her hard work, determination and talent. She is a wonderful role model for our current students and demonstrates the exciting and varied career opportunities that a qualification in Hospitality Management can offer. Reaching the final is already an outstanding achievement, and everyone in the Hospitality Department at DkIT is incredibly proud of her." 

The winner of the Graduate Manager of the Year Award will be announced at the 2026 IHI Hospitality Management Awards ceremony on Thursday, 26 November 2026, at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin. The Hospitality Department at DkIT extends its warmest congratulations to Crisalis on this well-deserved recognition and wishes her every success at the awards ceremony. 

About the Irish Hospitality Institute Awards 
The Irish Hospitality Institute Hospitality Management Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding individuals who demonstrate excellence, leadership, innovation and commitment to the Irish hospitality industry. https://www.ihi.ie/