Aramark Collegiate Hospitality has named 12 students from universities across the country to serve on its Council of Student Advisors (CSA), reinforcing Aramark’s commitment to student-driven insights in campus hospitality.
“Fostering genuine student conversation to inform hospitality experiences makes campuses more inviting and strengthens our connection with students,” said Karen Parker, Chief Marketing Officer of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “That’s why the voice of our students is essential to our service. The students on the Council of Student Advisors have a passion for leadership and offer invaluable feedback. It is a privilege to host them and learn from their perspectives.”
The CSA plays a vital role in shaping dining experiences by offering insights rooted in student feedback, consumer trends, and active listening. In addition to influencing strategy and operations, council members gain access to professional development opportunities and a national network of peers and industry leaders.
The 12 Council of Student Advisors for 2025-2026 are:
- Lillian Chester, Southern Methodist University
- Karoline Chidester, Loyola University
- Santana Garrett, University of Alabama
- Ethan Hancock, Florida State University
- Alcivial Henrisme, Valdosta State University
- Jalen Mask, Tennessee State University
- Yarinette Mejia, Bloomsburg University
- Luke Pierre, Howard University
- James Plummer, University of Virginia
- Adalmina Sakar, University of California, Irvine
- Sara Salazar, University of Alabama
- Jayna Tang, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Each student serves on the Council for a full academic year attending virtual meetings and an annual Summit at Aramark headquarters in Philadelphia which will be held in January 2026. At past CSA Summits, students have had the opportunity to present valuable insights to Aramark Collegiate Hospitality leadership, participate in a menu tasting and an Aramark kitchen tour, as well as a professional development session with Aramark Talent Acquisition.
The CSA can serve as a bridge between college and career, supporting student success with real-world exposure and leadership opportunities. For Omkaar Shenoy, a recent graduate of Arizona State University, the experience helped shape his path to a full-time role at Aramark as a Data Engineer.
Omkaar joined the inaugural CSA cohort in 2022 after discovering the program during his freshman year. Over two years, he contributed student insights on key topics through monthly meetings with Aramark leaders and his fellow CSA members. After serving on Aramark’s CSA, he participated in a campus-level advisory committee for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality supporting Sun Devil Hospitality at ASU. Omkaar currently serves on the Aramark Collegiate Hospitality team that oversees and supports the CSA.
The Council of Student Advisors was formed by Aramark in 2022 to strengthen its connection with students and to enhance the overall campus dining experience through direct feedback. Comprised of student leaders from Aramark partner campuses, the CSA serves as a collaborative forum for students to share insights and ideas that shape the future of campus hospitality.
The CSA meets virtually throughout the academic year, with each virtual session focusing on a specific topic ranging from menu development, new initiatives, or best practices to improve student engagement. This year, the program is introducing a new online discussion community called StudentLounge for students to participate in, connect, share feedback, and engage in ongoing conversations.
Students participating on the Council of Student Advisors for the 2024-2025 school year shared about their experience serving on the council on Aramark’s Mark This podcast.
About Aramark Collegiate Hospitality
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality—where futures are better served—has been a trusted dining partner to higher education institutions for over 50 years. Serving more than 275 colleges and universities nationwide, Aramark delivers customized dining and hospitality programs that reflect the unique culture and needs of each campus. Rooted in a deep commitment to service for people, partners, the community, and the planet, Aramark goes beyond meals by curating tailored experiences, supporting success, and cultivating communities. Learn more at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality.
