Associate Board
Associate Board President
Amy Becker
Senior Image Consultant, C I N T A S Corporation
Amy Becker has a passion for helping others discover the best in themselves. Growing up with an autistic brother, Amy learned patience very quickly. Raised in Chicago, she was always involved with the Midwest Special Olympics to support her brother. It was there that she discovered her love for helping others.
As an Image Consultant at Cintas, Amy knows that getting dressed for the work day sets a first impression. Her goal is to build someone up so strong that they never feel the need to question themselves. She is driven to help others discover self-confidence. She is a passionate advocate for helping mentor others to find success in their chosen field. One of Amy’s true passions is working with emerging leaders and helping them discover what drives them. She is committed in mentoring woman through the Global Gaming Woman. For the past three years Amy has provided suiting and accessories for each Epicurean Charitable Foundation scholarship recipient.
Amy will now continue to support the Epicurean Charitable Foundation, by serving as the inaugural President of Associate Board.
Associate Board Vice President
Sarah Scott
Account Executive – Foodservice, General Mills
Sarah Scott has lived in the Las Vegas area for over twenty five years and has worked in foodservice for both Kraft Foods and ConAgra Foods. Currently employed at KeyImpact, Sales & Systems, a National Food Broker, she was hired to develop the Las Vegas office in the fall of 2013. In 2017, she was promoted to VP of Casino and Gaming and in which she works with Casino headquarters to develop pricing programs, specs and compliance on a national level.
She is married to Joe Scott and they reside at Red Rock Country Club and enjoy golf, working out, travel, family and friends.
Associate Board Secretary
Claudia Soler
The Venetian Resort & Casino
Claudia, an ECF graduate, completed her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration, at UNLV, in 2014. During her time as an Epicurean Student, she was awarded the Food and Beverage Educational Experience hosted by Avero, New York City. She was accompanied by her Epicuren Mentor and fellow industry professionals. In addition to being a full time student at UNLV, Claudia worked at the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and obtain an internship at the Ritz Carlton, ABAMA, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Upon graduating, Claudia took a short leave from the hospitality industry, as she consulted for retail management training. All came full circle for Claudia, as she connected with Mr. Kelly Jones, an Epicurean Board Member, and worked closely with Kelly, as his Executive Assistant and Project Director.
Claudia has since then returned to the hospitality industry, as she is now the Office Manager for Housekeeping Administration at The Venetian Resort. Claudia is extremely excited to continue her partnership with Epicurean Foundation and to give back to an organization that has supported her throughout the years.
Vildan Buric
Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at Green Valley Ranch Casino
As an ECF and Cum Laude Graduate from UNLV, Vildan has continuously achieved milestones, since his first ever Food and Beverage assignment. Currently, Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at Green Valley Ranch, Spa and Casino, Vildan has completed is a level one Sommelier and Cicerone Certifications. Vildan is true leader, that all of our current students can call a mentor.
Vildan is now giving back to the foundation, by serving as an Associate Alumni Member.
Jordan Moore
Assistant to the Director at City of Las Vegas Department of Youth Development and Social Innovation
Jordan Moore is an alumni graduate of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. After spending her undergraduate years in the hospitality industry and graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2014, she received an offer to work for the city of Las Vegas which has allowed her to fulfill her passion to serve her community. In this capacity Ms. Moore would be able to coordinate events for the City while fulfilling her passion to serve the community.
Jordan serves as the Assistant to the Director of the City of Las Vegas Department of Youth Development and Social Innovation established in January 2016 to formalize efforts around educational supports and community based problem solving. Some of her more notable efforts accomplishments include leading efforts for winning the All- America City Award- a first for the State of Nevada, coordinating the October 1 Prayer Vigil with Vice President Mike Pence, serving as a founding board member for Mission High School (one of the nation’s only public recovery high schools) and working with many companies businesses on their corporate social responsibility efforts.
Jordan holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Hospitality Administration and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
Alumni Vice President
Nachely Martinez
Executive Meetings Manager at The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas
Cuban born and Vegas raised, Nachely joined The Venetian Resort in June of 2010 as a Front Desk Agent. She was later promoted to Front Desk Manager after completing her Bachelors of Science in Hotel Administration in 2013 from UNLV. She found a passion for learning and development as the Training Manager for the Front Office where she revamped the department training program and trained over 80 new hires in the first year. She took her passion for learning and development further as the Special Projects Manager for the Hotel Operations division where she created, delivered, and administered learning opportunities for over 2,500 team members.
In her role, she continues to support the divisional projects, financials, and team member engagement. Nachely received her MBA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and has recently been promoted to Executive Meetings Manager at The Venetian.
Karen Giselle Nava
The Venetian Resort & Casino
Karen Nava, an ECF alumnae herself, and originally from California, has used her past advertises to influence and support other young aspiring leaders. Since Freshman year of college, Karen has always been involved in organizations that support higher education and leadership. She has held multiple leadership roles such as President and Vice President of UNLV’s Chapter of National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) and has been awarded various honors, including Vegas Seven Magazine’s 1 out of 25 “Most Intriguing Person” in the Vegas Valley.
In addition to dedicating her time to organizations, Karen is also a Front Desk Agent at The Venetian | Palazzo.
Malek Sadri
Wynn | Encore Concierge Manager
Malek, an ECF recipient in 2009, has held multiple roles at resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, all while servicing the community. Malek, is most excited about joining the Associate Board of ECF, to inspire the younger generation of the hospitality industry and to support the students to become more active in the community. In addition to supporting ECF, Malek, also volunteers his time by speaking against bullying, at schools across the Clark County School District.
Currently holding the title as Concierge Manager, Night Operations for Wynn | Encore, Malek, will also be expanding his knowledge and network this fall, by starting his MBA Program, at UNLV.
Mercedes Sanchez
Wedding and Social Sales Manager at Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos
Mercedes Sanchez is a proud alumna of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation, class of 2015. Mercedes obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Upon graduation, she accepted a position with Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts. Her first role was as a Food and Beverage Manager in Training at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. After completing the MIT program, she transferred into catering sales at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, which is the only 5-star hotel in the Pacific Northwest. During her time in this role, Mercedes earned Top Catering Sales Performer for the Americas, for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of 2019.
Mercedes is currently serving as Wedding and Social Sales Manager on the opening team for Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos, Costa Palmas, Mexico, opening in November 2019. Ms. Sanchez is honored to serve as inaugural associate board member and give back to the organization that provided her with a priceless opportunity.
Andrea Rocca Capano
The Palms
College/University: UNLV Class of 2017
Major/Minor: Hospitality Management
High School: Valley High School
Mentor: Joe Romano
Fun Fact: Andrea is an active member of Alpha Delta Pi and volunteers her time with the Ronald McDonald House charities. She placed third in a collegiate competition for DECA and made the dean’s list throughout her freshman year.
I owe a lot of my career to Epicurean Charitable Foundation and to past mentors who opened doors for me early on in my career.
John Mautner
President and Founder, COSi (Cycle-of-Success Institute)
Keith Oliver
Sr. Vice President, Commercial Division Corp, Preventative Pest
Marjorie Alzquizalas
Area Manager, EDRINGTON
Honored to have Marjorie join the ECF Associate Board of Directors – as her self proclaimed inner rebel, is an inspiration to others. Originally from the Philippines, Marjorie studied Business Management and Mastered in both Finance and Marketing – which became the stepping stone, for her very successful career in the spirits industry. After working 10 years at Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits as Director of Trade Development, she joined Edrington America, which is owned by the biggest Charitable Trust in Scotland.
Currently, Marjorie holds the title of Area Manager and is also involved in executing programs in accounts that generate funds to support local and national charities.
Lora Perez
Key Account Manager at Nestle Waters North America
Lora Perez, currently a Key Account Manager at Nestle Waters North America holds responsibility for marketing programs, brand management, and corporate sponsorships. Lora was awarded Account Executive of the Year by US Foods, in 2015, for generating the highest revenue for business. Apart from her deep interest and love for the hospitality industry, Lora is extremely passionate and engaged as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for abused and neglected children in Nevada.
Lora holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UNLV and enjoys mountain biking, reading and trying new restaurants.