Scholarship Recipient Highlight: Paige Vigiletti
Meet Paige Vigiletti, one of the 2024 San Diego Food + Wine Festival scholarship recipients. Paige is a dedicated and passionate student at San Diego State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with an emphasis in Restaurant Management.
Paige Vigiletti at Industry Night
With a vision of becoming a restaurant consultant, Paige aspires to support small businesses by combining her love for food, hospitality, and the arts. Her goal is to help independent restaurateurs navigate the industry and bring their culinary visions to life.The San Diego Food + Wine Festival scholarship has helped Paige continue her education and take steps toward making her dream a reality. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll make in the industry and beyond!
Keep reading for the full interview with Paige Vigiletti, 2024 Scholarship Recipient.
Are there any specific challenges or lessons you’ve faced recently, and how are you using this scholarship to overcome or address them, or how have you overcome them?
One of my recent challenges has been balancing multiple commitments while remaining present in each role. Between my coursework, being a Resident Advisor, and now preparing to serve as a Teacher’s Assistant for data-driven decisions in hospitality class, I’ve learned the importance of time management and prioritization. This scholarship has provided me with the financial stability to focus on these opportunities without the additional stress of juggling part-time work. It has also allowed me to attend professional events like the Women in Restaurant Leadership Conference, where I’ll continue to learn strategies for managing responsibilities effectively.
Paige Vigiletti with Sunsets & Brain Waves Designer
Have you discovered any new skills, techniques, or perspectives since starting your program that excite or inspire you?
Absolutely! One perspective that stands out is the concept of personalized guest experiences driven by a combination of data and empathy. During my coursework, I’ve learned how AI and analytics can optimize hospitality operations, but it’s the human touch that makes those experiences memorable. My time at Montage Laguna Beach, my role as an RA, and my courses at San Diego State have taught me the importance of balancing innovation with genuine care. This balance inspires me as I work toward becoming a restaurant consultant who can modernize businesses while maintaining authenticity and creating memorable moments.
What are your long-term career goals in the hospitality or culinary industry?
Growing up, I was immersed in my family’s dinner theater, where I saw firsthand the magic that hospitality can create. When the business eventually closed, I realized how difficult it is for restaurants to survive without the right strategies in place. That experience shaped my passion for helping restaurateurs navigate industry challenges while preserving the heart and soul of their establishments. Thus, my ultimate goal is to become an independent restaurant consultant, helping family-owned businesses thrive in an ever-changing field. I can’t wait to contribute to the success of fellow family-owned businesses around the world.
