Confidence Collective Empowers CSUMB Students to Discover Strengths and Inspire Leadership

October 10, 2025 — The Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management (SHTM) program at California State University, Monterey Bay hosted the inaugural Confidence Collective on October 9, 2025, bringing together students, alumni, and community leaders for an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and personal growth.

The Confidence Collective is a new workshop series designed to help college students build confidence, strengthen professional skills, and connect with mentors and role models across diverse industries. Led by Chef and Entrepreneur Hollie Jackson, founder of H. Jackson Events, the initiative blends practical training with authentic connection, mirroring Hollie’s belief that shared experiences can turn strangers into family.

“Just as a great meal brings people together, confidence grows when we feel supported and seen,” said Hollie Jackson. “The Confidence Collective gives students a space to practice confidence in action through storytelling, networking, and self-reflection.”

The inaugural event, “Discovering Strengths, Inspiring Leadership,” included interactive sessions on strengths-based leadership, professional etiquette, and networking, along with a Women in Leadership Panel facilitated by Maj-Britt Kimm and featuring Erin Sollicito (Monterey Touring Vehicles), Gill Campbell (AERO Marketing Group), Hollie Jackson (H. Jackson Events), and Cierra Verdone (WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca).

“People often talk about soft skills, but I believe they should be called success skills,” said Dr. Paige Viren, Executive Director of the Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management program. “No matter what your major, being able to feel confident, communicate effectively, and build relationships is essential. Students can have a 4.0 GPA, but if they don’t have the confidence to network and make connections, it’s hard to be truly successful. The Confidence Collective helps bridge that gap by giving students the tools, practice, and support to thrive beyond the classroom.”

Student Reflections

A total of 23 students participated in the inaugural workshop, sharing overwhelmingly positive feedback about the experience and the opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders. One participant reflected:

“I really loved it! During the whole meeting I couldn’t help but agree with what everyone in the room was saying. It was so inspiring to hear from professionals at different stages in their careers. Personally, I’ve been holding back on my résumé and career goals because I know I need to build more confidence. I’m so glad there are things like this for students like me—and I can’t wait for the next one! The food was also amazing.”

Other students echoed similar sentiments, describing the workshop as “wonderful,” “a perfect place to begin building confidence,” and expressing enthusiasm for more frequent sessions with additional opportunities for networking and peer connection.

About the Confidence Collective

The Confidence Collective is a dynamic initiative designed to empower college students with the skills, self-assurance, and networks they need to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, the Confidence Collective helps students take risks, set meaningful goals, and build the kind of authentic networks that last well beyond graduation.

Goals of the Initiative

• Strengthen student confidence both mentally and physically

• Provide practical tools for professional etiquette (networking, dining, communication, and public speaking)

• Explore risk-taking, resilience, and humility as essential elements of growth

• Develop practical skills in goal-setting and financial planning

• Connect students with mentors and role models across diverse industries

• Foster a safe, supportive space to share vulnerability and build authentic networks 

The inaugural workshop drew students from across campus who engaged in reflection activities, networking exercises, and a goal-setting challenge designed to encourage continued growth between sessions.

Lunch was provided by H. Jackson Events, showcasing Chef Hollie Jackson’s signature approach to bringing people together through food and conversation.

For more information about upcoming Confidence Collective workshops, contact Dr. Paige Viren at pviren@csumb.edu or visit: csumb.edu/hospitality