Nescot students get an inspirational masterclass from Jo Rzymowska

Students at Nescot had the opportunity to hear from Jo Rzymowska, inspirational speaker and former Managing Director of Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruises, about her remarkable career journey last week. Jo’s lecture is the first in a series of 'NES Talks' (Nescot Educational Seminars) to encourage and motivate our learners.

The college’s Adrian Mann Theatre was filled with over 200 students from public service, sport, hair, beauty, childcare, catering and travel & tourism and staff. They were eager to hear about Jo’s careers in the cruise industry alongside her own incredible career journey from studying at an FE college, working as a travel rep to progressing into senior roles with Thomas Cook, Universal Resorts and Walt Disney Parks before moving to the cruise sector. Jo is also an internationally recognised champion for equality, diversity and inclusion. She was recently named in Attitude Magazine’s 2024 list of the 101 most influential LGBTQ+ trailblazers.

Jo Rzymowska said, “I was honoured to be the first guest speaker at Nescot’s NES Talks. It was a joy to meet so many wonderful students who are starting out on their journey to plan their future and hopefully inspire them about the opportunities within the cruise industry and wider travel industry. It is wonderful to see the future talent rising and I was so impressed with the students and staff at Nescot. What an incredible place to learn and grow. The future is bright and the world is their oyster!”

Jo was joined by Danielle Dixon, International HR Director at Royal Caribbean Group who spoke about careers in the cruise industry.

Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO at Nescot said, “It was an honour to host Jo Rzymowska to talk about her career and not just what she’s achieved but how she’s done it with compassion, kindness and championing equality, diversity and inclusion. This is the first in a series of NES Talks to encourage our learners to dream big.”

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