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2025 Rose Award Honorees
- Barb Meiers
Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Ben Gordon
Commission Row - Dakota McLaughlin
Newfields
- Ian Tumwesigye
The Westin Indianapolis - Jamal Corbitt
Hotel Nickel Plate, Fishers - Jennifer Condon
Indianapolis Airport Authority
Wilmon Alvies
Citizens Energy Group
Candice Baker
Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing
Letti Balingga
Fairfield Inn & Suites Whitestown
Theresa Bauerle
Sodexo Live!
Kayla Bledsoe
IndyGo
Sarah Brown
Provision
Jazmin Cabanas
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis
Marcie Cates
CoHatch Zionsville
Jonathan Chabal
HC Tavern + Kitchen
Karen Cheek
Daniel’s Vineyard
Abbigail Clausen
Candlewood Suites Downtown Medical District
Jennifer Condon
Indianapolis Airport Authority
Jamal Corbitt
Hotel Nickel Plate
Aminah Coyne
Accent Indy, A DMC Network Company
Centoya Deane
The Heirloom Event Center @ N.K. Hurst
Dawayne Dillard
The Alexander
Savannah Donaldson
Holiday Inn Express
Mary Downey
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Tiffany Ellis
Embassy Suites Hotel Indianapolis Downtown
Jannie Figures
Embassy Suites Hotel Indianapolis Downtown
Evelia Flores
Sheraton Indianapolis City Center
Miguel Flores
Ironworks Hotel-Indy
John Fraction
JW Marriott
Michael Gaddis
Sheraton Indianapolis City Center
Celeste Garner
Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport
Jordyn Gasser
Bottleworks Hotel
Ben Gordon
Commission Row
Corey Green
St. Elmo Steak House
Monalisa Gregory
Hilton Garden Inn Fishers Northeast
Steve Hambrick
TownePlace Suites Indianapolis Airport
Dara Hazzard
Markey’s
Natalie Holiday
120 West
Jonelle Holt
Lucas Oil Stadium
Jennifer Ingersoll
Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Inc.
Mary Ingersoll
Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Inc.
Haylee Jeter
Homewood Suites Keystone Crossing
Michael Kossick
Conrad Indianapolis
James Ledesma
Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael
Madison Lindsey
InterContinental Indianapolis
Lou Locander
Marriott IndyPlace
Eduardo (Foca) Magdaleno
Commission Row
Tina Makaena
Embassy Suites Plainfield Indianapolis Airport
Josue Maldonado
Renaissance Indianapolis North
Callie McCune
Indianapolis Airport Authority
Dakota McLaughlin
Newfields: A Place for Nature & The Arts
Barb Meiers
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Jesse Messenger
Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
Karina Meza
Tru By Hilton Indianapolis Lawrence
Jesus Ochoa
Tru By Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
Irma Rodarte Olivaris
Omni Severin Hotel
Chelsea Pendergraft
ClusterTruck
Bill Prather
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Robert (Tommy) Reese
Citizens Energy Group
Grace Santos
The Alexander
Daniel Scharbrough
Indiana Historical Society
Debbie Sennett
Harry & Izzy’s Northside
Nathan Short
Le Meridien
Connie Smith
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
Haley Stessman
Social Cantina Downtown Indianapolis
Mark Steward
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Jennifer Straube
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
Theodore Todd Thompson
Hyatt Place Hyatt House Downtown Indianapolis
Tim Alan Thompson
The Cabaret
Bruce Tisdale
Indianapolis Indians
Maria Guadalupe Tlahuetl
Omni Severin Hotel
Ian Tumwesigye
The Westin
Patrick Twyman
Le Meridien
Luis Olivares Vargas
Omni Severin Hotel
Marlene Santamaria Vargas
Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
Andy Warrene
Royal Transportation
LaShawna “Shawna” Warren
Crowne Plaza Union Station
Ashley Williams
Pacers Sports & Entertainment
Ryan York
Hotel Carmichael
Jax Zinkie
Encore Global
Barb Meiers — Media Center Host
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
For more than two decades, Barb Meiers has been the welcoming face of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Media Center. As the Media Center Host, Barb ensures that journalists from around the world experience the very best of Hoosier Hospitality. She memorizes over 500 media seat assignments each May, delivers water to drivers fresh from interviews, and arrives by 3 a.m. on race days to ensure every detail is flawless. Barb is described by colleagues as the "heartbeat of the Media Center," shaping the global story of IMS with her tireless behind-the-scenes work. Since 2001, she has treated every guest with genuine care, and her pride in the Speedway’s traditions has made her an irreplaceable part of its legacy.
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Ben Gordon — Server
Commission Row
At Commission Row, Ben Gordon delivers far more than just fine dining service. As a server, Ben consistently creates unforgettable experiences through his genuine enthusiasm, deep menu knowledge, and attention to personal touches. Visit Indy and hotel partners frequently request Ben when hosting important guests, and he has received more guest praises than any other team member in the past year. Fluent in Chinese and a passionate family man, Ben recently earned his sommelier certification while balancing fatherhood of newborn twins. After his shifts, he continues studying wine labels and perfecting his craft, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence..
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Dakota McLaughlin — Guest Experience Associate
Newfields
Since joining Newfields as a Guest Experience Associate, Dakota McLaughlin has impressed guests and colleagues alike with his warmth, energy, and tireless spirit. Dakota not only welcomes visitors with a friendly smile but also creates personalized experiences that enhance every visit. He is described by coworkers as the embodiment of "LOVE," consistently leaving every space better than he found it. Beyond Newfields, Dakota volunteers extensively across Indianapolis, supporting causes from Pride events to public health fairs, and even taking 12 shifts in 18 days during the Indiana State Fair. Having overcome significant personal challenges, Dakota embodies resilience, kindness, and a genuine passion for making a positive difference..
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Ian Tumwesigye — Guest Services Agent
The Westin Indianapolis
At The Westin Indianapolis, Guest Services Agent Ian Tumwesigye offers a level of hospitality that leaves a lasting impression on every guest he meets. Originally from Uganda, Ian brings professionalism, warmth, and a relentless drive to improve guest experiences. He is known for befriending guests who need a listening ear, once even dining with a grieving guest to offer comfort outside of work hours. Ian’s personal sacrifice, such as missing his grandfather’s funeral to continue building his life in America, highlights his dedication and resilience. Known by his colleagues as "simply the best," Ian truly represents the spirit of Hoosier Hospitality..
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Jamal Corbitt — Front Desk Agent
Hotel Nickel Plate, Fishers
Walk into Hotel Nickel Plate in Fishers and you will likely be greeted by the infectious smile of Jamal Corbitt. As a Front Desk Agent, Jamal is known for making every guest feel like a longtime friend. He once decorated a guest’s anniversary room himself, purchasing flowers out of his own pocket, and organized a heartfelt sympathy card for a grieving guest signed by the entire hotel team. Jamal also volunteers countless hours with a recovery program supporting others battling addiction. His attention to detail, compassion, and inspiring personal journey create unforgettable experiences for guests and colleagues alike..
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Jennifer Condon — Guest Services Assistant
Indianapolis Airport Authority
At Indianapolis International Airport, Guest Services Assistant Jennifer Condon plays a crucial role in delivering the exceptional hospitality the airport is known for. Jennifer is a problem-solver and a relationship builder who goes beyond expectations to ensure travelers' needs are met. She created a color-coded contact booklet with over 100 numbers to help streamline guest service and made over 100 friendship bracelets to welcome Swifties during the Taylor Swift concert weekend. Although she has guided millions of passengers, she has never flown herself but looks forward to her first flight this year. Jennifer’s positive attitude and incredible work ethic make her an invaluable asset to the airport’s success..
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