Conglomerate Magazine

Dr. Ujwala Sonawane: Forging Paths for the Future Generation of Hospitality Professionals

As the hospitality sector continues to expand and diversify, the role of visionary professionals within this realm becomes increasingly vital in preparing students to meet the challenges and opportunities of a globalized industry. Leaders who are passionate about developing talent, have a strong grasp of industry dynamics, and are dedicated to quality play a critical role in influencing the future generation of hospitality professionals.

Among the names of these leaders, Principal Dr. Ujwala Sonawane’s strive for upholding the educational standards at Magarpatta College of Hospitality is one to watch out for.

Dr. Ujwala Sonawane is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 30 years of extensive
experience in managing academic programs in Hospitality Operations and Management, both
nationally and internationally, adhering to rigorous quality standards. She is recognized as an
expert and soft skills trainer within the hospitality industry, specializing in Food and
Beverage service and Production. Dr. Ujwala holds a PhD in Hotel Management, a Masters
in Tourism Management, and a Degree in Hotel Administration, complemented by
certifications including WSET, ServSafe, and professional training in Wine, Beer, and
Tequila appreciation.

Commitment to Continuous Development

An Alumnus of IHM Mumbai, Dr. Ujwala combines a strong business acumen with a knack
for creating business development procedures, devising effective marketing strategies, and
formulating service delivery plans and guidelines. Her career spans both industry practice and
academic leadership, reflecting her commitment to continuous personal and professional
development to meet evolving industry needs.

She has strong business acumen with expertise in creating business development procedures,
marketing strategies as well as service delivery plans and guidelines with a clear
understanding & experience of the operating each of the designated business units as a
separate profit centre.

Dr. Ujwala has successfully created various Global University tie ups with Sheffield Hallam
University, Queen Margret University, University of Reading, Curtin University, Griffith
University, PHIMS New Zealand, Whitireia and Weltec , New Zealand, HTMI Switzerland.
for Hospitality and Culinary, BBA, Computer Science, PGDM, Fashion and Design and
health Science courses.

Mastering Hospitality Excellence

Dr. Ujwala’s career journey reflects her expertise in hospitality training and management
across diverse roles. As Corporate Training Manager at Aaramark Facilities Management
Company, she oversaw training requirements nationwide, developing comprehensive training
manuals and modules for entry-level to senior employees. Dr. Ujwala strategically planned
training evaluations and assessments, ensuring effective outcomes. She played a pivotal role
in establishing the training department at the Mumbai head office, compiling specialized
modules for departments such as Food and Beverage Service, Production, and Housekeeping.
Coordinating with Johnson Diversey and Site staff, she conducted training sessions for
various levels of management and staff, including senior managers and base-level employees.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ujwala has demonstrated leadership in recruiting, directing, and
training multicultural teams, fostering continuous career development and operational
excellence. Her achievements include designing retention and incentive policies to enhance
workforce efficiency and team growth. Committed to advancing hospitality education, she
mentors young hotel management educators, emphasizing modern teaching methodologies
and the importance of ongoing self-development for aspiring hospitality professionals.

With 2 years of experience as Corporate Training Manager at Mango Hotels, Dr. Ujwala
excelled in overseeing comprehensive training initiatives for the group. Her responsibilities
included managing both technical and managerial training programs, with a focus on food
safety and HACCP standards. Dr. Ujwala actively addressed operational challenges,
enhanced guest relations, and implemented systems and procedures, particularly in the Food
and Beverage Service and Food Production departments. She demonstrated expertise in
identifying behavioral patterns among employees and designed tailored training programs to
optimize guest satisfaction. Her role underscored her commitment to operational excellence
and enhancing employee performance within the hospitality sector.

Upholding Educational Standards
In her role overseeing Queen Margaret University’s programs from 2016 onwards, Dr.
Ujwala effectively managed the Bachelors of Arts in International Hospitality Tourism
Management and BA in Culinary Arts across campuses in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Her
responsibilities included administering the academics for both campuses, restructuring and
redesigning the curriculum, and initiating short-term programs tailored to diverse student
demographics and industry demands.

Dr. Ujwala ensured the efficient operation of the hotel school within university policies,
overseeing academic processes and practices to maintain and enhance academic integrity. She
organized faculty development programs aimed at improving teaching methodologies and
upheld educational standards aligned with industry trends. Dr. Ujwala utilized her extensive
industry connections to enrich educational opportunities and experiences for students during
her tenure with Queen Margaret University’s hospitality programs in Mumbai.

Paving Ideal Paths

Dr. Ujwala brings a wealth of experience as an educationist with a deep connection to young
students and emerging talent. With over 30 years in the hospitality sector, she possesses a
unique ability to guide students towards successful careers. Dr. Ujwala finds immense
satisfaction in nurturing student development, leveraging her extensive industry experience to
impart practical knowledge and direction.
In addition to her academic role, Dr. Ujwala highlights the advantages of the educational field
for women, noting the favorable working hours and policies that facilitate a balanced
approach to home and career responsibilities. Her perspective underscores the potential for
women to thrive in both professional and personal spheres within the hospitality industry and
academia.
To engage students and keep them motivated, Dr. Ujwala uses following strategies

  • Industry academia collaboration – Dr. Ujwala emphasizes the critical collaboration
    between industry and academia to enrich students’ learning experiences with new-age
    and practical knowledge. She advocates for guest lectures, field exposure, and realtime skills training as essential components for student success and development.
  • Events and activities – Dr. Ujwala actively engages students in live projects, events,
    and activities on campus. She believes these experiences are pivotal in nurturing the
    skill-based education required in the industry.
  • Faculty student ratio – By Maintaining a healthy faculty-student ratio, Dr. Ujwala
    ensures close interaction and personalized guidance for students throughout their
    educational journey. This approach empowers students with the necessary skill sets
    and directs them toward achieving their goals.
  • Practice writing – Addressing the diminishing writing skills among students, Dr.
    Ujwala incorporates regular assignments and studies focused on enhancing writing
    proficiency. Additionally, she underscores the significance of English communication
    skills in today’s job market, conducting post-college English communication classes at
    Magarpatta College of Hospitality to refine students’ language abilities.
    Dr. Ujwala has significantly contributed to uplifting education at Magarpatta College of
    Hospitality through innovative initiatives:
  • Earn and Learn Opportunity: Offers students the chance to learn during college
    hours and work in the industry after college hours, promoting practical learning and
    industry exposure.
  • Skill Empowerment for Hotel Employees: Provides opportunities for hotel
    employees with practical knowledge but lacking formal qualifications to pursue
    education at the college, enabling them to achieve their career aspirations.

Addressing Educational Challenges
Dr. Ujwala highlights the imperative of developing a curriculum aligned with industry standards across universities. She emphasizes the necessity for universities to recognize this need and pursue curriculum development rigorously to meet current industry demands. Dr. Ujwala’s approach underscores her proactive stance in addressing educational challenges by advocating for curriculum reforms that ensure students receive relevant and practical education conducive to succeeding in their chosen fields.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ujwala, Magarpatta College of Hospitality embodies inclusive practices through several key initiatives. At the beginning of each academic year, new students engage in an induction program to acquaint themselves with faculty and peers. Regular parent-teacher meetings foster strong connections between educators and families, promoting a collaborative approach to student development. Practical sessions are conducted in small groups to ensure personalized learning experiences. While classes are primarily delivered in English, the faculty remains open to using other languages to accommodate diverse student needs. The college utilizes smart classrooms that integrate lectures, digital activities, videos, and traditional textbooks, catering to various learning styles and enhancing educational outcomes.

A Pursuit of Hospitality Excellence

The Vision of Magarpatta College of Hospitality is to be a leading institution providing world class hospitality education, creating highly skilled professionals equipped to meet the evolving needs of the global hospitality industry. Its Goal is to be the best hospitality school with Global exposure.

Dr. Ujwala believes in differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all the learners. A good balance in faculty student ratio at Magarpatta College of Hospitality helps in achieving it. Faculties are well connected with students and understand the needs of IQ, language, medium of instruction and continuous mentoring throughout the semesters.

Dr. Ujwala has garnered several awards, accolades, and recognitions throughout her career:

  • Dr. Ujwala has garnered several awards, accolades, and recognitions throughout her career: She was awarded the Rising Star Excellence Award by Bharat Good Times in 2024.
  • Dr. Ujwala successfully completed her PhD in 2024.
  • Magarpatta College of Hospitality, under her leadership, was recognized with the Times Education Icon Award for Best Leading College in East Pune.
  • She has participated in panel discussions with various hotel brands during their management training programs.
  • Dr. Ujwala has served as a member of the Curriculum Development Committee at the University of Mumbai, contributing to the enhancement of educational standards and practices.

Magarpatta College of Hospitality distinguishes itself with several unique selling propositions:

  • The college offers English language classes for students after regular college hours, enhancing their language proficiency and employability skills.
  • Students benefit from global internship and placement opportunities, reflecting the college’s strong international connections and industry reputation.
  • With a remarkable track record, students receive multiple job offers, achieving a 100% placement rate.
  • The college prioritizes practical exposure for students within the hospitality industry, preparing them with hands-on experience and industry-ready skills.
  • Faculty members are encouraged to participate in Faculty Development Programs focused on skill enhancement, often collaborating with star hotels to stay updated with industry trends and practices.

The college plans to be one of the most sought-after hotel schools in Pune, expanding its branches to other parts of Maharashtra.

Principles for Academic Achievement and Personal Growth

Dr. Ujwala encourages all students to learn through challenges, emphasizing the importance of dedication and sincerity towards education for future success. She advises students to strategize by making plans, breaking down tasks, and working steadily towards their goals. Dr. Ujwala underscores the significance of continuous learning, noting that learning is a lifelong journey that only ceases when one chooses to stop. She advocates for maintaining a positive mindset, believing in the power of optimism and resilience in achieving personal and academic growth.