Shantal Kash (BSTHEM ’19) has thrived in her 20s by identifying what matters most to her: family, travel and building relationships.

Originally from New York, Kash, one of four siblings, was convinced by her older brothers to join them at the University of Florida in 2015. Kash, who originally studied applied physiology & kinesiology, initially set her sights on the medical field, gaining exposure in hospital and lab settings but ultimately decided that medicine was not for her. At a crossroads, Kash reflected on her passions and where she could see a future. Growing up as a competitive dancer, she enjoyed sports and travel, backpacking during her junior and senior semesters in Fiji, Bali and Australia. Kash’s future career perspective broadened to opportunities in the travel and tourism landscape, leading her to change her major to tourism, hospitality and event management.

In her final semester, Kash moved to Toronto and served as a VIP events and service assistant for the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership, where she supported interactive experiences, game-day operations and VIP after-parties for the NBA Finals, NBA Eastern Conference Finals, NBA Playoffs, and NHL Playoffs.

Upon graduation and ending her stay in Canada in late 2019, Kash left the western hemisphere and jet set to New Zealand to explore and gain experience in international hospitality, including hosting viewing parties for the Melbourne Cup and America’s Cup.

Fast forward to 2021, a year and a half since being in the States because of COVID-19, Kash moved closer to family and accepted a role as a ticket sales representative for the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, where she was named the top female in her program. During this time, Kash supported sales and partnerships for the Miami Grand Prix and Miami Open.

After learning the ins and outs of sporting events, Kash set her sights on returning to international hospitality. This time: Spain. In Barcelona, she worked as the head of business development for The Stoke Travel Co. She organized group trips, supported partnerships with universities and worked on-site with several international events, including La Batalla de Vino, La Tomatina, Festival of San Fermin, and Oktoberfest.

After her time in Spain, Kash returned to New York, where she now serves as a relationship manager at ENKORE International Enterprises, a Single-Family Office. She specializes in working with startups and investment funds across a variety of industries worldwide. In her role, Kash focuses on investor relations, leveraging her expertise in sales/partnerships, hospitality and events.

Looking back at her time at HHP, Kash reflects on the skills she gained through her studies and experiences at the college and how they’ve supported her today.

“HHP taught me to approach business with a scientific mindset,” Kash said. “Working on the business side of healthcare now, I see the clear overlap between the two fields. One lesson that has stuck with me since college is applying the scientific method—not just in science, but as a powerful tool in business for decision-making and problem-solving.”

When asked for advice for HHP students seeking a career path, Kash advocates for identifying your values and choosing a field that aligns best.

“Pick the three things in life that are the most important to you,” Kash said.

Additionally, she encourages students to explore opportunities within other countries to gain experience and perspective. In many foreign countries, working holiday visas are available to U.S. citizens under 30.

“Take the road less traveled,” Kash said. “People think they have to move to a big city in the U.S. or follow some set path to make it. But if you’ve got an idea that’s a little out there or different—go for it.”

[Profile added in 2025]

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