Shopping+Tourism: What’s Not to Love?

With her background in retail, it seems as though a career at Mall of America would be the perfect fit for Isabella Rhawie. While was growing up, she helped her parents run their jewelry store and was always taught that hard work is good for you.

Isabella, who initially wanted to work only for Mall of America, got a feel for some of the departments and found her niche in the tourism department, where she could marry all of her loves: marketing, travel, and people.

Isabella is the tourism and specialty leasing coordinator for Mall of America. She introduces tour programs to Mall of America retailers and travel partners, conducts group tour activities, and maintains and organizes the brochure program with Explore Minnesota Tourism. As a part of her specialty leasing job, Isabella helps prepare, file, organize, scout, and maintain all short-term leasing within the mall.

Recently, Isabella helped launch the Mall of America Group Experiences, four new group activities throughout the mall that give guests options for something fun and entertaining.

Being innovative is one of Isabella’s strong suits, one she’s had since before working at the mall. “I was always taught that hard work is good for you,” she said, “and I think that it helped set a foundation that got me to where I am today.” For inspiration and fresh ideas, Isabella reads online content, watches the news, and checks out what’s trending on social media. She also bounces ideas off of her friends and family. 

As the youngest next gen featured in Groups Today, Isabella advises other next gens looking to get where she is to make as many connections as possible. “You never know when someone you meet could open a door for you or present an opportunity,” she said. 

“Human connections are becoming rare with technology these days, but there is value to knowing how to communicate with others. I believe face-to-face interaction is still the most influential form of communication.” 

Isabella Rhawie was nominated as one of the Top Ten Next Gens in the January 2014 issue of Groups Today magazine. Click here to learn more about the Top Ten, and stay tuned to our website for more in-depth profiles on these innovative people in the group travel industry.

Know a group travel professional making an impact on the industry with a fresh, progressive perspective? Nominate him or her for 2017's Top 10 Next Gen here.