Grad Spotlight: Victoria Johnson

Originally from Philadelphia, winter graduate Victoria Johnson was set on attending Northampton Community College (NCC) after she took a Bethlehem campus tour in 2017. NCC’s on-campus housing and overall campus culture stood out to her and solidified her decision to enroll.  

After graduating high school, Johnson attended NCC from 2017 to 2019 before pausing to refocus and prioritize her personal growth. She returned in fall 2024 to complete her degree, determined to finish what she started. 

Inspired by her love of travel, Johnson discovered an interest in hotel and event management, with plans to pursue corporate event planning for a hotel. "When we stayed in hotels, I was always interested in the behind scenes like how they create a flawless guest experience or event.”  

As a hotel, restaurant, and event management  major, Johnson finds the most valuable experiences at NCC have come through hands-on learning, including industry field trips, networking opportunities, special events on campus, and serving at NCC’s student-run restaurant, Hampton Winds.  A member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), she joined to strengthen her leadership skills and prepare for her future career, gaining valuable guidance on professional development and transferring to a four-year institution. 

Johnson will continue her education at Johnson & Wales University, studying hotel operations and building the business foundation she needs for long-term success.  

“I’m very organized. I like perfecting small details, and I enjoy creating experiences. It would bring me joy to bring a client's vision to life,” she says of her future career. 

Johnson’s advice to fellow hospitality students is to stay in touch and make connections, noting that word of mouth can take a graduate far in the hospitality industry. 

As Johnson reflects on her time at NCC, she says, “The faculty at NCC, every member that's been part of my journey, has been supportive. It's a great place to get experience and have the resources you need to be successful now and later in life.”