Who We Are
The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS) is a private organization that honors excellence in luxury hospitality, travel, and services through its prestigious Star Diamond Awards. With a global presence, the Academy recognizes top-performing hotels, restaurants, chefs, luxury brands, products, and services for outstanding quality and service.
In 1989, under the visionary leadership of Joseph Cinque, the Academy moved its headquarters to New York City and was renamed to reflect its expanded global mission. The International Star Diamond Award, its most coveted honor, is presented only to the most exceptional hotels, restaurants, chefs, destinations, and luxury brands that embody a true commitment to excellence.
With an elite board of trustees and trusted sources around the world, AAHS conducts thorough evaluations based on quality, hospitality, service, and innovation. Over the decades, it has proudly recognized industry icons and world-renowned chefs including Thomas Keller, Alain Ducasse, Massimo Bottura, and many more.
Now led by Joseph Cinque and his daughter Emma Cinque, the Academy continues to expand its influence—honoring tradition while embracing the future. Emma brings a fresh vision and a digital-forward approach to luxury, ensuring the Academy remains a driving force in recognizing excellence across generations and industries.
With the most recent addition of Brandon Dawson, Natalie Dawson, and Grant & Elena Cardone, AAHS is poised to extend its reach even further—celebrating world-class excellence across more global brands than ever before.
Wherever your journey takes you, look for the Star Diamond—an emblem of the world’s finest.
Our Trustees
Board of Trustees,
Executive Award Advisor
Elena cardone
Elena Cardone is a speaker, author, and mentor with deep experience in leadership, business, and philanthropy. As cofounder of the Grant Cardone Foundation, she leads initiatives that equip underserved youth with vital financial and entrepreneurial skills. With a background in entertainment and advocacy, Elena brings valuable expertise to the Star Diamond Award board, helping recognize individuals whose contributions create lasting impact.
International Trustee,
Executive Award Advisor
MANDY LEVINE
With nearly two decades of experience in hospitality, Mandy has cultivated a deep understanding of service excellence across every corner of the industry. Her career spans country clubs, fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels and spas, concert venues, and major sporting events. Mandy has dedicated her career to understanding what defines excellence and how it transforms moments into lasting impressions. Now, she’s eager to bring that perspective to a new chapter, recognizing and celebrating leaders who share her dedication to service.
Board of Trustees,
Executive Award Advisor
Natalie Dawson
Natalie is a renowned expert in business growth and scaling, with a unique focus on the people dynamics that fuel operational excellence. With a proven track record of elevating businesses, she brings deep expertise in aligning people, processes, and performance. She looks forward to applying this perspective to the nominee review process, drawing on her years of experience to recognize and celebrate excellence across luxury, service, products, and hospitality.
Vice Chairman AAHS
Brandon Dawson
Brandon is recognized for his transformative approach, helping companies achieve rapid, sustainable growth. With decades of experience driving performance across a range of industries, he has a keen eye for what distinguishes truly exceptional businesses. In his role with the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, he applies his deep expertise in operational excellence and strategic growth to identify and celebrate industry leaders.