From a childhood dream sparked at 30,000 feet to a career that spans international hotel chains and government leadership roles, Sharon Aluwani Mukhola brings a global perspective and a passion for hospitality education to the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Business as a visiting Fulbright Scholar.
A native of Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, Mukhola describes her hometown as a vibrant blend of suburban and urban environments.
“Pretoria is known as the ‘South African Dream’ and serves as a cultural hub, attracting people from various provinces for work,” she said.
Mukhola’s career reflects a deep commitment to both hospitality and education, rooted in her upbringing. Her father is a deputy chancellor and her mother a teacher.
“Growing up, I often joked that I didn’t have a choice in my career path; it felt like a ‘family business,’” she said.
The values instilled by her parents, particularly her father’s belief in the transformative power of education, have profoundly shaped her own journey.
Her interest in hospitality began during a childhood vacation to Germany, where she became fascinated with flight attendants. That early passion, coupled with attending hospitality expos, propelled her into a dynamic career in an industry she loves.
Mukhola began her career at Pretoria Hotels (Marriott), starting as a receptionist before advancing to assistant front office manager and key account manager. Her hard work earned her numerous awards, including Coordinator of the Year and Sales Executive of the Year.
She later transitioned to the public sector, taking on leadership roles at the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA). There, she worked to enhance skills development and professional empowerment within the hospitality sector.
Currently, Mukhola serves as a GAP Academic in Hospitality Management at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where she focuses on improving graduate employability and fostering professional development.
“With a profound dedication to empowering the next generation of hospitality leaders, I am actively involved in designing and implementing programs tailored to meet the industry’s evolving needs,” she said.
Holding an MBA and several postgraduate qualifications, Mukhola is using her Fulbright experience to expand her understanding of global practices in hospitality education. Her time at NCCU has offered insights into key differences between South African and U.S. hospitality programs.
“In South Africa, education focuses more on entry-level positions, while NCCU’s program emphasizes management skills and applied learning, preparing students for leadership roles,” she explained.
She also shared that the integration of artificial intelligence and custom experiences appears to be more advanced in the U.S., indicating a greater readiness for evolving industry challenges.
Mukhola is no stranger to the U.S. She has visited several times, including professional development programs at Cornell University, but her arrival in North Carolina and at NCCU stood out.
“My first impression of North Carolina was overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “The warm welcome from colleagues made a big difference.”
Mukhola sees clear parallels between NCCU and TUT in their shared commitment to first-generation college students. However, she notes NCCU’s strong emphasis on business skills and independence.
“Many NCCU students arrive with prior work experience, which gives them a unique edge,” she said.
Berkita Bradford, Ph.D., chair of the hospitality and tourism administration department, has enjoyed working alongside Mukhola.
“Her energy, research expertise, and international outlook have not only inspired our students but have also elevated NCCU’s visibility on the global stage,” Bradford said. “Sharon’s presence fosters cross-cultural collaboration and encourages our students to think beyond borders as they prepare for successful careers.”
The Fulbright Scholar program at NCCU is supported by the Office of International Affairs, led by James Ham, director of international affairs, in collaboration with William Guzman, Ph.D., assistant vice chancellor for international programs and community engagement.
“Often, when we embrace international students and scholars, it’s seen as an act of benevolence, but it’s really a principle of reciprocity,” said Ham. “We’re learning as much from Sharon’s value system and worldview as she may be learning from us.”
Having a multifaceted portfolio of scholars and students is critical for HBCUs like NCCU,” added Guzman. “It brings the best and brightest from around the world, and a focus on international business makes our students more competitive, not just in skills and aptitude, but in perspective.