Jokima Hiller

Dr. Jokima Hiller-Lewis

Dr. Jokima Hiller-Lewis believes leadership begins with one simple question: "How do you make people feel?" That question became the foundation for The Care Standard™, a leadership philosophy she developed that equips leaders with practical strategies for intentionally demonstrating care, strengthening workplace culture, and improving organizational performance. Built on the belief that caring for people is not simply the right thing to do but one of the smartest business strategies an organization can embrace, The Care Standard™ reflects Dr. Hiller-Lewis's conviction that leaders who intentionally care for people build stronger teams, elevate organizational performance, and create lasting impact. After more than three decades in hospitality, business, entrepreneurship, and higher education, she has dedicated her career to advancing this philosophy through teaching, research, writing, speaking, and leadership development.

Her journey in hospitality began at just fifteen years old with her first hotel position. What started summer internship soon became a lifelong calling. Through decades of experience in hotel operations, entrepreneurship, higher education, consulting, and leadership development, Dr. Hiller-Lewis has remained committed to one mission: preparing leaders who understand that people—not buildings, brands, or amenities—are the true heart of hospitality.

That same entrepreneurial spirit emerged during her college years when she founded Hiller Ink, designing custom invitations and event materials while assisting families with weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, and family reunions. She later expanded her business experience as co-owner of an online marketing company operating through a dropshipping business model. These entrepreneurial experiences continue to shape the practical, real-world perspective she brings to her teaching, research, and leadership.

Dr. Hiller-Lewis earned a bachelor's degree in Restaurant, Hotel, Institutional, and Tourism Management from Purdue University Northwest, a Master of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management, and a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management from Iowa State University. She has shared her passion for hospitality and business education through the online Hiller School of Hospitality, The Chef's Academy, Harrison College, Missouri State University, and Indiana University Northwest, where she proudly teaches students in her hometown of Gary, Indiana. A recipient of the Indiana University Northwest Trustee's Teaching Award, she is recognized for creating engaging learning environments that prepare students not only to succeed professionally but also to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose.

Her scholarship reflects the same commitment to advancing the profession. Dr. Hiller-Lewis's research focuses on social intelligence in hospitality leadership, employee development, entrepreneurship, hospitality education, and improving travel experiences for individuals with physical disabilities. Her work consistently bridges theory and practice, providing leaders with research-informed strategies they can immediately apply within their organizations.

One of the defining moments of Dr. Hiller-Lewis's life occurred while serving as the first African American faculty member in the Hospitality Leadership Department at Missouri State University, when she became a right leg above-the-knee amputee. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she transformed the experience into a deeper understanding of resilience, accessibility, empathy, and servant leadership. Living with chronic pain while continuing to educate, mentor, write, and serve has reinforced her belief that exceptional leaders are remembered less for their titles than for how they make people feel.

This conviction inspired the continued development of The Care Standard™, an emerging body of leadership resources designed to help organizations intentionally create workplace cultures where employees feel seen, valued, appreciated, and empowered. Through books, educational tools, workshops, consulting, and professional development programs, Dr. Hiller-Lewis continues to challenge leaders to recognize that caring for employees is not simply good leadership—it is good business.

Her growing body of work reflects this philosophy. She is the co-author of The RevPAR Formula and The Red Book; author of 7 EASY Ways to Show Your Employees YOU Care!; contributor to the collaborative publication I Survived; and creator of the inspirational children's books Sabrina and Her New Shoe and Sabrina, The ShoeperHero. She is also the founder of The Hiller-Lewis Group, where she develops practical leadership resources and educational programs that equip organizations to build stronger workplace cultures through intentional care and service.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Hiller-Lewis serves as a speaker, consultant, workshop facilitator, mentor, podcaster, and advocate for the hospitality profession. Through her podcast, Your Hospitality Moment that Mentors!, she continues investing in current and future hospitality professionals by sharing practical leadership lessons grounded in experience, research, and service.

Dr. Hiller-Lewis's influence has earned international recognition from the International Hospitality Institute, which named her one of the 25 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality (2021), one of the 100 Most Powerful People in USA Hospitality (2022), one of the 30 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality (2022), one of the Notable Leaders of 2023, and one of the 50 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality (2024). These recognitions reflect not only her contributions as an educator and researcher but also her enduring commitment to developing leaders who understand that hospitality is, at its core, the art and science of caring for people.

Whether teaching in the classroom, mentoring emerging professionals, conducting research, writing, or speaking to audiences around the world, Dr. Jokima Hiller-Lewis continues to redefine what hospitality leadership can be. Her work demonstrates that the greatest legacy an educator can leave is not measured solely by publications, presentations, or awards, but by the lives transformed through compassionate leadership. Through her unwavering commitment to education, inclusion, and service, she is helping shape the next generation of hospitality and business professionals while advancing a vision in which caring is no longer viewed as optional—it becomes the standard.