Meet Our Team
The Flats is staffed entirely by Loyola undergraduate students. These young professionals work diligently to ensure the hotel’s success.
Matthew Castellanos, President
Major/Minor: Finance major
Year: Junior graduating in the class of 2026
Hometown: Bolingbrook, IL
Hobbies: Traveling, trying new foods, and exploring new places!
Post-Grad aspirations: Start a career in Wealth Management or Investment Consulting
What I like about The Flats: “It gives me the opportunity to practice and learn new leadership skills while improving our business’ overall success!”
Rianne Fujinaga, VP of Operations
Major/Minor: Marketing major and Public Relations minor
Year: Junior graduating in the class of 2026
Hometown: Arcadia, CA
Hobbies: Dance, baking, and sewing
Post-grad aspirations: I hope to work for a marketing firm and plan PR Events for brand launches in the beauty and fashion industry!
What I like about The Flats: “I like working at The Flats because it allows me to have creative freedom with tasks and implement more efficiency within our services. It also lets me learn with other students my age and grow as a team!”
Danielle Omer, VP of Marketing
Major/Minor: Marketing major
Year: Junior graduating in the class of 2026
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Hobbies: Dancing, singing, and watching musical theatre!
Post-grad aspirations: I want to work in entertainment marketing industry in Chicago! Additionally, I want to continue to operate my own theater performance company: "sandstone kc".
What I like about The Flats: “The Flats gives me opportunities to excel in a real world business, as well as, a place to experiment and apply the marketing techniques I am studying in school!”
Marina Pedraza, VP of Finance
Major/Minor: Accounting major
Year: Junior graduating in the class of 2026.
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Hobbies: Writing, playing the ukulele, volunteering at cat shelters, and being in nature!
Post-grad aspirations: I hope to start my own residential architecture firm one day!
What I like about The Flats: “The people I am surrounded with and the professional experience!”
Amber Shuman, Guest Services Associate
Major/Minor: Environmental Science major, Political Science minor, Environmental Science and Sustainability Masters
Year: Senior graduating in the class of 2025
Hometown: St Louis, MO
Hobbies: Crochet, baking, and reading
Post-grad aspirations: To work in sustainable agriculture or anything with GIS, maybe both!
What I like about The Flats: “I like working at the Flats because it allows me to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests exploring the city of Chicago!”