COMPANY First Hospitality

INDUSTRY SEGMENT Tourism & Hospitality

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 8 years

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY My favorite thing about working in hospitality is the ability to make a positive impact on both guests and team members, creating memorable experiences and fostering an inclusive environment.

FIRST ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY Breakfast attendant and housekeeper at Hampton Inn in Westchester, IL

CURRENT ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY Sales & Marketing Manager

CAREER GOAL One of my long-term career goals is to become an HR executive. I believe that in this role, I can further cultivate positive workplace cultures, support team development, and champion diversity on a larger scale.

WHAT HAS THE INDUSTRY TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF The industry has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of building strong relationships.

MOMENT OF SUCCESS Today, at 25 years old, I hold the position of Sales and Marketing Manager and have excelled in every role I’ve undertaken. Each position I've held has been rooted in my love for hospitality and serving others. It has been an honor to contribute to my industry, and I look forward to the continued growth and impact I can make in the future.

COMPANY Brazil Express Grill

INDUSTRY SEGMENT Food & Beverage

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 20 years in the industry and 12 years managing my own business.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY My favorite thing is to share our Brazilian food with the largest number of people possible.

FIRST ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY I started working as a hostess.

CURRENT ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY Business Owner

CAREER GOAL Expand the business and open a second restaurant.

WHAT HAS THE INDUSTRY TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF I had many obstacles on my journey, and it wasn’t a smooth road at all. I had to overcome obstacles like the lack of knowledge, not having access to financial resources, and even the language barrier. However, I learned that I was resilient. I always showed up no matter how big the challenge was and most of all, I was humble and looked for help when I needed it. I believed in myself when nobody else did and against all odds, I was able to open Brazil Express Grill in 2012.

MOMENT OF SUCCESS I never thought I would be capable of opening and operating a business in a country where I couldn’t even speak the language. My business meant more than creating jobs, helping the economy, or supporting my family. With hard work came recognition. We have been featured in magazines, podcasts, newspapers, and TV. I had the honor of being a featured author in the book series, “Today’s Inspired Latina”. But what I am most proud of is to have transformed our restaurant into the first Autism-Friendly restaurant approved by The Autism Hero Project, a non-profit organization that helps kids with Autism.

COMPANY Holiday Inn Express Crestwood/ IPD Hospitality

INDUSTRY SEGMENT Hotel & Accommodations

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 10 years

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY The aspect I love most about being in the industry is the opportunity to engage with and meet individuals from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.

FIRST ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY Housekeeping/Lobby Attendant

CURRENT ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY Director of Sales & Marketing

CAREER GOAL Chief Marketing Officer for a Fortune 500 company

WHAT HAS THE INDUSTRY TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF The industry has taught me that putting in effort, even when it seems unnoticed, eventually yields positive results.

MOMENT OF SUCCESS Due to recognition of my hard work and dedication I climbed from Housekeeping to Director of Sales at the same property.

COMPANY Meet Chicago Northwest

INDUSTRY SEGMENT Tourism & Hospitality

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 40 years

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY Meeting people from all over the world and realizing our shared thoughts and experiences outweigh our differences.

FIRST ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY Reservation Sales Agent for United Airlines’ Tour Desk

CURRENT ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY Director of Sales

CAREER GOAL To make an impact in travel and tourism and encourage people to experience and appreciate every opportunity. I’ve helped travelers see things they never imagined, aided locals uncover hidden gems in their own back yards, and assisted meeting planners book groups into a city they’ve never been to before. It comes down to being a knowledgeable, approachable, outgoing, supportive team player who works hard and reaps the benefits both personally and professionally.

WHAT HAS THE INDUSTRY TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF I am a passionate, adaptable, culturally-aware, patient, resilient hard-working woman. I am enough!

MOMENT OF SUCCESS Watching my former staff reach huge career goals far exceeding their initial role on my team. I am happy for their success.

COMPANY Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

INDUSTRY SEGMENT Meetings, Conventions, and Trade Shows

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 37 Years

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY What I most enjoy is working with meeting planners and show managers.

FIRST ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY I started out in this industry as a Houseman.

CURRENT ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY Convention Services Manager & Sales

CAREER GOAL My goal is continuing to collaborate with clients to fulfill their meeting, convention, and show needs.

WHAT HAS THE INDUSTRY TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF This industry has taught me how to anticipate and adjust to any challenge that might occur.

MOMENT OF SUCCESS Moments of success are receiving emails/calls from clients thanking our team for a successful event.