Women’s History Month 2023

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. This year, we’re proud to showcase exceptional individuals in the corporate office and their personal/professional journeys.

Name a woman in your personal or professional life that inspires you.
A person I used to work for, who later became a friend, Nicole Young, the Senior Director of Commercial and Revenue for Rosewood Hotel Group, is often an inspiration to me. She is truly someone who marches to her very own beat. She drives herself forward, personally and professionally, with great intention, to reach goals and milestones she’s set for herself. Sometimes, when I find myself adrift, I ask myself, “What would Nicole do?” and the answer is almost always: “Do your thing.”

What inspired you to work in hospitality?
I am an accidental inn keeper; my first hotel job was more of a convenience than an aspiration. But, once I got started, I realized that my true love is taking care of people. It truly warms my heart when someone says that they felt cared for.

What advice would you give to women in our industry who may be facing biases?

Do your thing! Tune out the voices that tell you to be different or look different or that you simply can’t; double down on yourself and get it done!

Name a woman in your personal or professional life that inspires you.
My Mom, Jearlean Osborne. She will ALWAYS be my SHERO and MVP!

What inspired you to work in hospitality?
Growing up in a single parent household, my mom always taught us to be hospitable and when we had guests over. She has always opened her home up to anyone in need or need a place to stay. She taught us to make our guests feel like they are at home filled with lots of love. Since we are at work a majority of the time, I love feeling like I am at home. Hospitality is the true meaning of feeling at home filled with love and where people are kind.

What advice would you give to women in our industry who may be facing biases?

Be confident in who you are, and never doubt your worth and accomplishments! I recently stumbled upon a quote and it stated, “Confidence isn’t walking into a room thinking you’re better than everyone; it’s walking in not having to compare yourself to anyone at all.” Simply stated, know your worth and you’ll never have to rely on anyone else to place value on it. The ability to be great is not contingent upon gender, but simply on the desire to be great! I would say, although sometimes it’s intimidating being faced with the many biases, walk in your truth and lead by example! Your work will prove what you already know…that you are ENOUGH!

Name a woman in your personal or professional life that inspires you.

Judy Hendrick. I originally met Judy at my first hospitality job (Wyndham International). We then came full circle at Aimbridge Hospitality and she ended up being my mentor.

What inspired you to work in hospitality?

Honestly I had just been out of college for a couple of years and was trying to find my way in what I thought would be the perfect career path for me. While working at Wyndham International I saw great women leadership, actually two of the best who I had the pleasure of working with directly. They were women with decision-making power and were great role models whether they knew it or not. They cultivated and solidified my hospitality path.

What advice would you give to women in our industry who may be facing biases?

I would say don’t ever give up on your vision for yourself. Although women have made great strides in our industry we are still the minority when it comes to leadership roles. You‘ve got to find that one person or that one company that is willing to take a chance on you, your skillset and building you up. And most importantly everyone needs that mentor/mentee relationship so please find one.

Name a woman in your personal or professional life that inspires you.

My grandmother. She is such a DO-er. Never resting a beat, she is always doing something – whether it is for her career, her community, or her family. My grandma inspires me to keep moving, to get up and act, to DO. There are no days off; there is always something that can be done.

What inspired you to work in hospitality?

Like many, I was very tempted to pursue an education and career in STEM, but I couldn’t shake the desire to work with people over machines. After working in bars & restaurants throughout high school and college, staying in the hospitality space seemed like a natural fit for me. I love spending time working with and serving other people. In today’s world, technology makes it so easy to connect with others, but in-person human interaction is irreplaceable. People are the heart of our business.

What advice would you give to women in our industry who may be facing biases?

If you don’t see the representation you want, you are enough to be that person. Change cannot happen without action and influence. Step up and force the change you would like to see.