Earlier this month, on March 8, we celebrated International Women’s Day. And all throughout this month, there’s an emphasis on women’s history. Whether you turn on the TV, open a newspaper, scroll social or surf the ’net, you’ll see campaigns that celebrate women, sharing their journeys, their struggles, their triumphs.
In our industry alone, there hasn’t been a day that goes by that I don’t check my email to find another story about women in our industry—successful women at all levels—who are being recognized for their accomplishments and achievements in their individual jobs, as well as those who are being acknowledged for continuing to pave the way for others to develop their potential in elevated roles.
We’re all aware of the large-scale efforts by larger organizations, such as Wyndham’s “Women Own the Room” program; events such as the AHLA’s ForWard Conference; and initiatives such as the Castell Project—and the trade media has covered them all.
Then, there are the stories of pioneering moves, such as Marriott’s recent appointment of Marina Krasnobrizhaya as GM of the St Regis Riyadh Hotel, slated to open this summer. She is the first woman to hold the position of GM at Marriott International in Saudi Arabia and the country’s first woman to lead a luxury hotel. That’s huge.
But there are so, so many stories. And so, so many women. Far too many to mention here. And ones who may not get the media attention they deserve. Following are just a few who have been brought to my attention recently, so I thought I’d share a quick snapshot.
There’s Sarah Eustis, CEO, Main Street Hospitality, who comes from three generations of family hospitality leadership. And Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, president/COO, Flag Luxury Group, who is making her mark on the NYC skyline. Let’s mention Laura McKoy, creative director/VP, interior design, Omni Hotels & Resorts, who leads the efforts for new development, capital improvement and renovations. And did you know that Sue Glasscock is the cofounder/chief creative director of The Ranch Malibu, which seeks to change people’s lives through health, wellness, nature and design? Azra Dzino, director of operations & revenue management, The Godfrey Hotel Boston, joins Katie Muccio, director of sales, at that property to lead and inspire their teams at the hotel. Beatrice Tollman is the founder/president of the successful and admired Red Carnation Hotel Collection. And what about longtime GM Heidi Stone, who is now the president/CEO of Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, VA—the original site where the beloved film Dirty Dancing was filmed 35 years ago?
Then there’s my male friend, Sunny Tolani, CEO, Prince Organization, an advocate for, among many things, gender parity, and who is working to create a “healthier every day for every woman.” He gave his hourly-wage women employees paid time off on March 8 to encourage them to “make a commitment to their own health and the health of the women and children in their lives.”
One of my favorite quotes is this: “You can always tell who the strong women are. They’re the ones you see building one another up instead of tearing each other down.”
I was very lucky early in my career to have that boss, that leader in my life, as I started my journey in publishing. Someone who walked that walk and talked that talk. She was powerful yet empathetic. Decisive yet compassionate. Busy, but always had time. Accepted explanations but never excuses. And prepared me for the role I now have today. We’ve all heard it so many times before, but it works: Invest in her, mentor her, champion her. Often, there’s a leader in there who just needs someone to show them the way.
Thank you to all of the amazing women who have mentored me, inspired me, taught me, challenged me, taken a chance on me, supported me, paved the way for me, encouraged me, motivated me and lifted me.
Both professionally and personally. While there are too many to list here, trust me, that list is forever carried in my heart
