Name: Julie C.
Position: Regional Vice President, Human Resources
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Dream destination: I’d really love to visit Alaska and see the beauty and majesty I’ve heard so much about.
Drink or treat of choice: Pizza, pizza and pizza. Did I mention pizza? I live in Chicago, and we have our fair share of pizza varieties. I love them all!

Julie always knew human resources was her calling, even before joining Marriott 30 years ago as an HR admin assistant.

“I loved it right from the start!” says Julie, who admits she didn’t know much about hospitality or Marriott prior to her first role with the company. “I was able to experience many roles in HR in the field all through my career including payroll, benefits administration and training. Over the years I’ve had a chance to work supporting some fantastic markets and amazing associates. My favorite role has always been as an HR business partner like I am now — helping everyone to balance and achieve their goals.”

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Julie has lived with a hearing disability her whole life, recalling that she first got hearing aids when she started with the company. “Marriott’s culture of inclusion has helped me thrive personally and made a better company for us all.”

In her three decades at Marriott, Julie has seen countless examples of kindness, generosity, and understanding towards associates at every level and, today, holding the impressive title of Regional Vice President of HR, Julie’s focus is to champion this culture of inclusion she’s experienced firsthand for all associates. “I am proud to work for this company and to share this culture!”

This is one of the reasons why Julie is thrilled to lead Marriott’s People with Disabilities (PwD) Associate Resource Group as an Executive Sponsor. “I’m excited to begin working with our ARG members and leaders to be a people-first community where everyone can feel comfortable contributing,” she says. “Our initial mission is to welcome all in this space where we champion the abilities of those with disabilities.”

Learn more about Julie’s journey and what her involvement in the People with Disabilities ARG means to her in her own words below.

What advice would you give to other individuals with disabilities who are pursuing their career goals?

When you are ready, share your disability with coworkers and managers that you work with if they don’t already know. I have found my disclosure to be very freeing, allowing me to speak frankly about a quick change that would make something easy for me. Don’t be afraid to discuss accommodation if you believe it could help you achieve your goals. Accommodation can be simple and easy and are as individual as you are! No one knows what you need to meet your fullest potential better than you and we are listening.

How can coworkers and leaders at Marriott help foster a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities?

Join our ARG! Talk openly about Marriott’s culture of inclusion and welcoming all. Learn all you can about working with people with disabilities. Have conversations with associates who have disclosed that they have a disability to broaden our perspective and ensure they can thrive. Ask purposeful questions and listen closely.

What are some common misconceptions about disabilities that you’d like to address or dispel?

People with Disabilities represents a group that is incredibly diverse. Even individuals who have a similar disability may experience life and career in very different ways. We should engage with each associate on an individual level to be sure we know all that they have to offer. The other thing to remember is that accommodation can be very simple, or at no cost or at no challenge to the business. But we must have unique and personal conversations to understand how everyone can succeed.

Tell us about a time you felt like a part of a community at Marriott.

In August of last year Maui and the beloved town of Lahaina suffered immense devastation from wildfires. We tragically lost three associates in the disaster as well. While I would never wish this circumstance on anyone, I had a chance to feel part of a community of local and distant leaders from around the world rallying to support our Hawaiian associates. It was humbling and inspiring and I was so touched to see this organization enliven our special culture.

More recently, our HR leaders across the US and Canada came together for our HR Leaders conference and the connection and joy we felt as we spent time together was palpable. HR is sometimes at the crossroads of some difficult times in the business and our leaders truly exemplify community.

And, last but certainly not least, I look forward to being a part of the ARG for PwD community! I can’t wait to engage with our members!

What’s been the proudest moment of your career?

I am so grateful for the many opportunities that I have had in my career with Marriott. I’m proud of the many talented leaders and associates that I have worked closely with that have grown their careers as HR professionals or Operations Leaders and General Managers. Seeing their success reminds me how important it is to support and champion all of our associates. I was also very humbled and proud to represent Marriott as the recipient of the Great Place To Work “For All” award in 2020.

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