Name: Lakendra N.
Position: Loyalty Care Specialist
Location: CEC Miami
Dream destination: Israel to visit the Holy Land
Drink or treat of choice: Shirley Temple

Earning a college degree is no small feat. But earning a master’s degree while working full-time and raising six kids? Now, that takes an unimaginable amount of perseverance and drive.

Lakendra, a Miami-based Loyalty Care Specialist, possesses both. This past May, Lakendra received her master’s in hospitality management from Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, continuing a nearly two-decade-long educational journey. And in the fall, she will continue that journey as she works toward a doctorate in business administration.

“My children actually inspired me to keep taking steps to grow in my education,” Lakendra says. “Being a single mother of six amazing children made me want more for them.”

Lakendra started her educational journey 19 years ago but decided to put it on pause to focus on raising her family. Around the same time, she interviewed for a sales agent position at Marriott. Since then, she transitioned to supporting The Ritz-Carlton luxury sales before landing in her current Customer Engagement Center (CEC) role.

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Lakendra says balancing her education, work, and family hasn’t been easy, but working at Marriott has helped her grow in more ways than one.

“Marriott has supported my growth not only in my education, but in my verbiage; I’ve become more confident when speaking and engaging in conversations among different cultures thanks to the opportunities I’ve been given here,” she says. “The company has also lent me the flexibility needed to balance my school and work schedule and family obligations.”

Keep reading to hear the story of Lakendra’s journey, in her own words.

How do you balance work, school, and family at the same time?

Whewwww! The process of balancing work, school, and motherhood at the same time is honestly overwhelming at times, especially during my final exams.

Trying to work, keep the house in order, help my children with their homework, attend my children’s school extracurricular activities — such as my daughter’s flag football games — is difficult. Doing my best to be there to support each child mentally and physically all while keeping a smile and praying to God for the strength to keep going is my process.

What motivated you to continue advancing your education?

My children actually inspired me to keep taking steps to grow in my education. Being a single mother of six amazing children made me want more for them. And I have a big family, so I knew I needed to start earning the big bucks!

How has Marriott facilitated your growth?

Marriott has supported my growth not only in my education, but in my verbiage: I’ve become more confident when speaking and engaging in conversations among different cultures thanks to the opportunities I’ve been given here.

The company has also lent me the flexibility needed to balance my school and work schedule and family obligations.

How would you describe the culture at Marriott?

I would describe Marriott’s culture as very diverse because Marriott is truly committed to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), which I absolutely love. Each associate is heard and that’s what makes us feel a part of the company.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

The proudest moment of my career so far is having a great leader to collaborate with, look up to, and lead me on the right path. I tell my General Manager all the time how much I truly admire her, and I think that’s so important in a workplace.

What’s next for you? Do you plan on continuing your education?

What’s next for me is my doctorate degree in business administration at Florida International University; I begin my classes in the fall of 2024. My ultimate career goal is to become a Director of Sales and Marketing for Marriott, followed by Chief Marketing Officer.

What advice would you give to someone who aspires to advance their education and career?

The advice I would give someone who dreams of furthering their education as well as their career at Marriott is to “GO FOR IT ALL,” and don’t ever limit yourself. Don’t ever feel like you’re not smart enough and don’t compare yourself to anyone you may feel is better than you. You are special, you are needed, and that’s what makes you, you. You only fail when you don’t try — and every excuse you make is the reason why you should get up and GO!

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