Name: Nalae P.
Position: Director of Sales & Marketing
Hotel: Toronto Marriott Markham
Food is more than just a meal for Nalae Papapetrou — it’s her love language. Whether she’s preparing traditional Korean dishes from her own heritage or Greek recipes from her husband’s family, cooking is how she expresses care, connection, and culture. “Being able to cook expresses the love and respect I have for my family and the culture,” she says.
That same sense of connection has guided her Marriott journey. Nalae started as a front desk agent and worked her way through roles in sales, events, and corporate travel before stepping into her current leadership role as Director of Sales & Marketing at Toronto Marriott Markham.
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“What drew me to Marriott when I started was the pride of working for the largest hospitality company in the world,” she says. “It was exciting to have friends and family overseas recognize the name. That feeling of pride has only grown over the years.”
She credits Marriott’s culture — and its focus on taking care of associates so they can take care of guests — for helping her thrive both personally and professionally. When she welcomed her daughter during the pandemic, she experienced firsthand the value of Marriott’s benefits and flexibility.
“From medical and dental coverage to hospital bills, all of those little things add up and make a big difference,” she says. “Even now, having the ability to take a day for my own appointments or for my daughter’s needs really helps me maintain balance.”
For Nalae, Marriott isn’t just a place to work; it’s a community that supports her as a leader, a mother, and a person with passions outside of the office.
We asked Nalae to share more about her journey, her passion for hospitality, and why she encourages others to explore a career at Marriott.
How would you describe your experience as an associate?
Wonderful. Since starting as a front desk agent, I’ve had the opportunity to work in different departments — sales, events, corporate travel — and now as Director of Sales and Marketing. Marriott focuses on retaining staff, providing resources, and fostering a culture where we take care of each other so we can take care of our guests. Coming out of the pandemic, the flexibility and benefits have been incredible. That’s why I’m still here — it’s a beautiful culture.
What drew you to Marriott, and what keeps you passionate about it?
When I first joined, I was proud to work for the largest hospitality company in the world. It was exciting to have friends and family overseas recognize the name and understand its reputation. Over the years, my appreciation for Marriott’s commitment to associates has only grown. That focus on people hasn’t changed from my first day to now.
Can you share more about your current role?
I lead our sales and marketing efforts at Toronto Marriott Markham, working with our sales and events teams to book and deliver profitable business for the hotel. My goal is to drive top-line revenue for our ownership company while ensuring we work hard and have fun doing it.
How have Marriott’s benefits and programs helped you?
They were invaluable when I had my daughter during COVID — from medical and dental coverage to hospital bills. Even now, the flexibility to take time for my own appointments or for my daughter’s needs helps me maintain balance.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Cooking is huge for me. My husband is Greek, so I’ve learned to make his family’s dishes alongside my own Korean favorites. Our daughter often joins me in the kitchen, and it’s important to me that she understands both cultures. I also make time for myself — getting my nails done, meeting a friend for coffee, or simply relaxing so I can recharge.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Marriott in Canada?
There are so many opportunities here. With the number of hotels and career paths available, you can really build the career you want. Why not?
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