Name: Diana Plazas-Trowbridge
Position: Chief Lodging Product & Services Officer, U.S. & Canada
Hotel: Marriott HQ
Dream destination: South Africa, without hesitation!
Most used emoji at work: According to my keyboard, it’s 😬 For me, it’s my way of expressing I need a moment to “pause and think.”
Representation isn’t just about having a seat at the table. It’s about helping someone else imagine themselves there, too. Diana, Marriott’s Chief Lodging Product & Services Officer for the U.S. & Canada, was reminded of that during a conversation she’ll never forget.
“One of our Latina General Managers stopped me, filled with emotion, and told me how proud she was to see me in my role because her daughter had just started her own career in one of our hotels. She said her daughter now had another role model to inspire and motivate her. That’s why this matters!” Diana recalls. “I want every Latino and Latina out there to know that there is an incredible world of opportunity with this company. With hard work, courage, and curiosity, amazing things are possible.”
Today, in addition to serving as Marriott’s Chief Lodging Product & Services Officer, Diana serves as Executive Sponsor of Marriott’s Hispanic & Latino Associate Resource Group (ARG), where she is committed to helping the next generation of Hispanic and Latino talent believe they belong at the leadership table, too.
When did representation become personal to you?
I’ve always shared that I’m proud to be from Cali, Colombia. When I was working in the CALA (Caribbean and Latin America) region, representation wasn’t something I spent a lot of time thinking about because most of us came from similar backgrounds. It wasn’t until I moved to headquarters that I began to truly appreciate its importance.
What really impacted me was when associates across markets, started reaching out to tell me that seeing someone who shared a similar story gave them confidence and motivation. Those messages reminded me that representation isn’t just about the individual. It’s about helping someone else believe that they belong, that they can grow, and that leadership is possible for them too.
What does being the Executive Sponsor of the Hispanic & Latino ARG mean to you beyond the title?
It has given me an entirely new sense of purpose. When an associate reaches out to share that they feel seen, represented, or motivated, it reinforces why this work matters so much. It makes me ask: How can I do more? How can I connect with someone over a ‘cafecito,’ learn about their aspirations, and support their journey? How can we continue sharing our stories so that more associates can see what’s possible for themselves?
The Hispanic & Latino ARG has built an incredibly powerful community rooted in connection, mentorship, support, and belonging. Being part of that journey fills my heart and continually inspires me to keep finding ways to give back.
For someone who isn’t familiar with this ARG, how would you describe it?
It’s a wonderful community of Latinos and allies from across the company, brought together by a shared commitment to our culture, supporting one another, and creating opportunities for growth. Together, we’ve celebrated our stories, partnered with impactful organizations, fostered meaningful conversations, and built relationships that help associates learn from one another and navigate their careers.
What would you say to someone considering joining?
Do it! You may discover a passion you never knew you had, meet a new friend, enjoy a fun event, learn a new dance, discover new food, or hear a story that changes the way you think about your own career journey. Come curious. Come open-minded. You never know where one new connection might lead.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation of Hispanic and Latino talent?
I hope they see something very simple: If I can do it, they can do it too. I hope they feel empowered to raise their hand, ask questions, connect with others, and be courageous enough to pursue opportunities that may feel just beyond their reach.
And most importantly, don’t ever hesitate to reach out. I want to support those coming behind me, help open doors, create pathways, and share what I’ve learned along the way. I also want to hear your stories, because every journey brings a unique perspective.
Latinos will represent 30% of the U.S. population in the next decade or so and will continue to be one of the most influential and fastest-growing communities in the country. Imagine what’s possible when that talent is fully represented at every level of an organization. Together, we can continue creating opportunities, expanding representation, and encouraging the next generation to dream bigger, reach higher, and see themselves in places they may never have imagined.
