Name: Ashley S.
Position: Executive Assistant Manager of Culinary and Food & Beverage Director
Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami

An 8-year-old boy was dining with his family at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami when a server mentioned that the child had a dream of becoming a chef. Executive Chef Ashley Stanton walked over to say hello—expecting a quick exchange. Instead, she found herself in a moment that would stay with her for years.

“He was in absolute awe. He couldn’t believe someone from the kitchen came to talk to him,” Ashley remembers. “I could see how much it meant to him, and I thought—we can do more.”

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She and her team came together to create a surprise. Each chef selected one of their favorite cookbooks and wrote a personal note of encouragement inside. They added a junior knife kit, a Ritz-Carlton apron, and presented it all to him the day before he left. “He was speechless. And afterward, he even emailed me a few times over the years. That moment reminded me how powerful it is to pause and create something meaningful for someone—especially when it’s unexpected.”

That same heart-forward leadership defines Ashley’s approach to hospitality. Starting as a culinary intern at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, she worked through nearly every station before taking on her first leadership role at Coconut Grove—a boutique property where adaptability, collaboration, and hands-on care are part of every service.

“It’s where I moved from being behind the line to leading teams, shaping operations, and influencing the guest experience on a larger scale,” she says.

Since then, Ashley has helped lead major transitions—from renovations to rebuilding the entire culinary program post-COVID. Now, as Executive Assistant Manager of Culinary and Food & Beverage Director, she oversees the full F&B operation, mentors rising leaders, and continues to create standout experiences for guests and residents alike.

“I’ve learned that success isn’t just about having a plan—it’s about how you lead when the plan changes,” she says. “And how you stay connected to the people who make it all possible.”

What stands out most about the culture?

How close-knit we are. Being a smaller, boutique property, we operate more like a family than just coworkers. Here, you really get to know everyone, and we all step in to help each other when needed. That closeness also extends to our guests and live-in residents, which allows us to create more personal, lasting connections. Because we wear so many hats here, there’s a real sense of ownership and pride in what we do. Everyone has the opportunity to make a difference, whether it’s creating a special moment for a guest, solving challenges together, or just supporting each other through a busy day. It’s a place where high standards meet genuine care, and that’s what makes working here so special to me.

What kind of support or resources helped you succeed in your role?

The biggest reason I’ve been able to succeed here is because of the people I work alongside every day. At The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, we’re a small, tight-knit team, and that means we’re constantly supporting each other whether it’s jumping in to help during a busy service, collaborating on a creative idea, or problem-solving in the moment. I’ve been lucky to have mentors and leaders who have guided me and encouraged me to grow, but it’s my coworkers, the ones in the kitchen, the restaurant, and on the banquet floor, who make the day-to-day possible. We’ve shared long nights, big wins, and plenty of laughs along the way. They’ve also been there for me personally, offering incredible support as I navigated work–life balance as a new mom. That trust, camaraderie, and genuine care for one another is what makes this place special, and it’s what has truly allowed me to thrive in my role.

What would you tell someone considering a role at the resort?

I’d tell them it’s like joining a family. We’re a small, close-knit team, so you really get to know the people you work with and build strong relationships with our guests and residents. No two days are the same; you’ll learn a lot, wear many hats, and have the chance to make a real impact. It’s hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you love hospitality and want to be part of a place where your ideas, effort, and passion are noticed and appreciated, Coconut Grove is a special place to do it.”

Anything else you’d like to share about your Marriott journey?

Looking back on my Marriott journey, I’m grateful for every property, mentor, and teammate who has shaped me, from my start as a culinary intern in Naples, to South Beach, to stepping into leadership at Coconut Grove. Each role has taught me adaptability, the value of genuine connections, and the impact a passionate team can have on our guests. This journey has shaped me into the leader I am today, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. I hope to continue growing, whether that means taking on a larger property, exploring opportunities at the corporate level, or finding new ways to make an impact within Marriott.

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