Name: Catalina (Cata) R. 
Position: Learning and Development Manager  
Hotel: Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection 
Dream destination: From the historic streets of Rome and the art-filled galleries of Florence to the canals of Venice, Italy is my ultimate dream destination!    
Drink or treat of choice: I like to choose my drink to match the season! In summer, a refreshing rosé wine is perfect; in autumn, I enjoy a gin and tonic; and in winter, nothing beats the warmth of a rich Colombian coffee. 

Cata and her family originally hail from Medellín, Colombia, but they also consider themselves proud Aussies. For Cata, the idea of being far from friends, family and a solid support system was daunting, especially as she started to raise a family. Luckily, Cata says, she found the support she needed when she joined Marriott.  

“Marriott has been incredibly supportive of my role as a mother, providing the flexibility I need to be both the best manager and the best mom to my daughter, Matilda.”   

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Cata now has a part-time role as a Learning and Development Manager at the Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection, where she works three days spread over four. Her flexible schedule has enabled her to do after-school activities with her daughter Matilda three days a week and have time to focus on herself.  

As Cata explains, her job is focused on “nurturing future leaders, providing a warm and effective onboarding experience for new associates, and championing company culture to keep it vibrant and inspiring.”    

Keep reading to learn more about Cata’s journey and how she’s making work work for her so she can organize life on her (and Matilda’s!) own terms.  

How has your career changed since you first joined Marriott?     

Before joining Marriott, I worked with another hospitality company. Marriott gave me the opportunity to step into my dream role as a Food and Beverage department Trainer. Since then, I’ve had the chance to grow across different areas, including Rooms Division, Human Resources, and now Learning and Development, spanning three different Marriott brands.   

Do you remember a moment when you felt supported at Marriott?  

During a challenging time for the world and our industry, the pandemic, Marriott provided the support and flexibility I needed. Even with lockdowns in place, I was able to work remotely and stay connected with my tem through virtual Town Halls and social gatherings where we shared laughs, drinks, and a sense of normalcy. We organized exercise challenges, which inspired me to start a healthy routine with walking and Pilates. I also took advantage of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which was a tremendous help as I navigated concerns for my daughter, who has asthma. The support from Marriott helped me manage my worries and stay grounded, both personally and professionally.   

How would you describe your experience as a Marriott associate?  

Marriott has been incredibly supportive of my role as a mother, providing the flexibility I need to be both the best manager and the best mom to my daughter, Matilda. This balance has made my experience at Marriott truly fulfilling, allowing me to grow professionally while being present for my family.  

When was a moment that you felt like a part of a community at Marriott?  

One of the most meaningful moments was when we all came together to support our colleagues in Maui, Hawaii. We organized an incredible fundraising event that brought together associates from all our Sydney hotels, along with our families. It was a proud moment for me, especially as I had the chance to explain to my daughter how Marriott rallies together to support our associates in times of need. It truly showed the strength and compassion of our Marriott community.

What mentorship opportunities have you had (as a mentor or mentee), and how have they helped you in your journey?  

In my 13 years with Marriott, I’ve had countless mentorship opportunities, but the most inspiring moments have come from women in leadership positions. Over the years, I’ve seen these incredible leaders exemplify our core values. Most recently, my mentor has been one of Marriott’s most successful General Managers—a leader who has shown me the importance of working hard on my personal brand and the impact of staying true to my values. 

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