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This HR Manager Has Worked at 6 Marriott Brands All Over the World — Here’s How He Found His Community

Courtesy of Joseph W.

Name: Joseph W.
Position: Human Resources Manager
Location: Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel
Dream destination: Paris, France
Drink or treat of choice: Black coffee

One great benefit of traveling is that it affords people the opportunity to explore different cultures and to appreciate the various ways folks may approach daily life. Sometimes, developing a worldly perspective can, in turn, help people consider whether they’re living their own most aligned life.

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Take Joseph, a Human Resources Manager at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel, who’s lived and worked all over the world — including in Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, and Saskatchewan. This self-proclaimed “coffeeholic” seems to always be on the go, whether to relocate for work, make use of the Marriott Explore Rate, or train for a marathon. But since joining the LGBTQ+| ONE associate resource group (ARG) in 2022, he felt fully accepted and at home in his skin — exactly where he is.

marriott hr manager career story
Courtesy of Joseph W.

“The LGBTQ+| ONE ARG has created an environment that establishes a sense of belonging among the members,” he says. “Marriott International fosters a welcoming and inclusive work environment; we have different Associate Resource Groups for everyone.”

Below, learn how this avid jetsetter found himself in his current role — largely by way of holding various positions at the company and by getting involved in the ARG.

Can you share a bit about your current job and how you got here?

I’m the Human Resources Manager at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel. I handle the day-to-day administration responsibilities of my department; oversee payroll, benefits, and performance management systems; and work closely with my direct manager and department heads. I’m the person who conducts HR orientation for new hires, and I ensure our staff completes ongoing compliance trainings.

What’s your experience been like as a Marriott associate?

It is incredibly rewarding, and the culture is alive! The people-first practices we have in the company are evident. I’ve been able to move around within the company to have different roles at different brands, and I’ve even moved to other countries. The reason I’m here now, though, is thanks to the talented Marriott associates and great leaders who have guided and mentored me along the way. I am grateful to have worked for six Marriott brands in total: St. Regis, Le Meridien, Westin, Autograph Collection, Sheraton, and Marriott.

marriott hr manager career story
Courtesy of Joseph W.

What advice would you give someone who wants to work at Marriott?

Be yourself and be authentic. If you don’t know what you want or like, it is difficult for leaders to help you grow in your career. Marriott International has over 30 brands, and there is definitely something for everyone.

Can you share a bit about your involvement in LGBTQ+|ONE?

I was born and raised in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, and being part of the LGBTQ+ community there felt taboo to me. I’ve always wanted to be part of a community where I can be myself without any judgment, and I found that with the LGBTQ+| ONE ARG. In 2022, I became a proud member, representing my property and Marriott Hotels of Canada. Being part of this group has made it easy for me to reach out to fellow LGBTQ+| ONE associates and allies from all over the world to connect and network, and to volunteer in local LGBTQ+ communities.

marriott hr manager career story
Courtesy of Joseph W.

What are your future goals within the Associate Resource Group, and how do you plan to continue contributing?

I plan to stay an active member, and I hope to encourage more associates to join as members and allies. I also want to get involved by taking on special projects for the ARG, like event-planning, marketing, or collaborating with other communities in my area.

Have you made memories using the Marriott Explore Rate?

One of my passions is traveling, and I’ve made so many great memories using the Explore Rate for solo trips and also while with family and friends. I’ve managed to see a lot of beautiful places, meet incredible people, and learn about many cultures. Two of my favorite destinations are the The Westin Nusa Dua Bali in Indonesia and The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto in Canada.

Exploring the world has helped me grow personally and also helps me professionally as a Human Resources Manager who connects with people from all over the world. It’s one of my favorite benefits. Whenever I conduct my new hire orientation, I always make it a point to mention the Explore Rate.

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