Name: Karen R.
Position: Senior Director of Insurance Services
Hotel: Marriott HQ in Bethesda, MD
Favorite destination: Grand Cayman
As a young girl growing up in Harlem, New York, Karen’s world once stretched only as far as the blocks around her. Today, it spans continents. “I never could have imagined working for a global company like Marriott International,” Karen says. “This experience has allowed me to embrace cultures far beyond my own and connect with colleagues whose diverse backgrounds and stories continue to inspire me. I carry those connections and lessons with me every day.”
No longer that young girl, Karen now works as Director of Insurance Services in the Global Insurance Risk Management Department based at Marriott’s corporate headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. Her role supports Marriott’s global operations, from complex contract review to managing critical components of the company’s Global Insurance Programs. It is highly technical work, but for Karen, the human side of the job matters just as much.
That is one reason she was drawn to the Black Associate Resource Group. “Joining this resource group felt deeply meaningful to me. Its genuine commitment to inclusivity, paired with its focus on culture, community, and career, truly spoke to my values,” says Karen. “I felt welcomed, seen, and inspired from the start, and I knew it was a place where I could grow while contributing to something bigger than myself.”
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Finding Belonging and Amplifying Voices That Matter Through the ARG
Those connections have had a real impact on her day-to-day experience. “[Being part of this group] has enriched my experience by surrounding me with colleagues who share a passion for success,” says Karen. “Those connections have made my day‑to‑day work not only more collaborative, but also more fulfilling.”
Karen’s involvement goes beyond participation. As Communications Co‑Lead of the Black ARG, she works closely with the group’s leadership team to support initiatives and events through thoughtful storytelling and strong messaging.
“It has been deeply fulfilling to contribute to work that celebrates our community and amplifies voices that matter.”
“I knew it was a place where I could grow while contributing to something bigger than myself.”
KAren R.
Looking Ahead: Growing, Serving, and Staying Connected
That sense of purpose mirrors how she feels about Marriott. “My experience as a Marriott associate has truly been extraordinary,” says Karen, reflecting on a career that has taken her all over the world in amazing trips, but has also widen her view of the world in every possible way. “This journey has given me opportunities I never could have imagined. From traveling to places like Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cape Town, Grand Cayman (my absolute favorite) …each destination opened my eyes to the beauty of the world in a new way.”
Looking ahead, her commitment remains strong. “I hope to continue growing with the Associate Resource Group by taking on new opportunities to serve,” says Karen. For her, the Black ARG is not just a community. It is a place where belonging, growth, and impact come together, enriching both her Marriott journey and the people around her.
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