Name: Kevin A.
Position: Multi-Property Human Resources Supervisor
Location: Dominican Republic
Drink or treat of choice: Carrot cake always!
Dream destination: Italy for its history, culture, and food.
After the 2025 Jet Set nightclub tragedy in Santo Domingo, where more than 200 people lost their lives, Kevin, a Multi-Property Human Resources Supervisor and TakeCare Champion in the Dominican Republic, started noticing how the impact was not only visible in the headlines, but in the quieter, everyday ways grief and shock can linger.
“After the tragedy, we began to observe its persistent effects, particularly an increase in cases of post-traumatic stress and emotional distress among many people,” says Kevin. For him, the question then became: what does care look like when people need something real, something immediate, something they can hold onto?
That’s how, when thinking of initiatives they could do for World Mental Health Day, he and his team decided to try something different. “In response [to the tragedy], we considered it essential to adopt a proactive and compassionate approach,” he explains. “This resulted in the creation of a small pocket card — slightly larger than a standard pocket card — containing information about the various psychological support channels and helplines available.”
The intention was simple: “Associates could carry it with them if they needed support, either for personal use or to share it with someone else who could benefit.”
To complement the message of wellbeing and care, the pocket card came with a cookie with a smiley face, a simple but symbolic representation of the approach Kevin and his team wanted to promote. Practical, personal, and yes, a little extra sweet.
Keep reading to learn how becoming a TakeCare Champion makes a difference in Kevin’s life and how it can impact yours too.
What inspired you to become a TakeCare Champion?
We are a People First company, so we must ensure our associates’ health and well-being. Through TakeCare (Marriott’s global wellbeing program, designed to support associates across physical, mental, and financial wellbeing), I can make the most of our resources, and also create new resources [like the card] that I know can help other associates.
What does wellbeing mean to you personally?
It’s feeling listened to, accompanied and with the peace of mind of knowing that I can do my best while remaining human in the process.
How do you make sure you’re implementing this in your everyday life?
I try to engage in activities that not only motivate me to do something different or new, but also involve physical activity, whether outdoors or indoors, to keep my body active. These are the kinds of experiences that also allow me to later make recommendations to our guests and associates at our properties. I also look for hobbies where there are already established communities, so I can join new groups, connect with others, and develop a sense of belonging.
What is one small wellness action that made a big difference?
We did a whole campaign to promote the use of stairs instead of using the elevator. Through this campaign, we motivated a lot of people to include more exercise in their day in a seamless way.
What is one small wellness action that made a big difference?
I keep checking out our Digital Learning Zone community of TakeCare Champions and sharing [tips and best practices] with properties. I also talk to associates about TakeCare initiatives, inviting them to get involved and learn more.
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