Name: Marina H.
Position: Director of Marketing
Location: The St. Regis Toronto
Dream destination: I would love to discover Nepal one day!
Drink or treat of choice: A classic Piña Colada

Hearing guest speakers from Marriott share their own journeys is what inspired Marina, a then college student, to want to join the company.

When guest speakers from Marriott came to Marina’s college to speak and share their own experiences with the company, Marina was inspired by the passion showcased by the associates. So much so, she knew she wanted to follow in their footsteps.

“[They] shared their experiences with such passion, I knew I wanted to work in the industry and Marriott seemed like the perfect fit,” says Marina, who attended Marriott’s grant-funded hospitality program at Montgomery College, in Maryland. She also received a scholarship from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation that helped her continue her studies.

Thanks to the connections she made while in the program, Marina started her post-college career in hospitality in Paris! Her first role was as a receptionist at the Sheraton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel.

→ Learn About the Wide Range of Hotel Career Journeys at Marriott

Seven years later, Marina is now the Director of Marketing at The St. Regis Toronto where, in addition to helping attract guests and enhance the brand’s image, she focuses on having meaningful relationships with her peers and learning from all the different cultures that converge at Marriott, especially through the Associate Resource Groups (ARGs).

“Marriott has really made me feel at home by encouraging me to BE myself and share my ideas. I’ve been able to connect with others in ARGs where we share common values and experiences,” she says. “Plus, seeing leaders who look like me shows that there’s room to grow and that my voice matters here.”

Marina joined the Hispanic ARG because of her Hispanic background and lifelong connection to Latino cultures, but also to be able to connect with other associates and learn more about different Hispanic and Latino cultures. “Joining the group felt like a natural way to build those connections and become involved with a community that understands and celebrates our shared heritage.”

Learn more about her journey and how she found community and support in the ARGs and beyond, in her own words below.

What have been some highlights of your experience as a Marriott associate?

Getting to collaborate with people from all over the world. I love how everyone brings something unique to the table. It is a place where you can grow, learn from others, and really feel like you are part of a supportive community.

Plus, Marriott’s commitment to diversity and inclusion makes it a great place to grow and thrive. I love the fact that Marriott is about always learning. I really enjoy working in a dynamic, collaborative environment focused on growth and development.

What’s your favorite thing about being part of the Hispanic associate resource group?

It’s been fantastic to meet and connect with people from across Latin America, share our cultural stories, and learn new things together. The best part is feeling like I’m part of a community that values my background and where I can grow, both personally and professionally. Plus, it’s great to have a space where we can celebrate our heritage and support each other.

How do you think the group helps foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace?

By creating a strong sense of community for Hispanic and Latino associates, the Hispanic ARG brings people together through cultural events, learning opportunities, and mentorship. It helps us understand and appreciate different perspectives. Seeing leaders share their experiences and challenges makes it easier to relate and feel inspired.

What are some fun activities you’ve participated in with the Hispanic associate group?

I have enjoyed participating in our monthly calls, webinars, cafecito and helping create designs for the different activities we do. It is great to see how associates connect with each other during these events.

What would you say to associates who might be considering joining the group?

I would say go for it! It’s a fantastic place to connect with others, share your experiences, and build new friendships. You’ll find a supportive community and plenty of resources to help you grow both personally and professionally.

And what advice would you give to someone who’d like to work at Marriott?

There are many opportunities to work at Marriott, both on property and above property. If you are passionate about delivering excellent service and putting people first, you are in the right place. It is all about teamwork, continuous learning, embracing change, and being ready to make a positive impact.

What are some ways in which Marriott has supported your learning and career goals?

I had the chance to enroll in a leadership program that taught me a great deal and connected me with leaders from different disciplines. I also had the opportunity to share feedback on real-life situations. It was extremely useful as I started my new role.

What is your favorite part of working at Marriott?

Getting to connect with people from all over the world. Everyone here is very supportive, making it feel like you are part of something bigger. We are all about making positive change and innovation. I appreciate that there are a lot of opportunities, and the fact that we can work across various brands and roles within the Marriott Portfolio.

Having access to professional development programs and advancement opportunities is quite a chance. Plus, thanks to the Explore Rate, I have been able to travel to some fantastic destinations and stay at incredible Marriott hotels—places I might not have had the chance to visit otherwise.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

Being part of the creation and launch of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee at my previous property. We organized cultural events, hosted panel discussions, created a monthly newsletter featuring leader highlights, and provided training for associates. It was particularly impactful during Pride Month, as it helped associates interact more effectively with LGBTQ+ guests and colleagues. Team members shared their stories, which contributed to creating a safe environment and strongly promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion. It was amazing to see the positive impact it had on our team and the overall culture at the hotel.

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