Name: Melisa W.
Position: Director of Sales and Marketing 
Hotel: Charlotte Marriott City Center
Dream destination: All of the castle-like properties in our collection have been added to my bucket list. I can’t just pick out one!

Melisa’s Marriott journey began the way it does for many associates, during her college years, behind the front desk. Through a career shaped by clarity, collaboration, and consistency, she’s grown within the company into her current role as Director of Sales and Marketing at the Charlotte Marriott City Center hotel, leading her team with purpose, developing talent, and building the kind of teams where people, and careers, thrive.

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Keep reading to hear from Melisa in this lightning‑round Q&A, as she reflects on the curiosity, consistency, and people‑first leadership that helped her grow her career at Marriott.

Congrats on your new role! Why did you decide to make this move?

Professionally, this role allows me to step into a broader leadership position where I can shape strategy, mentor talent, and drive impact beyond being an individual contributor.

And personally?

On a personal level, moving to Charlotte and truly becoming part of the community has reinforced why this city is such a special place to live and work.

How do you make sure you and the hotel are connected to the Charlotte community?

I stay connected by building relationships with local clients, supporting neighborhood initiatives, and ensuring our hotel shows up as a positive, active presence in Charlotte.

What are your top priorities leading this Sales & Marketing team?

Clarity, collaboration, and consistency. I want every associate to understand how their role connects to our larger goals and to feel empowered to bring ideas forward. Building strong relationships—within the team and across the hotel—is essential. I’m also focused on developing talent, strengthening accountability, and ensuring we’re telling a compelling story about who we are and what makes our hotel special.

What does Courage mean to you as a leader?

For me, it means being willing to listen, learn, and sometimes say, “I don’t have all the answers.” Stepping into a new market and team requires vulnerability and trust. Trust in the people around me and in my own experience.

How do you make sure you’re still connected with your team?  

Connection starts with presence. I make it a priority to be visible, approachable, and engaged with my team. Whether that’s through regular check-ins, celebrating wins, or simply asking how someone’s day is going.

As a leader, how do you stay curious and keep learning?

I stay curious by asking questions and surrounding myself with people who challenge my perspective. I learn a great deal from my team and I also seek out mentorship, and stay engaged with industry trends.

What part of this role excites you the most?

What excites me most is the ability to build something together. Seeing a team align around a shared vision—and then watching the results follow—is incredibly rewarding. 

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