Name: Yurina C.
Position: In-Room Dining Supervisor
Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Drink or treat of choice: wine, especially from the Okanagan Valley.
For Yurina, In-Room Dining Supervisor at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, everything started in a small Canadian town called Kelowna.
“Living there opened the door to discovering my passion for wine and storytelling,” she recalls. “Surrounded by the vineyards of the Okanagan Valley, I felt inspired by the craftsmanship of local winemakers and the stories behind every bottle.”
It made perfect sense that Yurina would build a career in hospitality, and specifically in food and beverage. Today, as an In-Room Supervisor, she ensures guests receive seamless, personalized service while supporting her team behind the scenes during every shift.
→ Learn About the Wide Range of Career Journeys at Marriott
From joining the Voyage Program to stepping into leadership while navigating major life changes, Keep reading to learn how Yurina’s journey has been shaped by intention and long-term thinking.
What has been a highlight in your career?
One of the most defining periods in my career was during the Voyage Program. When I joined, I was also preparing to get married, which naturally led me to reassess my long-term goals.
Through the program, I gained a strong foundation in hotel operations, especially in Food and Beverage, but it also gave me the confidence to step into In-Room Dining. It pushed me to take ownership of my career and build a path that supported both my professional growth and personal wellbeing.
How did it shape the way you lead today?
I think going through the Voyage Program while preparing for marriage shaped me into a more thoughtful and empathetic leader. And then transitioning into In-Room Dining helped me learn to manage time effectively, adapt quickly and collaborate across departments. It also helped me stay calm under pressure and communicate more intentionally.
Who is someone that has helped you in your journey?
My former Director of Food & Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. His advice helped me make important decisions during a significant period in my career and personal life.
What is a lesson you learned from him?
He always encouraged me to view my career not only in terms of the next role, but from a long-term perspective over the next 25 years. He also emphasized the importance of considering personal aspirations, such as marriage, family, and stability, alongside professional goals.
His guidance helped me understand that career growth and personal fulfillment are not separate paths. Aligning with them creates a stronger sense of purpose and supports the person I strive to become, both professionally and personally.
What has been a moment where coaching helped you reach your highest potential?
One meaningful moment was during a one-on-one conversation with our In-Room Dining Manager who helped me clearly recognize my strengths. He highlighted my communication skills and helped me see that being considerate, attentive and thoughtful are not just personal traits, but important leadership qualities.
How do you inspire others at work?
As the only woman leader in In-Room Dining, I have grown into a mentor and role model for team members who seek guidance on balancing career development and personal priorities. I take pride in creating a supportive environment where women feel empowered to speak up, grow confidently and pursue leadership with courage.
What advice would you offer to women looking to accelerate in their careers?
My advice is to think beyond the next role and reflect on where you want your career and your life to be over the next 15, 20 or 25 years. Consider how both paths can grow together.
I am currently pregnant and preparing to start my family. Taking maternity leave can feel daunting when thinking about returning to work. I choose to see this chapter as an opportunity for growth. I plan to learn French, my husband’s native language, and continue building skills that support my future.
Seeing career and personal priorities as interconnected rather than competing has helped me stay optimistic, invest in myself and view change as an opportunity for long-term success.
We like to think about commitments instead of goals. What are you committed to in 2026?
I am committed to giving a voice, especially to women in hospitality. I want to be someone who listens, encourages and reminds others of their strength. By helping people feel confident enough to speak up and step forward, I hope to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. When we lift each other up, we do not just grow as individuals. We grow together.
→ Marriott Is Hiring! Find What You’re Looking For in a Career
