What positions have you held at Extended Stay America and what has that timeline been?
My tenure at Extended Stay America spans over 19 years, where I’ve progressed through various roles within the organization. I started my journey with Extended Stay America as a housekeeper, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience in the operational aspects of the hotel industry, ultimately holding every position at a property (including Maintenance Technician). I transitioned over to Task Force and District Manager, and in 2016, embarked on a new adventure, where my family and I moved to Charlotte, and I worked at the Hotel Support Center on the Operational Excellence team. Working with the training team, I played a pivotal role in refining operational practices and enhancing associate training programs, such as General Manager Certification. From there, I eventually moved to Franchise Services where I oversaw both managed and franchise pre-opening services and financial reviews. Currently, I am the Director of Operational Excellence and have the opportunity to leverage my experience, ultimately driving continuous improvement initiatives and supporting field operations.
What are you most proud of throughout your career?
Throughout my career at Extended Stay America, I'm most proud of the journey I've taken and the growth I've achieved within the organization. Starting from a housekeeper and working my way up through various roles to eventually become the Director of Operational Excellence has been a fulfilling experience. One aspect that I hold dear is my commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance while advancing in my career. I believe in the importance of fostering an environment where associates can thrive both personally and professionally. I take pride in my efforts to cultivate and empower others along the way. Whether as a General Manager, Task Force and District Manager, or in my current role, I've prioritized mentorship, coaching and professional development initiatives. This approach not only fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, but also contributes to the long-term success of the organization.
In honor of International Women’s Month, who is a woman that inspires you?
I’m extremely blessed to have a great group of women that support and inspire me. One person that stands out to me the most is my grandma, Judy. She was the epitome of resilience and determination, consistently making things happen not only for herself but also for those around her. She never lost sight of who she was, what she was capable of and the immense impact she had on every room she entered. Whenever I face challenges, I think of her and her invaluable advice, instantly fueling my confidence and determination to overcome any obstacle. I believe everyone deserves to have their own version of Grandma Judy – a beacon of strength and inspiration.
What advice would you give to a woman starting her career?
My advice is to embrace hard work fearlessly, remembering every successful journey begins with a single step. Never underestimate the power of continuous learning; education is an invaluable asset that will enrich your career path. Always stand firm in your beliefs and never compromise your voice or authenticity. Never make your personality smaller to just fit in. Your unique perspective and contribution are invaluable assets to any team. Embrace your unique strengths and let them propel you forward on your career path.
How do you feel Extended Stay America champions or supports you as a woman?
I am deeply appreciative of the organization's commitment to fostering an inclusive culture that values and supports the success of women. At Extended Stay America, our mission to take care of people who are building a better future for themselves and their families resonates strongly with me. This mission extends to championing gender equality and providing support systems that enable women to thrive professionally and personally. One of the ways Extended Stay America demonstrates its support for women is through our Women's Associate Resource Group. This group serves as a valuable platform for networking, mentorship and advocacy, allowing women to connect, share experiences and access resources aimed at advancing their careers within the organization. The criticality of women's success to the organization cannot be overstated. As key contributors to Extended Stay America's mission and goals, women bring unique perspectives, skills and talents that drive innovation and growth. Extended Stay America's dedication to championing and supporting women is not only a reflection of its values but also a strategic imperative for its success.
Visit our blog to see the other strong women we featured for Women’s History Month.
