Courtesy of Brenda M.
Name: Brenda M.
Position: Cook II
Hotel: The Westin Washington, DC Downtown
Dream destination: Egypt is next on my list!
Favorite way to focus on wellness: Spending time with my family, traveling, going to church, serving my community, and making time for Brenda because there was a time when I forgot about me.
Brenda’s life changed in 1999 when she became a single parent to three young kids, then 9, 1 and 6 months old. “I was working at Target full-time knowing that I had to get a real job to care for my kids. I didn’t know what to do,” Brenda recalls.
Luckily, she met a woman who helped her put her kids in daycare which allowed her time to plan her next move. “This helped me get into a local program called DC Central Kitchen where I completed a six-week class and was so proud.”
After finishing the program, Brenda got a job working for Howard University where she learned to master cheese and fruit displays. Then she went on to work for different colleges in the DC area until, one day, she decided to apply for a Cook position at Marriott. “Twenty-three years later and here I am!”
Today she works as a Cook at The Westin Washington, DC Downtown, where she gets to do what she loves — cooking and sharing food with others — every day.
Courtesy of Brenda M.
“Westin is about making wellness accessible to everyone,” Brenda says. Inspired by that spirit, in 2020 Brenda decided to take her passions to new heights, opening her own catering business.
“When I was out on sick leave, I realized I had a gift in preparing food and I could use it to support my family and feed my community,” she says. “So, I started Ms. B’s Spoon Full of Love Southern Style Catering to serve meals at local church and community events.”
Continuing to embody Westin’s focus on wellness and taking care of oneself and the community, Brenda is also one of the associates featured in the brand’s new Heart of Westin: Wellness Cards, Move Well Collection.
Each one of the 30 cards in the collection features a Westin associate from around the world performing a specific stretch or move to feel better. Brenda’s stretch is called “Wrists Twists” and it’s an easy exercise to stretch the arms at any moment during the day.
Courtesy of Westin
Marriott associates are consistently encouraged to prioritize their own wellness through the acclaimed company-wide program TakeCare, and this Westin brand-specific initiative is a great example of that empowerment. The Move Well Cards are available to Westin associates during their workdays and throughout their shifts, so that daily movement and wellness is top of mind and encouraged.
From brushing shoulders with celebrities to loving yourself in and outside of work, Brenda’s Westin experience is shared in her own words below.
How would you describe Westin culture?
The Westin Washington, DC Downtown is about creating powerful stays. Westin is about energy, life, loving yourself so you can be the best version of you.
What is it like to work at your hotel?
We have a lot of celebrities and important public figures coming through. One time I got to make an omelet for Drew Carey!
How do you feel supported at your hotel or in your role?
I know I can talk to and lean on my co-workers. We can tell when each other is hurting or having an off day. Most of our time is spent with our co-workers, they are my Marriott family.
Courtesy of Brenda M.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Our hotel hosted a cookoff competition where our co-workers and family were there to cheer us on. It was an amazing feeling to have them there, seeing me do what I do best.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My position lets me shine doing what I love and talking to guests.
What is your favorite part of working at Marriott?
I love all the benefits Marriott offers, including the room rates that help me travel with my family.
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