Courtesy of Miguel J.
Name: Miguel J.
Position: Senior Director of International Tax, CALA regional
Location: Plantation, Florida
Dream destination: Spain. I’m fascinated by the people, culture, and food there. Also, as a soccer fan, Real Madrid is my favorite team.
Drink or treat of choice: Thanks to my Mexican heritage, I really enjoy tequila cristalino, a smooth and refined version of tequila. And my favorite root beer is Monticello Root Beer from Virginia. Virginia holds a special place in my heart as it was the first place I lived when I arrived in the U.S., so it’s a treat that reminds me of that time.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Miguel grew up loving traditional Mexican music and food and understanding the value of hard work. Later in life, Miguel migrated to the US where he built his home and his family proudly mixing both cultures and finding his very own sense of belonging.
“My journey has been a blend of two cultures that have deeply shaped who I am today,” Miguel says.
A Lucha Libre and Mariachi music fan, Miguel finds joy in celebrating this dual heritage at work, too. From commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month and “Dia de los Muertos” in the fall, to celebrating the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving with his colleagues, he takes pride in honoring these holidays that allow him to honor both cultures.
For Miguel, besides honoring his cultures, another motivation is to serve as inspiration to others, particularly young Latin American associates.
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“I believe there are many young people in our company, particularly young Latin employees in the U.S. and CALA, who may need encouragement, and I hope my journey can serve as a source of motivation, showing them that advancing in their careers is not only possible but achievable,” he says. “In a multinational company like ours, employees often feel more comfortable and motivated when they see someone who shares their background advancing in their professional career.”
With this goal in mind, he has shared his journey in publications like Hispanic Executive and Marquis Who’s Who, and he also joined Marriott’s Hispanic ARG (Associate Resource Group), where he’s found a platform to share ideas and experiences and build community.
Courtesy of Miguel J.
Learn more about Miguel’s unique journey and what keeps him motivated at work in his own words below.
Could you share a bit about what an International Tax Senior Director actually does and how you landed this role at Marriott?
Before joining Marriott, I worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers from 2000 to 2010 as a Senior Audit Manager, specializing in the pharmaceutical sector. I was responsible for overseeing the financial statement audits of multinational corporations and providing expertise in international tax matters. Then I worked for two years at Playa Resorts Management as International Tax Compliance Manager before joining Marriott in 2013 as part of the Headquarters tax team for the CALA Region and Canada. In 2016, my role transitioned to Florida, where I’ve been fortunate to work with a fantastic team.
How would you describe your experience as a Marriott associate?
It is a true honor to work for a global organization like Marriott, where the complexities of tax compliance present unique challenges that I genuinely enjoy tackling. I take great satisfaction in developing strategies for how the company should approach filings across various countries. Marriott is not only an innovative company focused on business growth, but it also deeply values its employees.
Courtesy of Miguel J.
What has been your experience with Marriott’s Associate Resource Groups?
I am an active member of both the Young Professionals ARG and the Hispanic ARG. I find them to be a wonderful initiative. These groups help foster a sense of belonging, promote teamwork, and strengthen our commitment to one another as employees. I’m also passionate about public speaking and sharing ideas, so I hope to eventually participate as a speaker in future events. I believe these forums offer a great opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to our shared growth.
How do you stay motivated at work?
Marriott fosters a culture of growth and knowledge sharing, which is something I’m passionate about. I regularly coach and train Marriott’s directors of finance on tax matters and it’s incredibly rewarding to see my colleagues thrive—some even going on to achieve major career milestones. I firmly believe that empowering people to grow in their careers is invaluable and creates a lasting, positive impact. Helping others succeed is not just a part of my job, it’s something I find deeply meaningful and priceless.
How have you felt included or a part of a community at Marriott?
The company fosters an environment where I truly feel like I belong, and as a proud Mexican American, this has been especially meaningful to me. My wife, two daughters, and I love traveling, and staying at Marriott hotels has become a special part of our family experiences. This connection, both personally and professionally, has reinforced my sense of belonging within the Marriott community, making me feel valued and appreciated.
Courtesy of Miguel J.
Can you share an example of when you have felt that sense of belonging at Marriott?
I’ve experienced Marriott’s “people-first” philosophy firsthand. The company genuinely cares about the well-being of its employees, offering benefits that help us achieve a healthy work-life balance. For instance, the paternity leave policy at Marriott allowed me to be fully present for my wife and daughter, Victoria, during a time when we needed extra support.
How have you used the Marriott Explore Rate?
I use it frequently. My wife, Haydee, and our two daughters, Sophia and Victoria, love traveling together, and we often stay at Marriott hotels. The Explore Rate has given us the opportunity to visit and explore new places like Washington D.C., New York, Peru, Argentina, and of course, Mexico. It’s been a great way for us to create family memories while enjoying the benefits of working at Marriott.
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