Courtesy of Yuliana P.
Name: Yuliana P.
Position: HR Training Manager
Hotel: JW Marriott Washington, DC
Dream Destination: Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica and Italy
Favorite drink or Treat of Choice: I love coffee, every day and at any time of the day.
Let’s be honest. Finding your place in one of the largest companies in the world can seem intimidating, and with over 9,000 properties in more than 140 countries, it’s true that Marriott is big. But Yuliana, an HR training manager with 13 years of Marriott experience on her resume, has found her place, and she wants to share how.
“I know that there are tons of talented people that struggle the same [way] I did to find a place or to grow,” she recalls. “In the Hispanic Associate Resource Group (ARG), I found the perfect community to meet more Hispanics like me who are working towards opening doors to more Hispanic people. I love how we can share and collaborate with all nationalities, so everyone gets to know a little bit more about who we are and what we have to offer.”
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Diversity at work is one of the aspects Yuliana says she values the most, not only in respecting and celebrating different cultures, but also in regard to diversification of career journeys and experience. Yuliana started her own Marriott journey in 2011 as a food runner at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. From there, she went on to explore roles with the Front Desk, Events, and Room Operations before taking on her current role of HR Training Manager at the JW Marriott Washington, DC just one year ago.
“The company offers an array of opportunities for everyone regardless of background or who you are. If you want it and work for it, there is no limit,” Yuliana says.
Courtesy of Yuliana P.
Keep reading to learn more about how this ambitious globe-trotter (she has visited 23 countries and counting!) found a sense of community and belonging at Marriott.
What is your favorite part of working at Marriott?
That I get to help others grow the same way I was helped in the past.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
When I was awarded as the TOP Performer in 2022 for the US and Canada.
How would you describe Marriott’s culture?
The words that come to my mind are care, family, community, and connection. Like with any family in the world, there are days with challenges but there are people always around that will support you and encourage you to be better.
Any tips for candidates who might be interested in a role like yours?
The most important thing I will say is to really understand why you want to work in HR and be honest, open, and passionate about helping, connecting, and inspiring others in their journey. It is also important to understand that each day is different, reliability and trust are top qualities for this role as all associates will be paying attention to the things that you do and say.
How have you felt included or like you belong at Marriott?
My sense of belonging comes from feeling heard and supported by my leaders and colleagues, which makes me feel more included. The associates and my leaders are very receptive to my ideas, and they show up when I need them.
Courtesy of Yuliana P.
What’s the best part of being part of the Hispanic ARG?
The group has given me hope! Hope that we are opening doors to other Hispanic people that have the same dreams and aspirations that I had when I started. It has helped me with my goal of meeting more successful Hispanics, and it has also given me tools that I can share with my property, so they get familiarized with our cultures and how proud we are to be Hispanic.
How do you think the Hispanic associate resource group contributes to fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace?
The tools are 100% the best thing. Now that we have a collaborative space it is easier to engage and share our culture, plus I feel more supported by the whole Marriott company.
Courtesy of Yuliana P.
What are some activities you do at the Hispanic ARG?
I have had the opportunity to engage in the “cafecitos” with other leaders and hear their ideas and experiences. I was also able to attend one of the soccer games in the summer and I also liked the webinars where I can see myself represented.
What would you say to associates who might be considering joining the group?
Please do! You will not regret it, and you will get to expand your horizons, and the way you think about many aspects of life, and you will have an incredible support system! Also, we are fun, and we know how to have fun!
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