In recent years, the influence of women has been growing in the hotel industry. There have been significant increases in the number of women holding leadership roles at all levels of hotels, inns, lodges and resorts across the country.
This shift is not limited within the world of hospitality. A recent front-page article in the Washington Post explored at great length the growing visibility and influence of women in the United States Congress. According to the writer, “Several women have vaulted to the top of influential congressional committees, putting them in charge of some of the most consequential legislation being considered on Capitol Hill.”
As a senior female hotel executive and an active participant in the hotel industry’s advocacy efforts, I’m proud to see women holding key positions in the House of Representatives and Senate, guiding the course of policies coming from Washington, D.C. It’s noteworthy that in the current session of Congress, there are a record total of 101 women serving, 81 in the House and 20 (20% of the total membership) in the Senate. And of the 15 major Senate committees, one-third of them are chaired by women.
But just as the nearly 51% of the U.S. electorate made up of women felt they should have a stronger voice in Congress, it is only logical that the women making up 57.5% of the hotel industry’s total workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, should have a voice in the direction of the industry.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Women in Lodging Council provides one such outlet. Founded more than a decade ago by Nancy Johnson, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s executive VP of midscale development in the Americas, the group now counts more than 2,000 members in 21 chapters across the country.
There exist other outlets for engagement, however, as female hoteliers strive to take leadership roles and make an impact.
Advocacy. Taking our valuable industry narrative from Main Street to policymakers in Washington, D.C., requires tremendous participation by hoteliers across the country. We have a compelling story as a driver of economic growth and job creation, and it is incumbent upon everyone in the industry to make sure Washington policymakers are aware and supportive of continuing that trend..
Communication. Sharing the story of lodging is more than just talking with members of Congress; it’s communicating with peers, the media and those looking at lodging as a possible career of choice. The best stories come from lessons you experience first-hand in this industry, or those you learn from the peers and superiors who you admire most.
Education. Like more than 1.8 million others, I love being in the hospitality industry. I have to love what I do; it needs to be challenging, exciting and rewarding. One of the best things about being a hotelier is the incredible opportunities I have to not only mentor other employees, but to learn and improve my own job performance.
Successful people find something they are passionate about, love what they do, work long hours and do it with gusto. Jobs in this industry are a progression, and hard work and determination always pay off. I encourage women to believe in themselves, prepare very well and determine their priorities, and make sure they live their life accordingly.
I’m a list maker; having a plan and setting goals helps me to accomplish more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 52.5% of hotel managers—GMs, assistant GMs, department heads and supervisors—are women, many of whom have risen through the ranks through hard work and determination. And they’ve taken every opportunity to learn—whether through interaction with colleagues and senior management, majoring in one of the outstanding collegiate hospitality programs, taking opportunities to network with others on a similar career track or utilizing the numerous invaluable educational and certification programs available.
The future of our nation’s leadership—both on Capitol Hill and in the hotel industry—is bright for women. And it’s imperative we take an active and visible role not only through our businesses, but also advocating on the crucial issues impacting our industry. We need more women on the forefront to do their part to protect our business interests and tell our story.
Thea Sargent is a 31-year hospitality veteran and currently general manager of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Golden Oak at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She is also the current chair of AH&LA’s Women in Lodging Executive Council.
The Women in Lodging Council is a catalyst 1) to enable the personal and professional development of women with strategies and actions focused on removing barriers and providing solutions, 2) to foster the development of women to obtain leadership competencies that contribute to the achievement of overall career growth, and 3) to engage women in the political process as it relates to our industry.
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