Aileen F. Canta

I attribute my success to perseverance - I never gave up and continue to believe in myself. In order for me to achieve something, I know that I will get it, and I go for it. I try, and I never stop trying. I've learned that mistakes and failures are not the same, and you have to identify both, learn from them, and keep going. I was given a chance early in my career when my boss threw hotel plans on my desk and said we'd learn together, and I worked seven days a week to prove myself. Everything comes from within - you need a solid core, literally, and a strong head, body, mind, soul, and spirit. I manifest a lot and grew up with strong faith that has never left me. The first thing I do when I wake up is practice gratitude. I'm all about energy, and I've removed people from my life who don't belong in the same trajectory or who bring drama. I can't please everyone, but I know I'm on the right path because people are acknowledging and talking about my work at conferences I'm not even attending.

When I think about advice for young women entering my industry, I would emphasize the importance of knowing your worth from the very beginning. I’ve learned that confidence in your skills, perspective, and contributions is essential, even when you are still building experience. Advocate for yourself, ask questions, and do not be afraid to take up space in rooms where decisions are being made. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who challenge and support you, and stay committed to continuous growth. Most importantly, trust that your voice and expertise have value, and never underestimate what you bring to the table.

The biggest opportunity in my field right now is the University Hotels and Clubs concept, which is being recognized as the next disruptive force in the hospitality industry. At two major conferences a university conference in Washington, D.C. last October and a hotel owner's conference in Dallas - keynote speakers put University Hotels and Clubs on stage and called it 'the next and upcoming thing that will disrupt the industry' and 'recession-proof.' The key differentiator is that universities and hospitals are actual ownership partners, not just franchise locations near campuses. One of my first two locations came from someone who heard about the concept at the DC university conference, where a panelist discussed it and someone in the audience said they knew me. The challenge is that it takes a long time to work with universities and hospitals - it's not a walk in the park. You have to be willing to take risks and deal with people who don't understand the vision. I've been mocked, especially by men, who say what I'm doing isn't right. But I can't please everyone, and I know I'm doing the right thing because the industry is talking about it even when I'm not in the room.

The values most important to me are integrity, which is number one and key to everything I do, and treating people the way you want to be treated. I believe karma is real, and it matters how you conduct yourself. You cannot buy class - that's something I always keep in mind because class is instilled in you, not purchased. I'm all about energy, and I've removed people from my life who don't belong in the same trajectory or who bring drama. I don't condone negative energy. I also believe in not harboring resentment. After the New York Stock Exchange event, I actually acknowledged people I had worked with along the way on LinkedIn, even those I had parted ways with. They couldn't believe I would acknowledge them, but I said of course - they were part of my journey. I met with a few of them at the New York Hotel Owners Conference, and it was a very cathartic experience for both parties. I've moved on, but I helped them heal too by letting go and putting it back out in the universe. Everything comes from within - you need a solid core, literally, and a strong head, body, mind, soul, and spirit. I practice gratitude every morning when I wake up, and I manifest a lot. My strong faith from childhood has never left me, and that's what keeps me going.