Her Story
About Alana
Alana Norris is a hospitality and catering leader serving as Director of Catering at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort. Based in Orlando, Florida, she is known for driving revenue growth, building strong client relationships, and leading high-performing teams in full-service hotel environments. Her expertise spans corporate meetings, large-scale social events, weddings, and complex multicultural celebrations, including high-end South Asian wedding programs that require detailed logistical coordination and cultural awareness. She is recognized for her hands-on leadership style, operational excellence, and ability to deliver memorable guest experiences while meeting aggressive business goals. Alana’s career in hospitality began in 2009 after graduating during a challenging job market, starting as a hostess at Shula’s 347 Grill and quickly transitioning into catering and events after discovering her passion for the industry. She advanced through roles including Catering Manager at the The Westin Lake Mary, Director of Catering at the Sheraton Orlando North, and leadership positions with Aimbridge Hospitality before continuing her upward trajectory in senior catering roles. Her progression reflects consistent performance, adaptability, and a strong track record of growing revenue, improving operations, and mentoring teams across multiple hotel brands and markets. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of North Florida, where she was actively involved in student leadership and campus organizations. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her results-driven mindset, including awards for top performance and exceptional sales achievement. Alana credits her success to mentorship, persistence, and a deep love for the fast-paced nature of hospitality, where every day brings new clients and challenges. She continues to pursue growth opportunities with the goal of advancing into regional leadership while continuing to elevate guest experiences and team performance across properties.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would have to attribute my success to my very first boss, Missie Kelly. She was the first director of catering that I worked with at the Westin, and she was really the person that pushed me and drove me and taught me how to do this industry. Having that kind of support and mentorship early in my career made all the difference in helping me develop the skills and confidence I needed to advance through increasingly responsible roles in hospitality.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be strong and hold your own. You know, women always get criticized - we're either too emotional, or we're too hard, or whatever the case may be. But you need to hold your own and stay strong, and just know you're doing the right thing. Don't let others' perceptions of how women should behave in professional settings shake your confidence or make you second-guess yourself.
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