Angelina Preza
Angelina Preza is an accomplished Sales, Marketing, and Operations Executive with extensive global experience in the hospitality, resort, and conservation industries. A graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Angelina has spent over 25 years leading and developing high-performing teams, driving business growth, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Her career spans executive, national, corporate, and remote positions, demonstrating her adaptability and success in complex, challenging environments.
Throughout her career, Angelina has excelled in business development, sales management, marketing, hotel management, and event coordination. She has a proven track record of negotiating at executive levels, securing exclusive partnerships, and achieving significant sales goals across corporate, leisure, and international markets. Notable roles include Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Guest Services for AQUA Hotels & Resorts, West Coast Director of Sales for International and Incentive Markets with Marriott International, Director of Sales & Marketing with Rock Resorts Lanai, Director of Sales for San Mateo & Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, Senior Director of Sales for Island of Hawai'i Visitors Bureau, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sheraton Kona Resort,Director of EcoXpeditions Sales and Promotions and Associate Director of Sales & events at Aquarium of the Bay/Bay.org, where all sales and revenue goals were exceeded and surpassed.
Passionate about sustainability and global outreach, Angelina has lived, traveled to and worked in over thirty countries, creating unique opportunities in business development including the areas of eco-tourism and marine conservation. She is recognized for her ability to mentor and motivate teams, build strong client relationships, and implement innovative programs that make a meaningful impact. Angelina’s commitment to integrity, continuous learning, and excellence defines her professional ethos, making her a trusted leader in both business and community-focused initiatives.
• University of Hawaii at Manoa- (BA) in Psychology
• SF Rotary
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to two things: one is earning my bachelor’s degree that opened doors for me to travel and experience life and work in more than thirty countries, which provided me with the knowledge, skills, and foundation to excel in my career. The other is my mother who always believed the best in me and told me I could anything I set out to accomplish. And she was right.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always be graceful and respectful and believe in yourself that you can achieve anything you set yourself out to accomplish.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to pursue some form of higher education, whether an associate or bachelor’s or technical degree, as it provides a strong foundation for success. And reach out to someone you respect to mentor you in areas you want to excel in.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities are to being a true team leader and being a positive influence and force to achieve all goals set out for you and your team.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are continuous learning and ongoing training, always striving to grow and improve.