Audrey Gonzalez

I've been in hospitality for over 20 years, starting in 2005. I'm currently a Regional Director for the Americas Southeast and Caribbean at Preferred Hotels and Resorts, where I manage a portfolio of hotels, many of them 5-star properties that stand on their own footing. My journey began in high school at Miami Beach Senior High through the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, where I got to shadow housekeeping at the Lowe's Hotel when it was just opening up. I originally wanted to be a doctor, but I realized I could help people and make their dreams come true in hospitality with many less years and less expense for my career. I studied at Johnson & Wales and have been in hospitality ever since. Throughout my career, I've spent quite a bit of time mastering each discipline - whether it's revenue management, sales and marketing, operations, or front office. My most recent position was in marketing and PR, so I tend to wear that hat the most, but I feel very confident in each area. I became a director at 23 and have moved up rather quickly because of the passion I have for what I do. It never feels like work, and that's when you know what you're doing is a passion, not so much a job. I spend a lot of time traveling and expanding my knowledge in different markets, experiencing new cuisine, new cultures, and new ways of doing things. I always try to make a connection wherever I'm going with either the hotel team or the destination culturally to understand where I'm going from a non-touristy, behind-the-scenes perspective. That has really helped me build my career.