Carmen Giannina Piazza
Carmen Gianna Piazza is an accomplished culinary professional and Executive Chef F&B Director at DoubleTree by Hilton in Silver Spring, Maryland. Fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish, she brings a global perspective to her work, emphasizing operational excellence, financial performance, and team development.
Carmen measures success not only by consistently exceeding business performance and guest satisfaction goals, but by the growth, well-being, and happiness of her team. Her leadership style is rooted in mentorship, accountability, and creating inclusive environments where individuals are empowered to thieve. Her passion for food began in childhood, helping her grandfather in his bakery, and was further honed through formal culinary training in Italy. After graduating, she operated her own restaurant before moving to the United States in 2000 with her daughter bringing with her resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Carmen began her career in the hotel industry with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where she built a strong foundation in luxury hospitality and food and beverage operations. She later held leadership roles at The Westin Hotel, and Cafe Milano in Washington DC. and served in leadership positions within the Sheraton brand and Hilton Brands such Hilton Dulles Airport Hotel, Embassy Suites International Dr. Convention Center, and Doubletree Disney Spring in Orlando, FL.
Beyond her professional accomplishment, Carmen is deeply committed to her community. She is an active member of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, dedicated to service the community through volunteerism, emergency support, and public service. She also actively supports the local food donation initiatives, extending her passion for service beyond the workplace.
She is embracing a lifelong dream by pursuing her pilot’s license as a personal hobby, reflecting her curiosity, determination, and passion for continuous growth. Carmen’s leadership, service, and dedication have earned her multiple nominations for Manager of the Year and other regional recognitions—honors that reflect not only her culinary expertise, but her lasting impact as a mentor, leader, and role model within the hospitality industry.
• Certified in Food Safety & Sanitation
• Alcohol Service Certification TIPS
• Allergen Awareness and anagement Certified
• First Aid, CPR & AED Certification
• Brand Standards & QA Compliance
• College of Business Administration
• Culinary Arts
• Manager of the Year for Hilton
• Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol USA Air Force
• Silver Spring Comunity Service
• Siler Spring Chamber of Commerce
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, discipline, and adaptability, as well as a deep respect for my craft. Moving to a new country and starting over required determination, and those experiences have shaped the way I approach challenges and opportunities in my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"Be yourself but always be improving". " Your title opens doors, but your integrity keeps them open"
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to believe in their skills and stay persistent through challenges. Don’t be afraid to take bold steps in pursuing your passions. Be passionate about your work, prepare thoroughly, hold a clear vision, demonstrate your capability, speak with confidence, set boundaries, lead with integrity, and always listen to learn from others.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my field was immigrating to a new country and rebuilding my professional reputation from the ground up. Navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and industry expectations required resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning, but it also opened opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, integrity, and respect for cultural traditions, along with a strong commitment to excellence and mentorship. I strive to leave a legacy of cultural connection, resilience, and inspiration by sharing global cuisine and empowering other women—especially immigrants—to pursue successful and fulfilling careers.