Her Story
About Erica
My journey into hospitality began unexpectedly during a vacation in the Dominican Republic over 10 years ago, where I met a girl on an externship who introduced me to the field and sparked my interest. When I returned home, I researched the industry and decided to pursue it formally through education. I earned my bachelor's degree from Pace University in 2018 and my master's degree from Florida International University in 2019, then came back to New Jersey to launch my career. Today, I work as the morning events operations manager at a hotel in the financial district. My typical day involves setting up events in either the event space or restaurant, then handling administrative responsibilities like reconciling folios, checking and placing orders for inventory, and reviewing disputes by reaching out to different people to understand where we went wrong, how we can improve, and whether we should invite guests back for another experience. One of the biggest challenges I face is navigating the different personalities across a large team, making sure everybody feels taken care of and that no one feels slighted, so we can maintain great team morale and culture while moving through the day-to-day operations. I also work to keep temperamental clients at ease throughout their events. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have Dr. Claudia Green, my professor from Pace University, as a mentor since 2014. She's taken me to incredible places like Brazil and Asia, and I turn to her when I'm feeling down, frustrated, or confused. My love of travel, which truly keeps me sane, was another major reason I chose hospitality, and I've had amazing experiences including spending a couple months in Cambodia on a UNESCO research project in the temples, which remains my favorite travel destination.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Erica
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think the biggest piece of advice is to never let a hard day dictate your future. With hospitality, you deal with a lot of crazy people all day, every day, and I feel like that gets very discouraging, but if you're passionate about something, don't let others' insecurities or the way that they talk to you or speak to you, don't let any discouraging day just dictate the rest of your future that you've worked so hard to achieve. To overcome any challenge in hospitality, I think definitely have grace and patience with yourself, and if you are hit with a setback, take a course, go to a networking seminar or event, and meet new people. The biggest takeaway that I've learned throughout the hospitality field is that this pool and industry is so small that everybody knows everybody, so I think lead with grace and respect. Always go out of your comfort zone to get to the next level in your life, and definitely use every networking opportunity, no matter how big or small it is, use it to the best of your ability and to the truest way that you can.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Definitely a nice work-life balance, definitely a team that knows how to communicate, definitely a leader that knows how to lead and guide and influence you or teach you different things so that you feel like you're growing within yourself, but also within the company.
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