Gabriela Mota
Gabriela Mota is a seasoned hospitality leader serving as Operations Director at Courtyard by Marriott in Jacksonville, Florida. With extensive experience in hotel management, she has built a proven track record of optimizing operations, elevating guest satisfaction, and driving organizational excellence. Her leadership is defined by strategic oversight and a results-oriented approach that consistently delivers on both business objectives and the Marriott brand promise.
Her career has encompassed key roles across housekeeping, front office, and overall hotel management, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of hospitality operations. Gabriela leverages this breadth of expertise to develop high-performing teams, streamline processes, and create seamless guest experiences. She is recognized for her ability to balance operational efficiency with personalized service, ensuring that each guest encounter reflects the highest standard of care.
Beyond her operational responsibilities, Gabriela is deeply committed to cultivating a positive workplace culture where respect, collaboration, and professional growth thrive. She mentors emerging hospitality professionals, empowering them to embrace leadership opportunities and advance within the industry. Guided by integrity and a passion for service, Gabriela continues to make a meaningful impact at Courtyard by Marriott while strengthening the hospitality community at large.
• Helps with Children's Miracle Network events with work
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my natural curiosity and my willingness to ask questions, which have allowed me to continuously learn, adapt, and grow throughout my career. That curiosity has also shaped my approach to leadership and mentoring; I find great fulfillment in recognizing potential in others and equipping them with the skills and confidence to advance and thrive.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to persevere no matter the challenges, never allow yourself to be diminished by others, and always keep asking questions. Curiosity and resilience will take you further than you imagine. For me, the greatest reward is not just personal success, but seeing those around me grow and succeed as well.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in hospitality today is balancing operational efficiency with the personalized service that guests expect. Evolving technologies, changing guest preferences, and workforce dynamics require adaptability while maintaining the human touch that defines exceptional hospitality. At the same time, these changes create opportunities to innovate, streamline processes, and deliver even more memorable experiences. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband making puzzles and building Legos, and we also love going out to see a good movie.