Her Story
About Georgia
Georgia Toomer serves as Complex Manager at Evolution Parking and Guest Services, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In this role, she manages two properties, handling day-to-day operations, financials, and guest experiences through valet services, ensuring seamless arrivals and departures for hotel and casino visitors. With more than 15 years in the hospitality industry, her career path includes starting as a server at Red Lobster where she advanced to certified trainer and management, spending 22 and a half years in operations at Frito-Lay, coordinating a spa for a couple of years, and progressing from front desk to front desk manager at the Marriott Fairfield property. She is currently on a task force that allows her to travel and develop teams at other properties, such as in Charleston, South Carolina. Georgia values mentoring and developing others within her company, which prioritizes growth opportunities, and she contributes to her community by serving at St. Vincent's every Tuesday. Previously, she was a member of Adelante while at Frito-Lay. Her advice to those entering the field is to embrace the many branches of hospitality, including valet services, and to join a company committed to employee growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Georgia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to remain humble, coachable, and committed to continuous growth. I believe there is always something new to learn and an opportunity to improve. I rely on prayer and ask God for wisdom, guidance, and strength throughout my journey. I also believe that success is most meaningful when it is shared. Whenever I have knowledge, experience, or resources that can help someone else grow, I am always willing to give back and support others. Those values—faith, humility, a commitment to learning, and serving others—have been the foundation of my personal and professional success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never dim my light. Always strive to be better today than you were yesterday, and never place limits on your goals or your potential. Stay true to who you are, continue learning, work hard, and don't let fear or doubt keep you from pursuing opportunities. Growth is a continuous journey, and success comes from consistently challenging yourself to reach higher.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you are a person that enjoys hospitality, which is taking care of others, don't be afraid to branch out besides the norm. Hospitality has a lot of branches, and Valet is one of them. Go with a company that believes in growth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges of being a woman leader in the valet industry is finding the right balance between being approachable and being respected. I strive to lead with empathy and a "soft touch," while also maintaining professionalism and holding my team accountable. I've learned that you don't have to sacrifice kindness to be an effective leader. The key is to communicate clearly, set consistent expectations, and lead with confidence, fairness, and integrity. When your team knows you genuinely care about them while also expecting excellence, they are more likely to respect your leadership and perform at their best.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are integrity, faith, humility, service, and balance. I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and treating everyone with respect. My faith keeps me grounded and reminds me to lead with compassion and purpose.
I also believe in maintaining a healthy balance between work and my personal life. While I am dedicated to achieving results and developing my team, I know that being present for my family, taking care of myself, and continuing to grow personally are just as important. I strive to lead by example, remain coachable, and create a positive impact wherever I am.
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