Jeannette Lopez
Jeannette Lopez is a dedicated hospitality leader with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and fostering exceptional guest experiences. Currently serving as Operations Manager at Highgate, Jeannette brings a wealth of expertise from her diverse roles in the hospitality industry, including leadership positions at YOTEL and Virgin Hotels. Her career journey reflects her commitment to growth, adaptability, and delivering results in fast-paced environments. Heidi recently interviewed Jeannette, during which she shared her inspiring career path from living in the shelter system to becoming an operations manager through education, hands-on experience, and promotions.
Jeannette began her career in hospitality with foundational roles in kitchen and front-of-house operations, earning her Associate’s degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and continuing her education at the Institute of Culinary Education. Her wide-ranging background enables her to approach leadership with a holistic perspective that balances operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Jeannette offers advice for young women seeking professional growth: stay focused on your goals, commit to continuous learning, and remain open to building relationships with people who can support your career development. She also shared her personal passion for reading and her interest in gardening.
Passionate about leadership and personal growth, Jeannette attributes her success to her authentic and positive leadership style, which is personable, understanding, and approachable. This approach fosters trust, strengthens teams, and leaves a lasting impact—so much so that her previous team was saddened when she moved on. In her conversation with Heidi, they also discussed self-compassion and the value of accepting "good enough" rather than perfection. Jeannette’s philosophy emphasizes leaving unsatisfying jobs and staying true to oneself while pursuing professional growth, all while exploring her interests in charitable causes and plant care.
• Institute of Culinary Education - HTM
• Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts - AA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success as an operations manager to my authentic and positive leadership style. By being personable, understanding, and approachable, I build strong connections with my team, foster trust, and create an environment where people feel valued. This approach has not only driven results but also left a lasting impact, as evidenced by how much my team missed me when I moved on from my previous position.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay focused on your goals and maintain a clear vision of where you want to go. Commit to continuous learning, whether through formal education, hands-on experience, or seeking feedback, because growth comes from both knowledge and adaptability. Equally important is building genuine relationships. Connect with people who inspire you, share your values, and can offer guidance. These connections can open doors, provide fresh perspectives, and help you navigate challenges along the way.