Her Story
About Katarina
For Katarina Drosnes, success has never been about reaching a single destination—it's about embracing opportunities to learn, grow, and make a positive impact along the way.
Originally from Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, Katarina moved to the United States in 2019 and began building a new chapter of her life. Along the way, she earned a Hospitality Management degree from Wake Technical Community College, became a U.S. citizen, and found a career in hospitality sales that perfectly combines her passion for people, relationship-building, and community involvement.
Today, as the Area Sales Manager for ZMC Hotels, Katarina enjoys helping businesses, organizations, and families find the right hospitality solutions while building lasting partnerships throughout the community. She believes that hospitality is about far more than providing a place to stay—it's about making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.
Outside of her career, Katarina is a devoted wife and mother of two who enjoys renovating her family's home, gardening, and creating spaces where people feel comfortable gathering together. She believes the same values that make a welcoming home—kindness, trust, and genuine connection—also create meaningful relationships in business and in life.
Katarina hopes her journey encourages others to embrace new opportunities with an open mind and a willingness to keep learning. She believes that confidence grows through experience, success is built one step at a time, and some of life's greatest rewards come from investing in people.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katarina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to three things: a willingness to keep learning, the courage to step outside my comfort zone, and the people who have supported me along the way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Someone once told me, "The world is your oyster—no dream is too big," and those words have stayed with me ever since. Whenever I've faced a big decision or doubted myself, I've come back to that advice. It reminds me not to let fear or uncertainty define my future. Some of the most rewarding experiences in my life began with taking a chance on something that felt bigger than I thought I was capable of. Looking back, I'm grateful I believed that there was always room to dream bigger.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't wait until you feel ready. If I had waited until I felt confident, I never would have moved across the world, gone back to school, accepted leadership opportunities, or applied for positions that intimidated me. Courage comes first. Confidence follows.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in hospitality is using technology to improve efficiency while keeping the human connection at the center of every guest experience. As expectations continue to evolve, I believe the professionals who build authentic relationships and adapt to change will be the ones who thrive.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, kindness, and service are the values that guide both my work and personal life. I believe in treating people with respect, following through on my commitments, and leaving every person and every place a little better than I found it.
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