Lailina Scarpulla
Maria Lailina Smith-Scarpulla is a seasoned sales leader with a strong track record in the hospitality and vacation ownership industry. Currently serving as Senior Sales Manager for the Northeast Region at Marriott Vacations Worldwide, she brings a results-driven approach to sales strategy, team leadership, and client engagement. Lailina holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Operations and Computer Science, with a solid foundation in both these areas, Lailina seamlessly blends analytical expertise with a deep understanding of customer experience to drive performance and exceed targets.
Her professional journey reflects a commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence in sales. Known for her collaborative style and attention to detail, she continues to play a vital role in advancing Marriott Vacations Worldwide's market presence in a highly competitive industry.
• BSc
• , BSc
• DeVry University, B.Sc
• DeVry University, B.Sc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my strong educational foundation, a commitment to continuous growth, and the invaluable guidance of influential female leaders who have mentored me, like JoAnn Benjamin, Senior Regional VP, whose positivity and innovative leadership helped reshape our company during COVID. And Elizabeth Engelman, Area Project Director, whose strength and compassion have deeply inspired me. Their influence, along with my passion to win through effective team management, has been key to my development and achievements.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Why reinvent the wheel when you can make it better”—a reminder to build on what works, while always striving for improvement.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to prioritize your "why," embrace constant growth, push yourself beyond limits. Learn to embrace the mindset to “work hard, to play hard” to maintain balance and motivation. and find a balance that leads you toward a path you're truly passionate about. And find a strong mentor or manager which will accelerate your career 10x faster than trying to figure it all out alone.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is maintaining our position as #1 through continuous growth, while continuously setting a higher standard, leading by example, and evolving with new technologies and processes to stay ahead.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both work and personal life are family, continuous growth, and the transformative power of travel—which has helped me realign and gain perspective, through many experiences in exploring 63 different countries to date.