Her Story
About Martha
Martha Gavilan is a seasoned hospitality sales leader with more than 15 years of experience in the United States and an early career foundation in South America. She currently serves as Senior Sales Manager for the Northeast Region Large Corporate Market at Hyatt Regency DFW, where she manages corporate accounts across the East Coast—from Maine to Florida—as well as Central and South America.
Martha began her hospitality career in Ecuador as a Sales Manager for a boutique hotel, developing a strong foundation in client service, sales, and hotel operations. She later broadened her industry expertise by working as a sourcing manager for pharmaceutical companies, gaining valuable insight into both the hotel and client perspectives. This dual experience has shaped her consultative approach to sales and her ability to create meaningful partnerships that drive results.
Throughout her career, Martha has held progressive leadership positions with respected Hotel Brands. Her experience spans hotel sales & operations, corporate group sales, strategic account management, and revenue growth initiatives. She also served as an Area Director of Sales, overseeing multiple hotels and leading sales strategy, market performance, and team development.
At the heart of Martha’s success is her belief that hospitality is not simply about selling a product, it is about creating experiences and delivering on promises. She approaches every event, meeting, and client partnership with a commitment to excellence, understanding that each represents a meaningful milestone for the people involved.
Martha’s journey is also one of resilience and determination. She immigrated to the United States at age 30 without speaking English and has since built a successful leadership career in one of the world’s most competitive industries. Through perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering work ethic, she has advanced into senior leadership roles while remaining deeply connected to her Latin American heritage.
A proud Latina, Martha is passionate about inspiring others to pursue their goals regardless of the obstacles they may face. Her story reflects the power of hard work, cultural pride, and the belief that growth is always possible. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys music, dancing, travel, spending time with family, and exploring diverse cuisines—interests that mirror her love of people, cultures, and meaningful connections.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Martha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the foundation my parents provided throughout my life. They taught me the importance of hard work, integrity, perseverance, and always doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. My father, in particular, has been my inspiration, he is a fighter and never gave up, and that determination became a core part of who I am. And my beautiful Mother who has been my biggest supporter and fan through my entire career.
My parents were immigrants, and they instilled in me values that have guided me every step of the way. They taught me that success is earned through dedication, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Those lessons became even more important when I moved to the United States without speaking English and had to start over from scratch.
Building a career in a new country came with many challenges, but the foundation my parents gave me provided the confidence and strength to keep moving forward. Their example taught me that with hard work, persistence, and faith in yourself, no obstacle is too great to overcome. Everything I have accomplished today is rooted in the values they instilled in me from an early age.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
he best career advice I ever received came from my grandfather, who was a farmer. He always told me, “When an opportunity comes your way, take it. If you don’t know how to do it yet, you’ll learn along the way.”
That advice has stayed with me throughout my life and career. There have been many moments when I faced opportunities that felt intimidating or beyond my comfort zone, and I wasn't always sure I was fully prepared. In those moments, I remembered my grandfather’s words and chose to embrace the opportunity rather than let fear or self-doubt hold me back. Over time, I learned that growth rarely happens when we stay comfortable. Some of the most valuable lessons and greatest achievements come from having the courage to take a chance, trust yourself, and learn along the way.
The same mindset helped me when I moved to the United States. Starting over in a new country without speaking the language challenged my confidence, and there were times when I questioned whether I could succeed. But I continued saying yes to opportunities, trusting that I could learn, adapt, and grow along the way.
That simple piece of advice has been one of the most valuable lessons of my career and life. It taught me that confidence is not about knowing everything before you begin, it’s about having the courage to take the first step and believing in your ability to figure things out as you go.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the hospitality industry is to be brave and don't hold yourself back. Too often, we talk ourselves out of opportunities because we don't feel ready, qualified enough, or experienced enough. If I could go back and give my younger self advice, I would tell her to be bolder, take more chances, and trust herself sooner.
Don't let self-doubt stop you from pursuing your goals. Apply for the position that seems out of reach. Volunteer for the challenging project. Speak up, share your ideas, and step outside of your comfort zone. Growth happens when we are willing to take risks and embrace new opportunities.
Most importantly, don't settle for what feels safe. Believe in your potential, even when others may not see it yet. Your career is shaped by the opportunities you are willing to pursue, so dream big, stay confident, and never be afraid to go after what you truly want.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges facing the hospitality industry today is the rapid advancement of technology and artificial intelligence. Many processes are becoming automated, and technology is changing the way we interact with customers, manage operations, and conduct business. As professionals, we must continuously adapt and learn how to leverage these tools effectively.
At the same time, I see this as an opportunity rather than just a challenge. Technology can help us become more efficient, allowing us to focus on what truly differentiates hospitality: the human connection. While AI can streamline processes and provide information, it cannot replace genuine relationships, trust, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
Hospitality is ultimately about people. Whether it's understanding a client's needs, negotiating a complex event, solving a problem, or creating a memorable experience, human interaction remains at the heart of what we do. Clients want to feel heard, valued, and confident that their event or experience is in good hands.
I believe the future of our industry will be shaped by those who can successfully combine technology with exceptional personal service. The professionals who embrace innovation while continuing to build authentic relationships will be the ones who thrive in the years ahead.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and integrity are the values that guide me most in both my professional and personal life. I believe that integrity is one of the most important qualities a person can have because it influences every decision, relationship, and opportunity. No matter the circumstances, I strive to be honest, transparent, and true to my principles. Even when doing the right thing is difficult or may not lead to an immediate advantage, I believe it is always worth protecting your integrity and staying true to your values.
Another value that is deeply important to me is staying connected to my roots and never forgetting where I came from. I am incredibly proud of my Latina heritage, and it has shaped who I am both personally and professionally. My background has taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of community and family. Throughout my journey, I have learned that success is most meaningful when you achieve it without losing sight of your identity, your values, and the people who helped shape you along the way.
For me, living with integrity, embracing my heritage, and remaining authentic in every aspect of life are the principles that continue to guide me every day.
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