Her Story
About Sara
Sara Sanchez is the Dual Director of Sales and Marketing for a Home2 Suites and Tru dual property in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she has served in her current role for the past three years. She began her hospitality career in 2014 after transitioning from the healthcare field, bringing with her a strong foundation in compassion, communication, and service.
Over the course of her hospitality career, Sara has held leadership roles across multiple Hilton properties, gaining experience in operations, guest services, sales, and marketing. Her journey has taught her that success is not defined solely by titles or numbers, but by the people you impact, the relationships you build, and the environment you create for others to grow.
Sara believes in leading with authenticity, empathy, and accountability. She values collaboration and strives to create a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and inspired to bring their best selves to work. She also believes that professional success should complement, rather than compete with, the things that matter most outside of work.
One of the greatest lessons in Sara’s career has been learning to remain open to feedback and unexpected opportunities. She credits her willingness to listen, learn, adapt, and step outside of her comfort zone as key to her continued growth.
As a leader and a mother, Sara is passionate about demonstrating that it is possible to pursue meaningful professional goals while remaining grounded in family and personal values. She hopes to inspire others—especially women entering leadership—to believe in their abilities, embrace opportunities for growth, and never be afraid to create their own path.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sara
01What do you attribute your success to?
One of the biggest factors in overcoming obstacles is maintaining a growth mindset and being receptive to constructive feedback. Challenges and criticism are inevitable, but I view them as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks. Every piece of feedback provides insight into how I can improve professionally and personally. By staying open, adaptable, and committed to continuous growth, I’ve been able to turn obstacles into valuable learning experiences and move forward with greater confidence and purpose.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to remain open-minded and receptive to new opportunities. Some of the most impactful moments in a career come from paths you never expected to take. By embracing change, staying curious, and being willing to step outside of your comfort zone, you create opportunities for growth that can truly transform your life and career. Often, success begins with simply being open to possibilities you hadn’t considered before.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in your abilities, embrace every opportunity, and never allow doubt or stereotypes to define your potential. For many years, certain industries were perceived as being dominated by men, but today’s workplace is evolving because women continue to break barriers and redefine what’s possible.
Be confident in your knowledge, continue learning, and don’t be afraid to take a seat at the table. Your perspective, ideas, and leadership have value. Success comes from being willing to grow, take risks, and trust in your strengths. There is no limit to what women can achieve when they lead with confidence, determination, and authenticity.
This version would work well for a professional spotlight, company website, leadership profile, or industry interview. It sounds polished and executive-level while still feeling genuine and motivational.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges facing the hospitality industry today is navigating ongoing economic changes and their impact on travel patterns. Success requires staying informed and adaptable, as our industry is influenced not only by local and national economic conditions but also by global events that affect business and leisure travel.
At the same time, these challenges create opportunities. By closely monitoring market trends, understanding our guests’ evolving needs, and remaining flexible in our approach, we can position ourselves to make informed decisions and continue delivering exceptional experiences. The ability to adapt quickly and strategically has become one of the most valuable strengths in hospitality.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my personal and professional life are family, service, integrity, and balance.
In my personal life, my children are my greatest motivation and source of joy. Their happiness and well-being inspire me every day, and they remind me of the importance of being present, creating meaningful experiences, and maintaining perspective on what truly matters.
Professionally, I am passionate about serving others and creating environments where people feel welcomed, valued, and supported. One of the reasons I love working in hospitality is that our purpose is centered around caring for people. Whether it’s a guest, a team member, or a business partner, I believe every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact.
I am fortunate to work for an organization whose values closely align with my own. Their commitment to people, culture, and service reinforces what I believe is most important: treating others with respect, leading with integrity, and creating experiences that make a difference. The same principles that guide me at home are the ones I strive to bring to my work every day.
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