Tiffany Russell
Lida Matthews is currently serving as the Corporate Catering Sales Manager at Delta Hotels by Marriott Ontario, where she leads event and catering sales with a focus on client satisfaction, strategic growth, and exceptional service delivery. With over two decades of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industries, Lida has developed a strong foundation in operations, team leadership, and customer relations. Her background includes successful tenures at Courtyard by Marriott and other leading hospitality brands, where she consistently delivered results and built lasting client relationships.
Prior to joining Delta Hotels, Lida served as the Catering Sales Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Monterey Park, under Aimbridge Hospitality, where she played a key role in elevating catering operations and enhancing guest experiences. Throughout her career, she has managed both front and back-of-house operations, developed targeted marketing strategies, and executed high-impact events—from corporate functions to community celebrations. Her leadership style is grounded in integrity, trust, and loyalty, which has earned her a reputation for reliability and excellence across the industry.
Lida holds an Associate of Science degree in Psychology from Rio Hondo College. Outside of work, she is passionate about cooking, discovering new restaurants, and volunteering her time to support the homeless community. Her dedication to hospitality extends beyond the workplace, reflecting a personal commitment to service, compassion, and community engagement.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Michigan
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Indiana
• Simmons University
• Western Michigan University
• Black Excellence Staff Award 2025
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, the unwavering support of my family, and the trust that students have placed in me throughout my journey. I'm deeply passionate about mental health advocacy and strive to create safe, supportive spaces for growth and healing. I live by the motto, "Truth to Power," which guides my commitment to honesty, empowerment, and meaningful change.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: **“Do it afraid.”** It reminded me that fear is often part of growth, and that courage isn’t about the absence of fear, but moving forward in spite of it. That mindset has pushed me to take risks, embrace new opportunities, and grow both personally and professionally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is: **don’t be afraid to show up as your authentic self.** Your voice, perspective, and presence matter. Confidence comes from embracing who you are, and success follows when you lead with authenticity, integrity, and purpose.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the field right now is supporting students who are experiencing mental health crises. It can be emotionally demanding and requires a great deal of patience, empathy, and resilience. At the same time, it's also one of the greatest opportunities—to make a meaningful impact in students’ lives by creating safe spaces, offering support, and connecting them with the resources they need to heal and thrive.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, trust, being grounded, and equity. I believe that staying true to oneself and building genuine relationships based on trust are essential. Remaining grounded helps me navigate challenges with clarity and balance, while a commitment to equity ensures that everyone has a fair and respectful opportunity to succeed.