True leadership means serving others by creating growth opportunities, fostering safe environments, and providing guidance that enables people to develop their potential and succeed.
Her Story
About Victoria
Victoria Penaranda, SHRM-CP, is an experienced human resources and hospitality professional currently serving as Area Director of People Support with HHM Hotels. She has approximately 12 years of experience across human resources and hospitality, with expertise in employee engagement, hotel management, strategic planning, research, teamwork, teaching, and people development. In her current leadership role, she supports hospitality operations in the Washington, D.C., area, building on previous HR leadership positions with Hilton, Aramark, and Hyatt.
Originally from Colombia, Victoria earned her Doctor of Law (J.D.) from the University of Atlántico, completing her studies from 1999 to 2006. She began her professional background as an attorney in Colombia before moving to the United States and transitioning her legal and people-focused experience into hospitality and human resources. Her U.S. hospitality career began with Hyatt in Baltimore, where she worked as an event coordinator supporting the HR function during a union transition. She subsequently progressed through HR management and director-level positions, combining her legal education with a passion for supporting employees and strengthening workplace culture.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Victoria is committed to mentorship, service, and community involvement. She participates in a church leadership mentorship program and volunteers with New Hope Housing and the Humanity Society for Pets. She also identifies reading and volunteering as important contributors to her continued growth and success. Looking ahead, her career trajectory reflects a commitment to continued leadership in People Support and Human Resources, with the potential to expand her impact across multiple hospitality properties.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Victoria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the 12 years of experience I have developed in human resources and hospitality, as well as my commitment to reading, volunteering, and continuous learning. My experience has allowed me to build strong skills in research, hotel management, strategic planning, teamwork, and teaching while continuing to grow both professionally and personally.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the hospitality industry to learn as much as possible and not focus solely on where they are today. Instead, they should think about the future and the many possibilities a career in hospitality can provide. Hospitality offers a wide range of transferable skills and allows professionals to explore different areas, including human resources, finance, and other hotel departments. I encourage the next generation to embrace the industry, remain curious, and continue learning every day.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Victoria
Leadership That Opens Doors
How Servant Leadership Creates Opportunities for Growth and Empowers Others to Succeed
Leadership begins with serving the people we lead. It is more than assigning tasks, setting expectations, or achieving results. It is a commitment to helping others grow, develop their abilities, and see possibilities for themselves. Effective leaders create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and supported—where they can ask questions, share ideas, and learn from mistakes without fear of humiliation.
Growth requires opportunity. Too often, people are expected to have experience before anyone is willing to give them a chance to gain it. If we never open the door to an entry-level role, a new responsibility, or a challenging assignment, how can we expect someone to develop? Every experienced professional started somewhere. Someone offered them a chance, trusted their potential, or guided them through those early steps.
As leaders, we have a responsibility to make a way for others. This means recognizing potential, removing unnecessary barriers, and creating meaningful opportunities to learn and advance. It also means providing the guidance, resources, and honest feedback people need to succeed. Giving someone an opportunity is only the beginning; helping them make the most of it is part of our responsibility.
Listening and empathy are essential to this work. Each person brings different strengths, experiences, challenges, and aspirations. When we take the time to understand them, we can offer support that meets their needs. Sometimes that support is encouragement. Sometimes it is coaching, a clear expectation, or a conversation about what needs to improve. Leading with empathy means holding people accountable while treating them with dignity.
Our impact as leaders is reflected in the people we help move forward. When we build confidence, create opportunities, and support development, we prepare others to take on greater responsibilities and eventually open doors for someone else. Leadership leaves a lasting mark when the people we serve are better equipped to grow, succeed, and lead in their own right.
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