Shining Bright: Spotlighting leaders for Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic American Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. It's a time to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans in the country.

Across our business at IHG Hotels & Resorts – we have Hispanic American leaders embodying the true spirit of hospitality daily. They show up for their guests, team members, and community. IHG is proud to shine a light on some of our stellar colleagues!

Arminio Rivero, Hotel Manager, InterContinental Miami

Arminio Rivero took a sharp turn in his career choice and had no regrets. Currently the hotel manager at InterContinental Miami, Rivera says he was on the M.D. track – even attending medical school for almost two years.

"There are plenty of doctors in my family and was an easy route, but I fell in love with hospitality and traded hospitals for hotels and will never regret it," says Rivero. "It was actually IHG that opened the doors for me 30 years ago with my first job as valet parking attendant!"

Rivero worked in various roles from that point, from bellman to front desk agent, director of rooms, and so on, until he became hotel manager.

"As a Hispanic American and being able to speak four languages has opened the door for me in so many ways – even challenges I call opportunities, because it allowed me to be better at what I do," he says. "This industry is so inclusive that it allows you to be yourself. I am honored to have spent my whole career with IHG and the journey has been fantastic."

Danny Quintana, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach

Danny Quintana, general manager of the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach in California, started his career in hospitality nearly 25 years ago as a bellman and van driver.

"I've been fortunate to work in many areas of the business. I worked for three general managers who helped me grow and gave me opportunities," says Quintana. "When I was given a chance to become a GM, I called each of these gentlemen to thank them for their support. Whether they realize it or not, they had a big impact on my early career growth." Quintana says his culture and values have been assets in his career.

"I come from a large family, and when we gathered – everyone was welcome. We believe that our home is your home, and that idea has helped me a great deal in my hospitality career."

His biggest piece of advice for those starting out in hospitality? Patience and leaning into knowledge from others. And perhaps to also be prepared for some pleasant surprises along the way.

"I met my wife while we were both working in hotels! Best relationship ever, and she is still my best friend."

Ana Maria Godoy, Assistant General Manager, Candlewood Suites Raleigh Crabtree

She's the assistant general manager at Candlewood Suites Raleigh Crabtree, and Ana Maria Godoy began her career in hospitality in Santiago, Chile.

"I love providing excellence to our guests," says Godoy. "You can make someone's day through excellent services – like ensuring they have a clean room to walk into. It's what I love most about working in hotels."

While Godoy agrees with her other colleagues that being bilingual is a huge plus, it's the values she was raised with that's helped her the most.

"My biggest asset is my work ethic. I was always taught that nothing comes without sacrifice and hard work."

And Godoy, too has experienced the human connection of hospitality.

“In 2000, I worked as a hotel concierge in Chile, and the person who hired me was the resident manager," says Godoy.

"Fast forward to a year later, I had moved to the U.S. The same resident manager remembered and hired me as a front desk agent in Indianapolis. He then promoted me to supervisor and manager. What are the chances of me working for him again halfway across the globe? It's the best memory of my career!"

Martha Riley, General Manager, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Van Horn

Martha Riley moved to the United States in 1984 from Mexico, wanting to learn how to speak English. Today she is the general manager of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Van Horn in Texas.

"I didn't actually start working in hotels until 27 years after I moved to the U.S. as a part-time front desk agent at Holiday Inn Airport in El Paso, TX and I absolutely loved it. My first GM role was at Candlewood Suites, and I always say that Candlewood was like my university, and I'm so thankful for everything."

Even though a hospitality career came to her later in life, Martha says the hotel life was something she was always familiar with.

"Growing up, my father was a baseball umpire, and we traveled a lot. I used to love going from city to city and from hotel to hotel. I think that is why I've always wanted to work at a one."

Riley says she loves the everyday excitement of working in a hotel and interacting with different people. She tells others that her advice is to never give up.

"I came here from Mexico not knowing what's next, and English is my second language. But, even with my accent, I got to where I am now. If I can do it, you can do it."

Mario Parades, General Manager, Holiday Inn & Suites Raleigh-Cary

For Mario Paredes, a career in hospitality meant the chance to work alongside his father.

"My dad was working at a Crowne Plaza hotel, and they had an entry-level opening at the front desk," he says. "When I look back, the proudest moment is when my dad brought me that job application. It was a turning point in my life and the start of my hospitality career."

After being promoted to night auditor – Paredes says he went on to pursue a degree in hospitality. Today he is the general manager of Holiday Inn & Suites Raleigh-Cary in North Carolina.

"I love the operational aspects of this job. Everything needs to be planned carefully," says Paredes. "I also like meeting so many people from different backgrounds and love the culture around hospitality."

Celebrating culture is something Paredes says he is very passionate about.

"Being Latino – the culture is so diverse, and I bring that to work," says Paredes. "I take pride when I am recognized for being Latino. It makes me think back to my sacrifices to get to this point, but representing my culture means everything to me."

Juana Espada, General Manager, IHG Army Hotels, Joint Base Lewis-McChord

When Juana Espada arrived at Joint Base Lewis-Mc-Chord, she was a military spouse and a veteran.

"After endless job searches, I found a posting for room attendant at the base hotel and was hired on the spot," says Espada. "After a few weeks, the manager asked me if I wanted a position in the front office. From there, I became housekeeping manager, then hotel manager, and now I'm a general manager, overseeing a 500-room hotel for IHG Army Hotels."

Espada says she feels incredibly fortunate that even though a hospitality career wasn't what she had in mind, the door opened for her to work and advance in the field.

"I fell in love with the hotel industry's family environment. My passion has always been meeting people whom you create relationships with, and whether it's the hotel guest or your team, that's what makes work fun and memorable."

She says there are challenges just like any other job, and you get what you put into it, and her heritage and background have been a blessing.

"Being bilingual has helped me translate the company's brand and services, ensuring success in generating guest satisfaction and loyalty," says Espada. "I remember one day a guest was checking out, and you could tell she was in a panic because no one could understand what she wanted or needed. She was not able to communicate in English. The team called me, and you could see the relief when she heard me speaking to her in her language."

For those who want to pursue a job in hospitality, Espada says, "Learn about your work environment, make a strong first impression, but above all else, be who you are and take pride in what you do."

Juan De Dios Tovar Guerrero, General Manager, Staybridge Suites Pecos

As an area general manager overseeing four hotels in Texas and the general manager of Staybridge Suites Pecos, Juan De Dios Tovar Guerrero has done it all.

“I have had the opportunity to do every job you can think of in the hotel industry. From night auditor to front desk, from executive housekeeper to operations manager, from assistant GM to brand standards trainer, all the way to general manager, and now currently area general manager. Before I came to Pecos to open Staybridge, I was asked to assist with opening Hotel Indigo in Frisco [also in Texas].”

Born in Coahuila, Mexico, Tovar Guerrero moved to Dallas, Texas, more than 30 years ago.

His journey has had its fair share of challenges, but Tovar Guerrero says it helped teach him to be his authentic self.

"My background helps me connect with guests, embrace diversity and see that we all have shared experiences we can relate to and learn from.”