At Hilton, we believe in empowering our Team Members to live their best lives. Our culture thrives when Team Hilton can achieve their dreams. Alessio, a chef at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice and passionate runner, has experienced this firsthand.
For years, Alessio had a cherished goal: traveling to New York City and completing the world-famous NYC Marathon. He never imagined this wish would come true, but with the help of Hilton’s Carpe Diem project in Italy and the support of his Team Members, he saw his dream become a reality. Keep reading to learn about the project, Alessio’s exhilarating journey to NYC, and how fulfilling his dream profoundly and positively impacted his life.
The Carpe Diem Project
Part of what makes Hilton the #1 World’s Best Workplace is the unique ways our properties embody our culture, such as the Carpe Diem program at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice property. Created in 2022, the program aims to fulfill the lifelong dreams of Team Members in Italy. Alessio had always dreamed of running the NYC Marathon, and after sharing his dream with the project’s Executive Committee, he was chosen as the recipient. Through the program, his entire trip to NYC, including flights and accommodation, and his entry fee for the race were courtesy of Hilton.
Meet Alessio
Alessio began his journey with Hilton in May 2007, joining during the pre-opening phase of the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. Over his seventeen-year career, he has worked in every restaurant at the hotel, from overseeing the breakfast buffet and rooftop pool lunch service, to crafting gourmet cuisine at Aromi Restaurant and contributing to the banqueting team. Now, Alessio serves as the chef for the Team Members' canteen. Beyond the kitchen, Alessio’s primary passion is running marathons.
Can you describe the moment you found out Hilton would sponsor your dream to run the NYC Marathon?
“Everybody in the hotel knows that I am a runner and that running marathons is my main passion in life, but never would have believed that I would be selected to fulfill my dream and run the NYC marathon. I used to think that the chances were too slim, so as you can imagine, I was speechless when I found out. I was so surprised that my legs started to shake. It is incredible that Hilton is willing to create this kind of opportunity for us Team Members.”
In what ways did the Hilton Molino Stucky team support your journey to the NYC Marathon?
“The person who helped me the most is Diletta, a colleague from our Human Resource Team. She contacted a company that specialized in sending people to run the biggest marathons in the world. The selection process to run the marathon is quite complex. It would have been almost impossible to get accepted without the help of a third party. Diletta provided all the necessary data and helped me organize my trip, including finding the flight and the accommodation. Together, we discovered how to move around in The Big Apple. Her help was crucial in making my experience the best possible.”
How did you feel once you completed the marathon? Can you share any memorable moments?
“I have run quite a few marathons in my life, but the New York Marathon is the toughest one so far. I still get goosebumps when I think about that morning at the starting line with 50,000 other runners around me, getting ready to start the race. We were cheered on by an endless group of people surrounding us. The cheering continued even the day after as I strolled through the city with every finisher wearing our medals. Everybody stopped to congratulate me: in the subway, Central Park, and the supermarket. Now the medal is framed and displayed in my living room—an heirloom.”
What do you love most about working at Hilton?
“In my experience, the greatest part of working at Hilton is that you are empowered to innovate, find solutions to overcome any challenge, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. Supported by fellow Team Members and managers, it is the best place to learn the art of cooking, develop your skills, and lay the foundations of your career path.”
