From starting as an intern to becoming a Sr. Manager of Talent & Leadership Development for the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), Cinthia’s journey with Hilton is a testament to her passion and dedication to taking advantage of all the opportunities Hilton has to offer.
Cinthia is a graduate of Hilton’s CALA Elevator Program, which offers Team Members the chance to work on property in the CALA region and immerse themselves in the world of hotel operations, gaining experience in every department. Keep reading to learn more about Cinthia’s career journey, Elevator Program hotel placements, and experiences being part of #TeamHilton.
Meet Cinthia
“When I studied Hospitality & Tourism Management at San Diego State University, I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in. The “behind-the-scenes” of how things get done in hotels has always intrigued me. My first job in hotels was at a Hilton property in downtown San Diego, CA, where I was an intern in the Human Resources (HR) department. After my internship ended, I was offered to stay on board as HR coordinator part-time while completing my final school year. During this time, my passion for HR came alive, and I knew I had found my niche in the hospitality world.”
How did you get involved in Hilton’s Elevator Program?
“During my time in school, I was active in the organization NSMH (National Society of Minorities in Hospitality), where I learned about Hilton’s Elevator Program during one of our national conferences. The program offered exactly what I wanted: the ability to work abroad and develop in the HR field.”
How was your experience being part of Hilton’s Elevator Program?
“After being selected for the Elevator Program, my first placement was at the Hilton Cartagena, Colombia. I rotated through each department, including a few months in HR. My second placement was at a DoubleTree in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, where I was given the opportunity to be the Assistant Director of HR. During that time, I improved my HR capabilities and skills, which were key for when I took on my first managerial role as the HR Manager at the Hilton Curacao. After three years in that role, I had the opportunity to move on to my next role, Area Manager, Learning & Talent for Mexico based in Mexico City. In that role, I was able to showcase my abilities in facilitation, organization, and project and program management, but also continue building connections, strategic thinking, and change management. After being in that role for two years, I transitioned to my current role as Sr. Manager, Talent & Leadership Development for our CALA hotels. I am very passionate about this role and committed to our Team Members' growth.”
What is something that has surprised you about your career path?
“One thing that has surprised me about my career path is that I found a role in the hospitality world that allows me to help others grow. One of my other degrees is in English Literature because I wanted to be a high school teacher. Even though that was not the career path that I chose, I am still fulfilling my desire to help others grow, learn, and develop.”
How has Hilton supported your career growth and development?
“Throughout my career, I’ve always had leaders who involved me in what my next step could be. Career conversations and developing new skills that were required for that next role were common and frequent. From the beginning, being part of the Elevator Program has met my desire to work abroad and grow in the HR world.”
How do you create an inclusive team where people feel welcome to voice their ideas and show up authentically?
“I walk the talk. I show my team that I am authentic and voice my ideas while inviting and asking them what they think if they have a different way of doing a process or their suggestions.”
What is the most unique part of your day working at Hilton?
“The most unique part of my day, maybe not a typical one, is that in one day, I could have a conversation with someone in Europe, Asia, and South America. This doesn’t happen often because I must start my day early and end late, but it has happened before!”
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Be yourself – don’t let your light be dimmed.”
