Meet Estela, Manager, Property Systems, Global Deployment & Change Management Technology Solutions, and Hispanic/Latinx Team Member Resource Group (TMRG) member at Hilton!
Estela joined Hilton in 1999, leading to an incredible career that has allowed her to travel the world and help hotels open their doors with IT – all while infusing her culture and heritage every step of the way.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we must recognize and honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals in shaping our society. At Hilton, we are proud to have talented Team Members like Estela who bring their unique perspectives and experiences to their work. Read on as she reflects on her journey at Hilton, her career growth, and how she is celebrating her culture this month and beyond.
Get to Know Estela
“My journey started at Hilton’s first hotel technology hub, the Hilton Garden Inn (HGI) LAX/El Segundo. This hotel was Hilton's testing site and launch pad for new technology. I joined as a Front Office Lead and worked there for three years before transferring to our corporate headquarters (at that time in Beverly Hills). After sixteen years of working in various roles on the HGI Brand Performance team, my career shifted, and I found myself on the Global Deployment Change Management team (GDCM). It has been an incredible journey working with so many wonderful people from all over the world.”
What is something unique about your role, and how do you infuse your culture and individual experiences into your work?
“As the Manager, Property Systems, Global Deployment & Change Management Technology Solutions, I lead our hotels' day-to-day project management on different Property Management Systems (PMS). One of the regions I support is the Caribbean & Latin America (CALA). Though our hotel partners speak English, it is not always easy for non-native speakers to interpret hotel IT vocabulary in English. I close that gap by enabling hotel teams to express their needs in their comfort language, Spanish.
I have been with Hilton for almost 24 years and have had so much exposure to the needs of our hotels, so being able to speak both languages and understand the differences in culture for where the hotels are located is a huge asset. I am amazed by how much my roots impact and enhance my day-to-day job, and I love this uniqueness.”
How do you experience belonging at Hilton?
“I love that we have groups like the Hispanic/Latinx TMRG that allow us to learn about our diverse cultures and experiences. Even within the HLTMRG – speaking Spanish together as a collective does not always mean we fully understand one other. Each culture is different. Participating in the TMRGs brings a sense of understanding and respect for what we each carry.”
This year, the HLTMRG's Hispanic Heritage Month theme is "Celebrating our Culture through History, Music, and Entrepreneurship." What are some ways you will celebrate your culture throughout the month?
“This year, I was on the event planning committee for an intersectional event the HLTMRG held for Hispanic Heritage Month. The group wanted to host an event around music and joined forces with the Generations TMRG to highlight music across generations. I was excited to connect them with my childhood friend, a radio broadcaster with extensive knowledge of music, and led the discussion during the event. I celebrated with my team as we played music from around the world.
I will also celebrate by sharing my background and the foods we like eating and cooking. My team knows how proud I am to be Mexican and of my country’s rich culture.”
Reflecting on your career, how has Hilton supported your overall growth and development?
“Hilton has provided numerous opportunities throughout my career to advance my knowledge and grow, including onsite and field training. It is nice to have the support of supervisors and mentors who help you grow and move when the time is right. Hilton also allows you to challenge yourself with plenty of room to grow within our organization.”
