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Empowering Women in the Culinary World: Sally’s Journey

Meet Chef Sally Abé, Consultant Chef at the Pem Restaurant at the Conrad London St. James! Sally is a culinary expert whose career path and success at Hilton show the spirit of resilience and determination.

Sally shares how she’s advocating for women inside and outside the kitchen. We also hear from Hotel General Manager Bernadette Gillian, who is also embarking on a mission to redefine norms and create opportunities for women in this industry.

Despite the strides made in recent years, Sally acknowledges the stark reality that only 17% of chefs in the UK are women—a statistic she is determined to change. With a commitment to fostering inclusion, she advocates for young women to pursue careers in the culinary arts, recognizing the invaluable support offered by organizations like Hilton.

Emma Banks, Vice President, F&B (Food & Beverage) Strategy & Development EMEA, leaves us with a powerful reminder: "If you can see it, you can be it." Sally’s story serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring chefs but to anyone striving to break barriers and forge their own career path.

Join us in celebrating the culinary trailblazers who dare to defy convention and pave the way for a more inclusive and vibrant culinary landscape!

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Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 

Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 

Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 

Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 

Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 

27 April 2026

Building a Hospitality Career from Within

Canada Caribbean Latin America United States Career path spotlights Team Member stories

Why is Hilton the #1 World’s Best Workplace? It starts with a culture built on internal mobility, professional development, and opportunity, made possible by a global footprint of more than 9,000 hotels worldwide. With countless brands, roles, and geBen’s journey is a powerful example of what is possible in a career at Hilton. Starting as a front desk agent, he discovered a passion for hospitality that led him to sales and, ultimately, his current role as Director of Sales & Marketing at EmbWhat initially drew you to join Hilton, and what has kept you motivated to continue growing your career here over time?“I was initially drawn to Hilton because of its global reputation, but I was not particularly knowledgeable about the company’s values and what Hilton truly represents. That changed quickly. Starting at the front desk gave me a firsthand perspective Can you walk us through the key moments that shaped your career journey?“While working on the front desk team at Hampton Inn by Hilton Chilliwack, I developed a strong interest in our hotel’s performance, our reputation, and most importantly, our people. In 2020, I transitioned into a sales manager role, which marked a pHow has Hilton supported your career development and helped you take the next step in your career?“In 2024, I was enrolled in Hilton’s Networking Conversations Program, where I had the opportunity to connect with Hilton Regional Leaders who mentored me and provided guidance on driving results, managing people, and overcoming challenges. During thAnother defining example of Hilton’s support throughout was my move from British Columbia, Canada, to California, U.S., to join the Embassy Suites by Hilton Santa Clara team as Director of Sales and Marketing. Hilton guided me through the entire procWhat opportunities have helped you explore new paths throughout your career at Hilton?“Hilton’s encouragement of internal mobility enabled me to explore different career paths while continuing to grow within the company. In 2023 and 2024, I attended Hilton Sales conferences, which provided comprehensive training on Hilton’s Core SalesAnother key opportunity has been Go Hilton, our Team Member travel program. This program gives us the unique ability to explore destinations worldwide and experience Hilton from the guest’s perspective. After visiting some of the best properties HiltHow has Hilton’s culture shaped your experience as you have grown your career here?“Hilton’s focus on recognition, collaboration, and inclusion creates an environment where people feel valued and motivated to succeed. Unreasonable Hospitality, by Will Guidara, created the blueprint for how customers deserve to be treated, goinWhat does your journey say about the kind of career someone can build at Hilton—and why does that make it such a special place to work?“My journey reflects how Hilton empowers individuals to grow from entry-level roles into leadership positions through hard work and dedication. It’s a special place to work because the company not only provides opportunities but also actively investsExplore open roles at Hilton and take the first step toward building a career that grows with you.

30 March 2026

Meet The Hilton Leaders Opening Doors for the Next Generation of Women in Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific Inclusion Team Member stories Women At Hilton

In line with the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month — “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” — we shine a spotlight on leaders in Asia Pacific who exemplify what it looks like to lead the change.Linda Pecoraro and Gitanjali Chakravarthy Based in Malaysia, Linda has spent more than a decade at Hilton building inclusive environments where young women can see themselves in leadership, and Gitanjali in Sri Lanka, is spearheading a traineeship program that provLinda and Gitanjali are among many women across Hilton’s portfolio whose impact extends well beyond the hotels they run.Hilton has been named the World's Best Workplace and the No. 1 Best Workplace in Asia by Great Place to Work and Fortune, and its commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces where women can thrive continues to deepen. This year, Hilton was named theWith more than 2,300 new hotel leadership positions expected across Asia Pacific by 2030, Hilton is committed to ensuring women are well represented in that growth. In Greater China, women hold 27% of General Manager roles and more than 60% of DepartGitanjali Chakravarthy, General Manager of Hilton Yala Resort Gitanjali has dedicated her career to the hospitality industry, blazing a trail as the first Sri Lankan woman to hold the position of General Manager for a global hotel brand when she was appointed to lead Hilton Yala Resort in 2019. A former senior That commitment led to the launch of HAPPY — the Hospitality Apprenticeship for Youth program — a Travel with Purpose initiative led by Hilton Yala Resort designed to create access to meaningful opportunities for youths in the resort’s surrounding co“Healthy destinations mean thriving communities,” Gitanjali said. “Our long-term success depends on the sustainability of the places where we operate.”Working closely with local religious institutions and educational authorities to identify candidates, the program has run four intakes since July 2023, providing training across Housekeeping, Front Office, Kitchen and F&B for more than 50 youths.“We are proud of the impact HAPPY has had,” Gitanjali said, “Five graduates, including young women from nearby villages, are currently part of our Hilton family, while others have found roles at nearby properties, and one has secured employment oversLinda Pecoraro, General Manager of Hilton Kuala Lumpur and Area General Manager of Malaysia Central North EastLinda knew early on in her hospitality career that she wanted to lead. However, working her way up in an industry where women in senior leadership were still the exception meant navigating challenges that tested her resilience and determination.“As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I recognized the importance of breaking through preconceived notions and overcoming gender-related barriers,” Linda said, “There were instances where I had to prove my capabilities beyond any doLinda, has therefore, made a concerted effort in her career to champion mentorship programs, women-in-leadership forums, and outreach initiatives with educational institutions to create opportunities for young women entering the industry. These collaAlong the way, Linda was fortunate to have mentors and allies who recognized her potential and shared growth opportunities with her. Joining Hilton more than a decade ago, she has since led teams at Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Conrad Manila, and now HiltonLinda shares the story of mentoring a single mother who had been out of the workforce for some time. Through guidance and support, she was able to rebuild her confidence and start her own small business, which became a meaningful step towards financiLinda has also mentored individuals within the organisation who have progressed significantly including a Team Member who has since taken on a Hotel Manager role in Dubai. These journeys are incredibly rewarding to witness.Gitanjali and Linda are just two of the women leading the change in Asia Pacific. Here are three more making their mark:Fiona Pryde, General Manager of Hilton Surfers ParadiseFiona Pryde, General Manager of Hilton Surfers Paradise, is known for encouraging her team to make space for what matters most to them – a leadership philosophy she credits to the leaders at Hilton who did the same for her. A strong advocate for diveChristina Yang, General Manager of Waldorf Astoria BeijingChristina Yang, General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Beijing, made the leap from lifestyle to luxury when she moved from leading Canopy by Hilton Chengdu to taking the helm at one of China’s most storied luxury properties. Under her leadership, the WalYumi Onuki, Director of Operations at Conrad NagoyaYumi Onuki, Director of Operations at Conrad Nagoya, has built her Hilton career across Tokyo, Osaka, and Macau. She has twice been entrusted with launching luxury properties from the ground up — first at Waldorf Astoria Osaka, and now at Conrad Nago

20 March 2026

Creating a Life-Changing Career: How Hilton and the Türkiye Down Syndrome Association are Changing Lives

Africa Asia Pacific Canada Caribbean Europe Latin America Middle East United States Inclusion Team Member stories

For more than a decade, Hilton hotels across Türkiye have been working alongside the Türkiye Down Syndrome Association to expand access to meaningful skill and career development opportunities in hospitality for people with Down Syndrome. Through eduToday, Team Members with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are employed across nine Hilton hotels in Türkiye, as well as 15 cafés and restaurants, with continued momentum ahead. As David Kelly, Senior Vice President, Continental EuropTeam Members hired through the hotel’s partnership with TDSD, like Beyza Nur Erdoğan, Buffet Runner at Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center, describe the opportunity as life-changing. “I love expressing myself, being recognized, and Türkiye’s Efforts: Job Coaching and InclusivityThe Hilton Global Foundation awarded a second grant to TDSD this year, providing an additional USD $350,000 to expand training, job coaching, and on-the-job support. As part of this initiative, each participating hotel designates a trained At DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Gayrettepe, certified job coaches Canan Keskin (HR Manager) and Gökhan Arpacı (F&B Manager) are already seeing the difference. The program, they say, has helped teams better understand one another - creating Inclusion You Can See: Dans+1 by Hilton BomontiSince 2009, Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center has hosted Dans+1 by Hilton Bomonti, an inclusive dance initiative created to support young people with Down Syndrome through movement, creativity, and community. Open to botOver the years, Dans+1 has grown into much more than a dance group. Performers regularly take the stage at cultural events, festivals, and community gatherings across Istanbul - building confidence, visibility, and a powerful sense of belonging, whilFor Robert Cem Osborn, Buffet Runner at Hilton Istanbul Bomonti, dancing has been transformative. “I get nervous before going on stage,” he admits, “but when the applause comes, I feel so happy I did it.”For those supporting the initiative, the impact is just as powerful. Demet Cırı, dance coach for Dans+1, reflects on the experience: “Through movement, I saw how the dancers express their inner world and inspire understanding in others.” Being part o"I remember leaving rehearsals with my cheeks sore from smiling so much. Creating opportunities for these special individuals and helping them feel seen and celebrated is truly amazing. Seeing the real impact of what we are doing, and how it spreads,With eight more placements ahead, our hotels across Türkiye are continuing this work with passion, purpose, and the belief that hospitality is at its best when everyone is included. If you’re passionate about hospitality and believe in teams where ev