Great Place to Work® and Fortune have recognized Hilton as the No. 1 Best Workplace for Women in the U.S.!
At Hilton, we are committed to our for-all culture. We know that when our Team Members feel welcomed, respected, taken care of, and able to be their true, authentic selves, they make our guests feel the same. This recognition is a powerful testament to our commitment to an inclusive workplace.
Katie Ward, the General Manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, is a shining example of this commitment. Motivated by her daughters, one with Down Syndrome and the other with Autism, Katie draws inspiration from her role as a mother of two to create a more inclusive and supportive culture at her hotel. Katie’s journey is a testament to the impact women can have at Hilton, and her story highlights the heart and dedication that strengthens #TeamHilton every day.
You have created a culture of inclusion at your property. What steps have you taken to ensure Team Members feel empowered and supported in the workplace?
“I think one of the things that I have appreciated the most throughout my career from my leaders is their authenticity. I have always felt empowered to make decisions and work through ways to improve. As a leader, I aim to learn and get better every day!”
In your 24 years at Hilton, how have you seen the company support leaders, particularly women leaders?
“In my 24 years with Hilton, I continue to be amazed at our benefits. Hilton prides itself on ensuring that Team Members have what they need to succeed personally and professionally, and it continues to strive to offer innovative benefits to assist us in life's journey. As a woman who started 24 years ago as a shuttle driver, I have always felt supported and encouraged in my career growth.”
What resources or programs has Hilton provided that have helped you and other women in the company succeed?
“Hilton offers multiple programs for growth and development, particularly the Manager Development Program (MDP), which provides aspiring leaders with on-property experience in various roles and specialized training in their chosen field. We also support traveling mothers through a partnership with Milkstork, which allows them to send breast milk home for free. Additionally, Hilton has a dedicated Women's Team Member Resource Group (TMRG) that fosters community and support. Many women in high-level management positions serve as role models and mentors, demonstrating Hilton’s commitment to nurturing and advancing female leadership."
Has being a mother influenced your leadership style and how you mentor and support women or teams?
"It's always fascinating to see how the skills we use in our personal and professional lives are interchangeable. Both work and professional families will inevitably face challenges and disagreements, especially when you spend so much time together. I encourage the team to be open and communicate about these challenges to move forward and build stronger relationships and a more cohesive team."
How does Hilton support work-life integration for parents who manage career growth with family?
"As a mother of two children with disabilities, work-life integration has always been essential for me. Hilton offers many incredible benefits supporting everyday life, like paid parental leave. When my daughters, who are eight years apart, were born, it was a challenging transition, especially with my youngest. Having the necessary time to help my family adjust was invaluable. Wellthy, a service that helps navigate appointments and find childcare for kids with special needs, allows me to spend more quality time with my family. Our Employee Assistance Program, Lyra, provides a comforting resource during tough times. Hilton’s partnership with Parsley Health, a virtual women’s health benefit, is a game changer. It offers convenient access to healthcare specializing in women’s health concerns, which allows me to prioritize my wellbeing—a rare opportunity for many women and moms who often put others first. These are just a few of the ever-growing benefits Hilton provides."
What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles within the hospitality industry, especially at Hilton?
“Do not be afraid to be your authentic self. Allow both your team and yourself to be human. It is okay not to have all the answers and to ask for help when needed. Celebrate all the wins, big and small, and take the time to evaluate any shortcomings so you can turn them into future success stories."
Check out the full Fortune Best Workplaces for Women™ 2024 list here!
