Meet Samhitha, a Senior Manager of U.S. Benefits based in our Memphis office! Samhitha grew up in a community where helping others and having a sense of belonging were integral to her upbringing. Naturally, these values became part of her life’s purpose! Read on to find out how her role at Hilton allows her to live out her goals both personally and professionally.
Tell us a little about you and your path to your role at Hilton.
“I was born in India and moved to the U.S. as a toddler. After bouncing around to a few different cities, my parents put down roots in Memphis, TN, and quickly built a tight-knit community with people of similar backgrounds who spoke our language , which allowed me to stay rooted in my heritage.
Family has always been one of my core values, which influenced me to stay in Memphis for college, where I double-majored in Psychology and Business with the intent of landing in a people-oriented field . I joined Hilton in July 2019 as a Senior Analyst in Retirement Benefits and am now a Senior Manager on the U.S. Benefits team.
What I love about my job is its complexity and reach. I get to play in several areas of the business, all while solving real problems that impact real people. My leaders have encouraged me to grow sustainably, while respecting that life outside of work is just as important. Whether stepping away to walk my dog, Sadie, or fitting in a lunchtime workout session, I have felt trusted to show up as a full person.”
What brings you a sense of purpose both personally and professionally?
“A big part of my sense of purpose comes from how I was raised. In my family and the community I was raised in, helping each other out was not a special act of generosity. It was just what you did. Whether it was showing up with food, advice, or a place to crash, people took care of each other.
As a member of the Benefits team, I spend my days obsessing over the most impactful programs and support systems that will make a tangible difference for our Team Members. I feel a personal responsibility to help our Team Members in their most human, often vulnerable moments – whether they are becoming parents, caring for aging loved ones, navigating an illness, or managing unpredictable life events.
On a personal level, I love traveling, trying new food, crafting, and spending time with my friends, family, and nature. Lately, my (very) sassy dog has insisted that we sit on the back porch together every morning, and of course, I oblige. It has become a grounding moment for me before I start my day.”
How do you feel this purpose was impacted by your experiences and background?
“Growing up, I experienced what it takes to build a life from scratch in a new country with unfamiliar rules and shifting expectations. No matter what, we always had a strong sense of community. When someone was sick, someone else cooked. When a new family arrived, they shared what they knew—where to get groceries or how to find a doctor who would not mispronounce your name.
Those experiences shaped my worldview and influenced my career path, which is why I gravitated toward HR Benefits in the first place. It is a support system. The work is about anticipating our Team Members’ needs to ensure we offer the right benefit at the right moment in their lives. My team’s purpose is to make systems more compassionate and help people feel that their needs are met.”
How does Hilton help you live out your purpose?
“I have the privilege of hearing how our benefits change, shape, and even save lives; seeing the direct impact of my work gives me a sense of purpose. This role has shown me what it looks like when a global company leads with care, not just in intention but also in infrastructure.
On a personal note, the Go Hilton travel program and generous PTO policy have been great benefits. Having a meaningful career and a rich life outside of work are not competing goals; at Hilton, they go hand in hand.”
What is your favorite benefit/thing about working at Hilton?
“Working on the Benefits team, I could literally give you a presentation about our incredible suite of benefits—everything from virtual physical therapy and pelvic floor support to fertility, cancer care, surgery care, financial well-being, and caregiving concierge—the list goes on.
That said, my most-used benefit is our on-site clinic in the Memphis office. I have used it for everything from lab draws to telehealth. The team is incredibly accommodating, too—I have split my physical exam into two sessions to fit in a last-minute meeting!”
