Beyond a job at Hilton, it is a culture of advocacy, awareness, and education, empowering our Team Members to help create the best, most inclusive place to work for all.
Take, for example, Jessy, Director of Executive Compensation. When our Abilities Team Member Resource Group (ATMRG) sought volunteers to help plan World Down Syndrome Day activities this year, Jessy was quick to answer the call. Based out of our corporate headquarters, she brought #LotsOfSocks, the global campaign for Down Syndrome awareness, to life for fellow Team Members in McLean. And, on the day of the event, her daughter Millie, who has Down Syndrome, was with her to help celebrate.
Continue reading to learn how Jessy helped make World Down Syndrome Day in our McLean office a success and explore her experiences as a parent at Hilton.
Jessy holding her daughter, Millie, at the #LotsOfSocks booth in our corporate headquarters in McLean, VA.
Get to Know Jessy
Jessy started her Hilton journey on our Financial Reporting team. After taking a hiatus to move to London, she rejoined Team Hilton upon her return to the U.S., knowing there was nowhere else she wanted to work. Interested in expanding her knowledge base, she recently transitioned to the role of Director of Executive Compensation, where she says she has been able to continue her career while working for a company she loves.
Bringing #LotsOfSocks to Life in McLean
Jessy’s involvement in the #LotsOfSocks campaign began with a group chat. “Within the ATMRG, there was an opportunity for members to raise their hands if they wanted to participate in promoting the campaign locally.” Leveraging resources from the ATMRG and the National Down Syndrome Society, Jessy planned and executed an event to remember. As a result, Team Members across the office shined in their brightly colored mismatched socks to show support for the inclusion of those with Down Syndrome.
Jessy (far left) and several Team Members in McLean showing their colorful socks at the office on World Down Syndrome Day.
In reflecting on the impact of #LotsOfSocks, Jessy said, “This event not only shed light on Down Syndrome but also gave my team a chance to learn more about how it directly impacts my life – I brought my daughter in to meet everyone who attended. My goal was to help them understand the importance of acceptance, patience, and inclusivity at work and in their personal lives.”
Finding Balance and Support at Hilton
Team Hilton showed outstanding allyship for #LotsOfSocks, but, as Jessy explains, this solidarity extends beyond a single event—she has consistently found support through the ATMRG, her team, and Hilton’s flexible working environment. Reflecting on the ATMRG's role in fostering a sense of community, Jessy shared, “The ATMRG is so supportive of one another. I love that many people in the group are not directly impacted by disability but have friends or want to support other Hilton Team Members who are.” This sense of camaraderie has been crucial for Jessy as she navigates balancing the demands of her work and family lives.
Some of these demands, Jessy said, include selecting specialists and making appointments for Millie. “One of the most challenging parts of having a child with Down Syndrome is the extra medical and therapy appointments that are critical to her health and development,” she explained. These appointments require administrative work to find doctors, schedule visits, and time away from her desk. Hilton’s benefit, Wellthy, has been instrumental in helping Jessy manage these demands. “Wellthy helps me find doctors when necessary,” she noted, highlighting the practical support available through Hilton's benefits.
Jessy, Millie, and Kevin, Hilton's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, smiling from behind Jessy's #LotsOfSocks booth in McLean.
Hilton’s culture also plays a vital role in providing Jessy with the necessary flexibility. She emphasizes, “One of the great benefits of Hilton is the flexibility my team has allowed me and the ability to work remotely or take on different working hours to make up for appointments. My team is incredibly understanding of the needs of Millie (and my other children) and has allowed me the grace needed.” This flexibility ensures she can attend Millie's appointments and still fulfill her professional responsibilities. Her team’s understanding and support have allowed her to reorganize her schedule to accommodate her family's needs.
Jessy’s team and Hilton's support have enabled her to thrive personally and professionally. These and Jessy’s determination and resilience helped make World Down Syndrome Day at Hilton a phenomenal success. We are proud to have Team Members like Jessy who contribute to making our workplace inclusive and welcoming for all.
