At Hilton, it is more than a job. It is a culture that values empowerment, awareness, advancement, and advocacy for our Team Members so that they can show up openly and authentically, with support, every day.
It is our goal to create an environment where Team Hilton can bring their whole selves to work. Dilesh, Revenue Analyst Administrator, Revenue Management, is a shining example of how we work together to make this goal a reality. A passionate advocate for those with visible and invisible disabilities, he most recently used his advocacy to champion Rock Your Socks Day, an annual event dedicated to the inclusion of those with Down syndrome, at Hilton.
Thanks to Dilesh, and other Team Members like him, Hilton has created a place where people of all abilities can thrive. Read on to learn how, with Hilton’s support, Dilesh inspired Team Members to take part in Rock Your Socks Day around the world.
Get to know Dilesh
Dilesh started his Hilton journey through one of our many pathways partnerships, WorkFit, the Down Syndrome Association’s employment program which brings together employers and jobseekers with Down syndrome. He shares that it was his individual experiences that inspired him to kick off Rock Your Socks Day earlier this year at Watford, Hilton’s corporate office in England.
Working at Hilton changed my life for the better, giving me confidence, new skills and a community. I believe that with a little help from others, our industry can have this positive impact on many more.
“I am someone that lives with Down syndrome, a type of learning disability (LD), and this was the main reason behind my inspiration to champion it. I also feel strongly that young people with LD & Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often feel ignored or that their views are not taken seriously, and that is why I want to help them. Telling others what they want & need is a cause I want to promote and provide education on.”
Known for his curiosity and enthusiasm, Cyril, Dilesh’s manager, says Dilesh is an essential member of the team.
“Dilesh brings a new perspective to our work. He sees the world and learns in a way that very often is eye-opening for us and helps us improve how we do things. His enthusiasm is infectious and has a real, positive impact on our team daily.”
It is safe to say that his positive impact reached beyond his team on Rock Your Socks Day.
Leading the charge on Rock Your Socks Day
As Dilesh explains, Rock Your Socks is a day to celebrate our different perspectives and encourage acceptance. To commemorate the event, participants wear “mismatched or brightly colored socks to show their support for individuals with Down syndrome.”
When he realized this year’s celebration was approaching, Dilesh first reached out to fellow members of the Revenue Management team at Watford and asked that they take part. The invitation was then extended to our Abilities Team Member Resource Group, at which point the event went international. Although it began in Watford, Rock Your Socks Day reached Team Members in China, France, Czechia, and more. Reflecting on the initiative he kicked off, Dilesh says it was an educational and fun way to raise awareness for Down syndrome.
“Many Team Members globally and within the Revenue Management Consolidated Centre (RMCC) were unaware of either Down Syndrome Awareness Day or Rock Your Socks Day. Celebrating together brought incredible energy to the offices and online, with everyone eager to show their socks! It created a real buzz across the company and connected many people together that may not otherwise have engaged with each other."
Dilesh also shares why he love his role overall "Working at Hilton changed my life for the better, giving me confidence, new skills and a community. I believe that with a little help from others, our industry can have this positive impact on many more."
We are grateful to Dilesh for leading the charge on Rock Your Socks Day. His efforts bring us closer to being the best, most inclusive home for all.
