At Hilton, it’s more than a job. It’s a pathway to grow skills, build confidence, and create lasting opportunity for our Team Members and the communities where we operate.
At The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel that commitment comes to life through a long-standing partnership with Philabundance, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity while creating career opportunities through culinary training. What began as an employer partnership has grown into something more: a source of pride for the hotel, and a place where graduates can turn hands-on training into long-term careers.
Last fall, Philabundance named Kristen Smith, the hotel’s HR Manager, an impactful employer, recognizing her ongoing commitment as an active partner to the organization. Continue reading to discover how this partnership took shape and how it has enabled three Team Members to build lasting careers at Hilton.
How the Partnership Began
When Kristen joined The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel in 2023, she didn’t expect her first step toward a long-term community partnership to begin with an unexpected lunch invitation.
An email from Philabundance led her to a partnership luncheon in early 2024, where students graduating from the Philabundance Community Kitchen program (PCK) prepared a meal. “I was expecting one plated meal, and that’s it,” Kristen explains. Instead, she was surprised to see students prepare a full three-course themed lunch from scratch. PCK, the organization’s 16-week training program, blends classroom learning and on-the-job practice in professional kitchens.
After the luncheon, each graduate stood before the dining room to introduce themselves and explain their role in the kitchen. The experience left a lasting impression. Kristen reestablished the hotel’s partnership with Philabundance, welcoming interns and introducing them to the broader world of hospitality and what a career at Hilton could look like.
Kristen views hospitality as a meaningful career path due to its breadth and accessibility. At the Inn at Penn, the culinary team supports everything from large banquets to Team Member meals, creating opportunities to learn new skills and rotate across stations. Just as importantly, leaders remain visible and approachable across the hotel.
“All interns came to The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel with a sense of respect, dedication, and compassion,” Kristen shared.
That foundation has led to real outcomes. Today, three members of The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel’s culinary team — Martina, Joe, and Troy — all came through Philabundance. Each has taken a different path, but all have found stability, growth, and belonging along the way.
Meet the Team
Joe’s journey began two years ago, shortly after graduating from Philabundance and interviewing for an open cook position at The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel. He found familiarity in the kitchen culture and support in his leadership.
“My experience has been incredibly positive,” Joe shared. “Transitioning from Philabundance, I’ve found a professional home that maintains that essential ‘family’ culture.”
Under the leadership of Executive Chef Eileen Watkin, Joe says the kitchen operates with a shared sense of responsibility. “It is common for colleagues to pause their own tasks to assist one another,” he noted. “This ‘team first’ mentality is a direct reflection of the supportive environment Chef has cultivated.”
Martina joined the team in 2025 after completing her internship. She applied for an opening on the culinary team following Joe’s promotion. For her, the transition brought both professional development and personal balance.
“My experience at The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel has been exceptionally rewarding,” she said. “I’m actively developing new culinary skills, and the work environment has been incredibly welcoming from day one. It genuinely feels like my professional home away from home.”
She credits the structure and flexibility of her role with helping her stay focused and grounded. “Once I arrive, I am fully able to immerse myself in my work,” Martina explained. She also values the respect and mentorship she receives.
Troy’s story spans more than 15 years — and began during his internship. He has grown from Cook 3 to Cook 1, sharpening his technical skills and leadership approach. “I am proud to be a part of such an exceptional, high-functioning team,” he said. “As the saying goes, ‘iron sharpens iron,’ and this team proves that daily.”
The team, along with the space to sharpen his skills, is a major reason Troy has continued to develop his career at Hilton. “I have grown my craft here since joining. I have learned better recipes and how to manage myself and the team. The hospitality and the people have kept me at Hilton,” he says.
Impact Beyond the Kitchen
For Chef Eileen, the partnership with Philabundance has reshaped hiring and strengthened the culture across The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel.
“Partnering with Philabundance has had a positive impact on both our culinary team and the hotel’s overall culture,” she shared. “It has given our team a renewed sense of purpose by reminding us that the work we do every day extends beyond our kitchen walls.”
Watching interns grow into confident, full-time Team Members has been especially rewarding. “Helping shape the next generation of culinarians and giving them a foundation to succeed has been the most meaningful part of the experience,” Eileen explained.
Kristen sees that impact as a reflection of something bigger.
“One of Hilton’s promises is to our community, and this partnership reflects just that,” she said. “It shows why Hilton is the #1 company to work for in the world — not only through serving our guests, but by serving our Team Members.”
When asked what she would tell other leaders considering a similar partnership, her answer is simple: “Do it.”
