In celebration of Black History Month, Hilton is rallying around the theme of “Allyship to Action”: action for self, action for team, and action for communities

Last Black History Month, our Black Team Member Resource Group (BTMRG) rallied around the theme “Calling All Allies” to join in the efforts to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, community, and world by sharing intriguing stories of the Black experience, insights on the Black traveler, and more. This year, the BTMRG is issuing a call to action for all to take deliberate and measurable next steps that lead to advocacy, meaningful change, and accountability among ourselves, our teams, and within our communities.

In this post, Jamaal Simington, Hotel Manager, Conrad Washington D.C., shares what “Allyship to Action” means to him, how he practices it as a leader, and his advice for others looking to do the same.

Jamaal’s Career Journey on Team Hilton

Jamaal began his career with Hilton in 2015 as the Director of Rooms at The Boca Raton Resort. In 2016, he took on the Complex Hotel Manager role at Casa Marina Key West and The Reach Key West before joining the Conrad Washington D.C. in 2018.

What does turning allyship into action look like for you?

“There are multiple minority groups in the United States. Within the past six months, while searching for face masks for my wife and me, I stumbled on an organization called EvolveTogether. They believe ‘…that we’re all connected no matter our race, gender, religion, or where we live.’ They have a wide range of face masks with various slogans and designs, as well as geographic locations of multiple cities all over the world. I chose a mask that they produce that says, ‘We Stand Together.’ Proceeds from their various masks go to different causes.

The mask I wear at work— and when I’m not working—was created to show that they ‘stand together against racism and hate.; Each purchase of this mask helps the ACLU and Asian Americans Advancing Justice on their continuous fight for equality and justice. I believe that this is one small way that I turn allyship into action.

In 2020, my wife joined me to march in five protests for equality and equity in America, here in Washington, D.C.; including one protest from Black Lives Matter Plaza to the U.S. Capitol.

Professionally, I believe in advocating for all minority groups to have a seat at the table. Working with Team Members to develop themselves, grow their careers, and earn their spots at the top of our organization.”

Jamaal and his wife welcomed their baby boy last year.

How do you channel allyship to action through your approach to leadership?

“For me, it’s quite simple. I believe anyone who applies themselves, supports others, and has a sound work ethic deserves a chance. I mentor a few Team Members currently at my hotel. I meet with them consistently about life, work, politics, social issues, and fatherhood. I still have Team Members that I have worked with years ago that connect with me from time to time for advice on varying topics.

In orientation, I issue a challenge to every new hire. I tell them that I am a person who thrives on positive energy, and that when I see them, I will always make it a point to say hello, good morning, etc. The challenge is to see if they can beat me to the greeting, and if so, I encourage them to call me out. It is important that our Team Members know that we care for them, that they are a part of something special, and that we are only successful if they are successful. They must feel and understand that they belong. I make it a requirement of all my leaders, as well. They are expected to provide our Team Members with a work experience that mirrors the experience that we expect them to provide for our guests. It doesn’t matter their race, religion, gender, age, where they’re from, etc. We are all equal, and I strive to remind them of this every day.

I will never forget the number of times I have seen a Team Member of color that we’ve invited back from furlough and they tell me how important it is for them to see that I’m still there. Some people might view this as a heavy burden. For me, it’s an honor and privilege to be an example for others to follow. As I tell all my mentees of color, we must provide our people with a different narrative. Give them hope for better opportunities--bigger, better, and brighter futures.”

Jamaal with some of his fellow Conrad D.C. Team Members.

What advice would you offer others trying to turn allyship into action?

“You have to open your mind and your heart. If you don’t have enough room in either, then it will be hard for you to sustain allyship. You must also have patience and empathy. Understand, however, that at times it will be hard for you to truly empathize with someone who is different from you and has different life experiences from you. It can make it difficult to empathize if you haven’t ‘been there, done that.”’ But it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try. Sometimes it will require listening--objective listening—which we don’t really ever talk about. You have to be open to the conversation and have the expectation you (and possibly both of you!) will learn something from the experience. Helping others is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world.”

Follow @HiltonCareers on Instagram to see how our Team Members are activating this Black History Month.