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Team Members Share Why Hilton is a Best Workplace for Millennials in the U.S.

Hilton Careers Team

18 July 2024

United States, Canada, Caribbean, Latin AmericaAwardsHilton culture

Great Place To Work and Fortune Magazine have named Hilton a  Best Workplace for Millennials in the U.S. for offering excellent benefits, growth opportunities, and strong recognition for Team Members. We spoke with three millennial General Managers at Hilton – Jillian Saludo, Garrett Parker, and Didier Quintana – to hear why they think Hilton is an outstanding choice for millennials and to learn more about their career paths. Keep reading to hear their insights!

Meet Jillian Saludo, General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton Milpitas Silicon Valley

Jillian joined the hospitality industry more than two decades ago, where she started as a telephone operator. Throughout her career, she has been in many distinct positions, including Event Manager, Director of Catering and Events, Complex Hotel Manager, and now a General Manager of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Milpitas Silicon Valley.

According to Great Place to Work, millennials look to feel welcomed and cared about, do meaningful work, have fair pay and promotions, and be treated as full Team Members regardless of position. How does Hilton bring these to life for you?

“Hilton treats its Team Members as individuals and acknowledges the significance of each contribution to the growth of the company. Over the 16 years of working for the company, I closely experienced its culture, which has not only made me feel welcome but part of a family.”

What are you most excited about regarding your future with Hilton?

“Working for Hilton is like painting on an empty canvas; there are endless possibilities for what you could become. I am certainly filled with enthusiasm and eagerness to grow with the company and take on challenging roles to lead hotels and Team Members to reach success while elevating the experience for our guests.”

Meet Garrett Parker, General Manager, Hilton Salt Lake City Center 

Garrett’s career began unexpectedly as a Guest Service Agent in Dallas. Despite his background in Finance & Management, he quickly rose through the ranks to become Director of the Front Office. He later oversaw housekeeping, operations, and hotel renovations at the Hilton Baltimore and Capital Hilton. Now serving as General Manager of Hilton Salt Lake City Center, Garrett’s leadership and dedication drive his passion for excellence and mentorship.

What programs and benefits make Hilton a Best Workplace for Millennials in the U.S.?

“Millennials value growth and development, and Hilton has consistently offered learning opportunities through hands-on experience and educational programs. Hilton's offerings include specialized programs like the Management Development Program, Leadership Development Initiatives, and General Management Development programs. I was personally selected for Shine, which is a nine-month program geared toward preparing leaders to become General Managers. This experience provided me with a clear roadmap for enhancing my skills as a successful General Manager.”

What part of Hilton's culture resonates most with millennials?

"Trust from leadership, free-thinking, teamwork, recognition programs, and opportunities for growth and development are just some of the amazing benefits of working for Hilton, no matter what position you hold. Throughout my experience in nine Hilton hotels across various roles, Hilton has made me, and my family, feel supported with every move. They trusted and supported me in each role, allowing me to learn and grow through challenges. I have had leaders who supported my development by allowing me to learn from my mistakes while ensuring I had the support to succeed. I have also had leaders who took chances on me, knowing I did not have years of experience.”

What is your favorite memory from your time at Hilton?

"My hotel had the opportunity to host Hilton’s CEO, Chris Nassetta, at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center! While he was here, I mentioned to him how much I appreciated his vision and drive to create an exceptional workplace culture. He looked at me and said, ‘No, Garrett, you are creating an outstanding workplace culture in these hotels. You all deserve the credit.'"

Meet Didier Quintana, General Manager, Hilton Cabana Miami Beach

Didier began his journey at Hilton as a Front Desk Agent at Hilton Orlando. He has since navigated through various roles within the Rooms Division across three Hilton brands — Homewood, Embassy Suites, and Hilton — spanning Florida, Illinois, and New Jersey! He now proudly serves as the General Manager of Hilton Cabana Miami Beach. Didier’s career path has allowed him to grow professionally and deepened his passion for delivering exceptional hospitality experiences in one of Miami's most iconic settings.

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What programs and benefits make Hilton a Best Workplace for Millennials in the U.S.?

“Hilton has a Global Team Member Survey, which actively seeks feedback on all our benefits, highlighting Hilton's commitment to listening and taking actions to enhance our overall work experience. Additionally, Thrive at Hilton reinforces a healthy work-life balance, resonating well with millennials prioritizing work and personal life. These initiatives underscore Hilton's dedication to creating a workplace culture that meets its diverse workforce's evolving needs and preferences.”

What is something Hilton has done to support your growth and development?

“Hilton has significantly supported my growth and development through programs like the Shine General Manager Leadership Development Program. This program helped me identify and improve upon areas needing development and facilitated valuable connections within the CALA (Caribbean and Latin America) region. These relationships have been ongoing mentorship opportunities, enhancing my leadership skills and contributing to my professional growth within Hilton!”​​​​​​​

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