HomeTeam member stories

Welcoming All: How Hilton Helps Refugee Team Members Feel at Home

Hilton Careers Team

13 July 2023

Europe, Middle East, AfricaInclusionTeam Member stories

Beyond a Job at Hilton, it is an Engine of Opportunity, Creating Pathways to a Meaningful Career and a Fresh Start.

As a company founded on spreading the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has long been committed to helping our Team Members and local communities. When the Ukranian refugee crisis began, our Team Members in Amsterdam worked to distribute critical supplies, share knowledge and connections, and help those affected find jobs, housing, and comfort in a new country. Our Team Members are a beacon of hope and a shining example of what it means to support the communities where we operate. Keep reading to learn how our hotels help displaced Team Members feel at home at Hilton. 

Creating Opportunities

The teams at the  DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station and  Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol have gone beyond to create a welcoming environment for refugees from all over. In addition to hiring displaced community members, they have also provided housing and language lessons. Floris, General Manager at the DoubleTree in Amsterdam, says opening the hotel’s doors to refugees was an easy decision.  “We are the largest hotel in the city center of Amsterdam and have a remarkably diverse team from all parts of the globe. As such, we felt it was our duty to play a significant positive part in welcoming Ukrainian refugees to our country and city.” Rowena, Director of Human Resources at the Hilton in Amsterdam, says the transition from sheltering refugees to hiring them was natural. “We do not rule out anyone – especially those looking for a fresh start in a new and unknown environment. We believe there are great talents to be found amongst the refugee community. Attitude, hospitality, and eagerness to learn are key.” She continues, “Despite the language barriers, we look at people’s qualities to see which role suits them most within the hotel. We show understanding for their situation and listen to them carefully.”

Creating Space

Connecting refugees with hiring opportunities is the first step. The next is creating space for them to learn, grow, and thrive. The DoubleTree Amsterdam Centraal Station and Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol teams have the same philosophy: offer support, be understanding, and show care. Daria, Room Attendant at the DoubleTree, and refugee from Ukraine, has experienced this first-hand.  “Support and understanding are always noticeable from the entire Hilton team. We have Ukrainian cuisine days at the hotel, so there is an opportunity to eat delicious Ukrainian dishes. For those who want to learn Dutch [and English], there are special courses at the hotel.” They also offer additional training in the Ukrainian and Russian languages, host professional development events, and assist with personal matters (such as arranging appointments).
undefined

Oksana, Food & Beverage (F&B) Host, serves a guest at the Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

In terms of understanding, it is a team effort. As Rowena explains, Team Members find creative ways to communicate. “Mostly, we use mobile translation apps, such as Google Translate, but we also give extra time and attention to onboarding. As we have received more refugees, Team Members have been able to help each other and translate for new hires too. It builds a strong connection, as well as a family atmosphere, within the team.” That family atmosphere, Daria shares, is the most important: “It makes me feel like I’m not alone.” A music school and medical college graduate, she moved to Amsterdam in search of a place to work and to feel safe after conflict started in her home country. She found that and more at Hilton. Irina, one of Daria’s fellow Room Attendants at the DoubleTree, shares this sentiment. Married to a fighting soldier in Ukraine, she arrived in Amsterdam with her 2-year-old son and grandparents. “I came as a refugee with a small child, and Hilton gave me a financial platform to support him and the rest of my family. It is a good, friendly team at the hotel. I have had support and made new friends here.”
undefined

Daria (left) and Irina (right) at the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station

Monika, Assistant Housekeeping Manager at the DoubleTree and Daria & Irina’s line manager, states, “Most of the Ukrainian refugees we have hired have been here since the start of the war. With Hilton, they can count on a stable job and benefits.” She adds, “We try to make their lives as normal as possible. Most of the Housekeeping team are refugees, which is the biggest confirmation that we are doing something right.” For these efforts, Oksana says she is grateful. An F&B Host, she is happy to have found her home at Hilton. “I can work, develop my skills, and communicate with people from all over the world. Coming to Amsterdam and working at Hilton has been a source of happiness for my family and me.”
More Team Member stories
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 

Related

15 May 2026

Growing a Career Without Barriers

Asia PacificCanadaCaribbeanEurope, Middle East, AfricaLatin AmericaUnited StatesInclusionWomen at Hilton

At Hilton, creating an environment where people can thrive means continually working toward a more accessible future for both Team Members and guests. From thoughtful accommodations to everyday support, accessibility plays an important role in helpinIn recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we are spotlighting Monica, Junior Groups, Convention, and Events Sales Manager at Hilton Vienna Park, whose story reflects the impact an inclusive and supportive workplace can have on both profesMonica seated in a wheelchair in the hotel lobby at Hilton Vienna Park.In her role, Monica spends her days matching client needs with sales strategy, preparing offers, negotiating contracts, and helping bring events to life. “What I enjoy most about my job is representing the hotel and building meaningful relationships Originally from Mexico, Monica moved to Austria without speaking German and without an established support system. Starting over in a new country brought uncertainty, but Hilton quickly became a place where she felt welcomed and encouraged.“Hilton was my first job here, and they supported me from the beginning,” Monica says. “Now I can hold basic conversations with clients in German.”For Monica, that support has extended far beyond helping her adjust to a new country. It has also shaped the way she views her career and her potential.“Hilton has given me not only a job opportunity, which, as a person with disabilities, is something that is not always guaranteed, but also a place where my skills and potential are recognized,” Monica says. “They never focused on what I cannot do; iThose moments of care and encouragement show up in meaningful ways, positively impacting Monica’s experience at Hilton. Monica and fellow Team Members at Hilton Vienna Park attend an outdoor event.“My manager and the HR team consistently check in to ask what I need to do my job well,” Monica shares. “I appreciate that they ask rather than assume. They listen when I express my needs and support me in the best way possible.”From workplace accommodations, like arranging easier elevator access throughout the building, to planning team outings with accessibility in mind, these considerations have made a meaningful difference in Monica’s day-to-day experience.“I don’t have to worry about logistics, which allows me to focus fully on my work,” Monica explains.”More than just her first job in the country, Hilton became a place where Monica built confidence, developed new skills, and found people who made her feel at home.“I have amazing colleagues I truly enjoy working with,” Monica says. “I will never forget the opportunity this company gave me. The impact on my life has been remarkable.”When asked what advice she would give to someone considering joining Team Hilton, Monica’s answer is simple:Monica and fellow Hilton Vienna Park Team Members at a formal event.“Go for it. If you already know what you want, Hilton is the right place. If you are still figuring it out, it’s also ideal because you can explore different departments, and if you later feel like changing paths, the company is always open to supporReady to find your place at Hilton?  Search open roles and apply online to join our team.

Keep reading

12 May 2026

Turning a Passion for Hospitality into a Career at Hilton

CanadaCaribbeanLatin AmericaUnited StatesHilton cultureInclusion

In recognition of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Month, we are proud to spotlight Haley, Sr. Manager, HR Consulting.Haley’s path at Hilton exemplifies how curiosity, purpose, and connection can shape a career in unexpected ways. She began on the Feasibility team, helping expand Hilton’s global footprint. Drawn to creating meaningful experiences for others, Haley fRead on to learn how Hilton supported her transition, the role community has played in her journey, and why hospitality—and Hilton—continue to fuel her passion for the work she does.You began your Hilton journey in feasibility. What first sparked your interest in moving to HR consulting, and what skills or perspectives from your early roles in feasibility still influence the way you approach your work today?“I was very inspired when Hilton was named the #1 workplace. I remember being at the in-person celebration in McLean and realizing just how much HR shapes the Team Member experience. As someone who is very purpose-driven, the opportunity to create meIn my current role, I support the Development team and help align HR strategy with Hilton’s growth strategy. Coming from a hotel real estate and feasibility background, I bring a strong understanding of the business to the role. Having previously parHow did Hilton support your transition into HR consulting and help you navigate that change with confidence?“Hilton played a huge role in supporting my transition, and the API Team Member Resource Group (TMRG) was especially impactful. TMRGs at Hilton are open to all Team Members, including community members and allies. When I first became interested in HRHaley and fellow Hilton Team Members attend the Great Place to Work Summit. What about hospitality, and Hilton specifically, has kept you engaged and excited throughout your career?“My passion for hospitality started early – I grew up in six cities across the US and Belgium. Moving frequently and traveling exposed me to new cultures, foods, and people, and sparked my love for connection. To me, that is the essence of hospitalitI have always believed hospitality has the power to build bridges between people from different backgrounds, which is why I’m so grateful to work for a company that brings that to life every day. What keeps me at Hilton is the alignment with its missOutside your role in HR consulting, you also help build connections and community across Hilton. How has that involvement shaped your sense of purpose and the way you show up at work? “I have been an active member and volunteer with the API TMRG since I started at Hilton in 2021, and as of January this year, I became one of the TMRG leaders. The API TMRG has always been a special space for me. I have loved attending events, from cThrough the TMRG, I have also built meaningful relationships with friends, mentors, and leaders who have inspired me. The API TMRG has been an integral part of my Hilton journey, and now as an API TMRG leader, I’m excited to give back to the communitHaley celebrates Lunar New Year with the API TMRG.How can Team Members make the most of the resources, people, and experiences available to them as they grow their careers at Hilton?“By staying open and following your curiosity. There are so many opportunities to learn and grow at Hilton, and I have found that being proactive – reaching out to people and exploring different areas – can lead to meaningful and unexpected experiencHaley and her team participate in a gingerbread competition at Hilton HQ. Inspired by Haley’s story? Explore open roles at Hilton and discover where your own career journey could lead.

Keep reading

27 April 2026

Building a Hospitality Career from Within

CanadaCaribbeanLatin AmericaUnited StatesCareer path spotlightsTeam Member stories

Why is Hilton the #1 World’s Best Workplace? It starts with a culture built on internal mobility, professional development, and opportunity, made possible by a global footprint of more than 9,000 hotels worldwide. With countless brands, roles, and geBen’s journey is a powerful example of what is possible in a career at Hilton. Starting as a front desk agent, he discovered a passion for hospitality that led him to sales and, ultimately, his current role as Director of Sales & Marketing at EmbWhat initially drew you to join Hilton, and what has kept you motivated to continue growing your career here over time?“I was initially drawn to Hilton because of its global reputation, but I was not particularly knowledgeable about the company’s values and what Hilton truly represents. That changed quickly. Starting at the front desk gave me a firsthand perspective Can you walk us through the key moments that shaped your career journey?“While working on the front desk team at Hampton Inn by Hilton Chilliwack, I developed a strong interest in our hotel’s performance, our reputation, and most importantly, our people. In 2020, I transitioned into a sales manager role, which marked a pHow has Hilton supported your career development and helped you take the next step in your career?“In 2024, I was enrolled in Hilton’s Networking Conversations Program, where I had the opportunity to connect with Hilton Regional Leaders who mentored me and provided guidance on driving results, managing people, and overcoming challenges. During thAnother defining example of Hilton’s support throughout was my move from British Columbia, Canada, to California, U.S., to join the Embassy Suites by Hilton Santa Clara team as Director of Sales and Marketing. Hilton guided me through the entire procWhat opportunities have helped you explore new paths throughout your career at Hilton?“Hilton’s encouragement of internal mobility enabled me to explore different career paths while continuing to grow within the company. In 2023 and 2024, I attended Hilton Sales conferences, which provided comprehensive training on Hilton’s Core SalesAnother key opportunity has been Go Hilton, our Team Member travel program. This program gives us the unique ability to explore destinations worldwide and experience Hilton from the guest’s perspective. After visiting some of the best properties HiltHow has Hilton’s culture shaped your experience as you have grown your career here?“Hilton’s focus on recognition, collaboration, and inclusion creates an environment where people feel valued and motivated to succeed. Unreasonable Hospitality, by Will Guidara, created the blueprint for how customers deserve to be treated, goinWhat does your journey say about the kind of career someone can build at Hilton—and why does that make it such a special place to work?“My journey reflects how Hilton empowers individuals to grow from entry-level roles into leadership positions through hard work and dedication. It’s a special place to work because the company not only provides opportunities but also actively investsExplore open roles at Hilton and take the first step toward building a career that grows with you.

Keep reading