The Women Associates at Marriott International Maldives Inspire the Next Generation
Tuesday 8th of March 2022
On this special occasion, Rivero Delgado, Area Vice President – Singapore, Malaysia & Maldives, Marriott International said, “We understand that companies with gender and culturally diverse employees are more likely to thrive in the global marketplace. The more diverse perspectives, skills, and backgrounds we have at the table, the better we will be as a company at innovating and driving business results. At Marriott International, we have been consciously taking steps to ensure that women have confidence in applying for any role that they want – and we encourage bringing on board associates regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnicity; we want everyone to feel able to apply for roles that they are suitable for.”
For the day, some women working in the Maldivian hospitality industry at Marriott International properties said a few words about their experience in their fields.
Hailing from Huvadhoo, Chef Aminath, who is featured on the cover, started her hospitality industry career at the tender age of 17 as a service agent (front office). Then, her company gave her the opportunity to get a scholarship to study hospitality at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism (FHTS). She is currently a Chef de Partie at Shio, the signature overwater grill restaurant at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.
“Success is the small steps you take every day towards your main goal, it's about discipline and consistency”, she says. “I am proud of my work at Shio, after a long time of learning the different sections of the kitchen, I can finally say that I am passionate about meat and grilling. It’s thrilling to see a beautiful steak get a golden crust and the sizzling sound. For me, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa has given me the opportunity to learn what I love most and improve my skills as a chef and create a memorable experience for the guests. If you see most picket houses around the world or in the Maldives, only men are featured because they associate grilling and barbecue with masculinity. Marriott International is redefining the norm by creating women-only picket houses and giving us the opportunity to showcase our skills to the world. As a final word, I would like to thank Marriott International and the team at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa for giving me the opportunity to work at Shio and giving me the freedom to do what I love.”
A message for all the other women reading her story, she says, “To all the women who want to consider cooking as their career, yes it's not easy and yes we have a lot of things to fight against, but companies are changing, the world is changing, it's easier than before and in the future, it will be even easier for women. All I can say is that it's worth the fight.”
Born and raised in India, Nishidha Mesta is the holder of an IT degree and has been working as an Engineering Coordinator for the past 7 years. Right now, she is an Engineering Coordinator at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.
“As a child, my growing up years were guided by my parents and as an adult, I trust my ability to navigate through space. I have learned to appreciate life in the moment. I feel good about the work I do, contributing to the team to make our brand the customer's favorite. I always enjoy helping my team members at work, no matter what type of work it is. I am passionate about learning new things in the technical field.
Marriott International gives you the chance to grow and offers multiple opportunities. Working as the only woman in a male-oriented technical department and being appreciated for my efforts makes me proud every day. I am challenged to be better tomorrow than I am today. Empowering women is empowering humanity. The modern woman is no longer dependent. She is strong and confident. We must respect everyone, not because of their gender, but because of their own identity.”
Bisha joined W Maldives as a Whatever/Whenever Agent, her first in Front Office (Welcome), after a couple of roles in the Food & Beverage department at various resorts.
“It’s a whole new experience and so far I’m enjoying it!” she says. “Working in a resort or the hospitality industry was never on my mind when I finished my studies. I started having an interest when I was an apprentice. That’s when I decided this is the life I want to have and this is what I chose as my career.
When asked about her thoughts on women empowerment she says, “I hear people always saying for girls working in the resort is not a good idea. It’s always girls should stay at home. I don’t believe this. To be frank, a resort is a totally safe place to work and it’s flexible. It doesn’t matter if it’s a resort or not. Everyone should get a chance to fulfill their dream. Being an independent individual within your limit is one of the best feelings anybody will ever experience.”
Starting her work as an apprenticeship back in 2013, her first role was as a steward. She worked hard at that same position for 9 months before she moved to the kitchen. She now is a Demi Chef De Partie working at W Maldives.
Speaking about her role she says, “I am here to offer our guests an authentic Maldivian experience. I love experimenting with the local flavors to create a fusion version of the dishes. In 5 years I see myself running my own restaurant in my homeland so I can give opportunities to the younger generation to learn more about creating good food.”
When asked about how she empowers women, she says, “By being a cheerleader for them. By advocating female colleagues whenever there is a chance. Specially, supporting women-run businesses. Over these last 9 years in this industry, I have trained female colleagues in the kitchen. I always tell everyone it is very important to be independent and I always support woman to be independent and free.”
Graduating with an International Management Master Degree in tourism & hospitality, Laurie, from France, is a Butler at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. She's worked in several countries in the past 7 years and her work was mainly focused on the luxury hospitality and airline industries.
“I applied to work as a Thakuru in Maldives for several reasons. First of all, I had been missing Maldives since I left the country 4 years ago. This country is unique and very different from what I have known so far, especially with it’s stunning landscape. I am always looking for unconventional experiences that can greatly enrich my overall knowledge and skill set. Being a Thakuru means embracing a customer facing role, the closest way to apprehend the guest relations. There is no routine, each and every day is different. It is a position that takes me outside my comfort zone and therefore makes me be proactive in learning.”
When speaking of the challenge of being a woman in a foreign country she says, “I do consider the island lifestyle in a Resort as a challenge, but in a positive manner. It is more than just a new job, it is a whole new life that has to be built around this work environment. A different way to live compared to the cities, a different culture, a new language and no points of reference. It can make one feel lonely sometimes, even though one is surrounded by an amazing crowd of caring people willing to make me feel home and safe. An expatriation requires a lot of understanding, patience and flexibility. Being both a woman and a foreigner is a double challenge, the aim is not only improving one's professional skills but managing to be seen as valuable as anyone else.”
Hailing from Mother Russia, Daria Sedova is a Butler at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. She has two in foreign languages and Marketing. Her international career began when she joined the Royal Caribbean cruise ship back in 2018.
“I have always been so passionate to work with people, to make them happy, to solve their problems. I was looking forward to join an international team again, and as the Russian market in the Maldives has been growing, my language skills appeared to be a nice advantage. So I did my research and found a very exciting opportunity to become a part of the Marriott International family. For me to be a Thakuru means a lot, this is how I can grow and become more professional and open minded day by day. A butler has to communicate with all the departments to make sure everything is properly prepared and completed to ensure guest experiences are optimal. And it is a unique role, where you can put all your strength and talents to create unforgettable experiences and memories for people who chose our resort for their holidays, waiting to come to paradise.”
When speaking of the challenge of being a woman in a foreign country she says, “As I have already worked in the international community, for me to join the team is a new journey, but not a challenge. I am so proud and happy to arrive at the island and to get the best and warmest possible welcome. The main challenge for me is to cooperate with local men as we have differences in the culture, as a European lady, I have been raised in feminist time, so I am used to equality of gender. But now it is not a big difficulty, it only means that I have to work on myself and look deeper to understand new people and their mind sets”
Shalinee started off her 20-year long career at a communication company. As she believed that the best opportunities for employment and more importantly, personal growth lay in the midst of the hospitality industry she did not stop looking for them.
Her journey to Sheraton Maldives Resort & Spa was not an easy one but she already considers it as already realizing two of her goals. It was a learning curve, as it is with any new organization, but she was also able to achieve some personal growth during that time as well. She is very pleased to be a part of such a wonderful organization and considers the resort community to be very professional and accommodating.
When asked what it is like for a woman to be working in the hospitality industry she said, “It is challenging for women to be working in any industry and it is also encouraging for us women to see an increase in equal opportunities within the hospitality industry based on the skillset. This is an industry that can offer numerous opportunities in different areas to grow, both professionally and personally, from learning new skills to meeting people from different countries and cultures, which is a learning experience within itself. There are countless opportunities available where you can excel and grow.”
Shalinee’s formula for success in this industry is hard work, continual learning, adaptation to changes, and perseverance.
A native to the beautiful islands of Maldives, Amara started her journey after moving to Malaysia at an early age. After spending a few years in boarding school at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, she moved to Kuala Lumpur for her further studies.
Once she was satisfied with her studies, she came to the Maldives in 2019. That was when she found a job where she was able to do what she loved whilst contributing to the environment and marine conservation. She was able to incorporate sustainability into her work, promoting the coral adoption program at the resort with media, making connections with likeminded people and building a rapport on a more international scale.
When asked about her career goals and what it is like for a woman working in the hospitality industry in the Maldives she said, “How important tourism is to the Maldives goes without saying. Being able to make use of my education and combine my passion for sustainability and conservation at my workplace and being able to make my contribution to the country I was born in is really rewarding. I am proud of myself and my journey. Since I am where I want to be at my career at this age I will continue to try to reach for the stars. I am truly blessed to have amazing, encouraging parents and to come from an incredibly supportive family with very strong female role models and knowing strong female colleagues as well. I have felt skeptical eyes on me when I first started working in the hospitality industry although not as bad as what I have heard other women face in this industry. My mum, my sister who always keeps me grounded, and my aunts are my biggest female inspiration. My family’s love, my mum’s unwavering support and encouragement, and my dad’s strong work ethics and discipline have shaped me into the person I am today. It brings me joy to see that more women, especially local women are finding their rightful place in this industry. I am a huge advocate for female empowerment, and I genuinely believe than women can move mountains. Having a strong and confident character goes a long way; people respect you if you really try to just be yourself and apply your skills and talent to the best of your abilities. Mindset is key; never letting someone else bring down your spirits and having confidence in yourself will take you farther than you ever think you could go.”