"Be Connected" with Amy Moyer

At Marriott, our Leadership Essentials — Be Curious, Be Courageous, and Be Connected — are pillars we use to guide our efforts and continue to Grow Forward.

When I think about being connected and winning together as a team, Amy Moyer comes to mind. Amy is our Senior Program Specialist who supports the partnership between Marriott International and Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals in the U.S. & Canada.

Amy is a shining example of what it means to “Be Connected,” given the very nature of her work and the critical role she plays in fostering and growing relationships. During the 12 years in her current role, Amy has provided support to all hotels, above-property teams, Marriott Golf, CMN Hospitals corporate teams, and 170 member-network hospitals. Marketing, communications, accounting, legal, website, newsletters, event planning…you name it — Amy’s involved! She is truly the #1 cheerleader of our partnership and an exceptional leader.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, I chatted with Amy to discuss her perspective on connection and women’s leadership.

At Marriott, one of our Leadership Essentials is to “Be Connected.” What role does connection play in your current role and career as a whole?

"Being connected is at the heart of our partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The initial connection between the founders of CMN Hospitals and Mr. Marriott, the connections between our hotels and their local CMN Hospital, and the connection between our Marriott Golf properties and the CMN Hospitals Play Yellow initiative are all what has solidified a 41-year partnership together in the U.S. and Canada.

"My experience working in a hotel connected me to my local hospital. Volunteering connected me to the opportunity to see first-hand the impact that our fundraising had on the hospital. This is where my passion for the cause ignited. This partnership is all about the connection — meaningful connection."

"I am in my role today because of connections."

How have your connections helped you in unexpected ways throughout your career?

"I am in my role today because of connections. In 2012, another leader from Marriott knew of my connection to supporting my local CMN hospital and encouraged me to apply for the role. This was completely unexpected and most welcomed."

How do you inspire connection within your team and in Marriott?

"The Marriott partnership with CMN Hospitals is nothing without the expansive team of dedicated associates that go above and beyond to support their local member CMN Hospital. I am the cheerleader from the sidelines. I am readily available to assist the hotels, HQ, hospital directors, business council leaders, and CMN Hospitals corporate teams with their need(s) through my many connections.? ?

"I love to share the heartwarming stories from the Miracle Champions who we are so privileged to serve. Truthfully, the children inspire us the most by connecting us back to the cause."

What advice do you have for building your network?

"Be willing to reach out and ask for assistance. Be gracious to other’s that are giving of their time. Be brave and bold. Keep your connections close as they will strengthen your network and add to your relationships. When a door opens, many more do too."

How does being connected play into our Serve 360 efforts, including those with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?

"Marriott’s Serve 360 efforts, specifically to Nurture and support the Vitality of Children, is the sprout that engages associates to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The connections between our hotels and their local CMN Hospital, the connection between our Marriott Golf properties and the CMN Hospitals Play Yellow initiative, are what connects us to the common goal to help support the local children’s hospital in the cities where we work and live."

What is the biggest obstacle to connection, and what actions have you taken to mitigate it?

"I think the biggest obstacle to connection is the one of the greatest gifts to connections in our organization — movement. We have a lot of movement in our company with promotions and relocations. I always try to stay on top of where CMN supporters go so that they can continue to engage with the local member CMN hospital. The familiarity of CMN Hospitals can be an easy way to connect into a new city. This is the strength of our Marriott network and the CMN Hospitals network."

"I encourage women to use their voices to be their own advocates. Take the leap of faith — you are worthy of being a leader."? ?

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Marriott’s Women Leadership Development Initiative. As a woman leader, what advice do you have for women who are aiming to advance their careers and take on leadership roles within our organization or the industry as a whole?

"I believe that we, as women, should lean into our knowledge and experience to stand out and make it known that we are willing, ready, and able to be leaders. I encourage women to use their voices to be their own advocates. Take the leap of faith — you are worthy of being a leader."? ?

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Inspiring Inclusion.” What actions do you believe are most effective in creating an inclusive corporate culture that empowers women to reach their full potential in leadership roles?

"Corporations should listen to all voices at the table, and at all levels. Building a culture of caring and respect for one another builds capacity to foster high engagement by everyone. No two people are the same. Recognizing and embracing differences allows us to learn and grow together. We bloom most beautifully when we are planted in rich soil. I am most grateful to have been enriched and encouraged in my career with Marriott."?

Can you share a time when you were mentored by another woman and/or acted as a mentor? What advice do you have for connecting with others in a mentorship setting, whether formal or informal?

"I love to share my connections and experience with others wanting to learn about and engage with CMN Hospitals. My time in Human Resources provided me exposure to several women leaders that supported my learning and helped me grow into management roles. With their leadership, I was able to develop my potential. I believe that a mentor receives just as much personal development and value from the relationship as the mentee does."