An Equal Chance for All

The Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan in India is doing some great work. Earlier this year, the team won our Debbie Marriott Harrison TakeCare Award of Excellence for promoting the wellbeing of their associates and making the hotel a healthier place to work.

Recently, they made a video celebrating their diversity, as well as, a program to hire those that were deaf or hard of hearing. This struck a tender spot in my heart because the people in the video – most of who were deaf or hard of hearing – were given a tremendous opportunity to find a job and better their lives.

My son, Stephen, who passed away four years ago, became both deaf and blind due to an illness, but his work ethic and ambition were second to none. As I have said before, Stephen was my hero, and now, the Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is doing hero’s work with their commitment to helping the deaf community.

In 1989, The Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities established Bridges from School to Work—a program designed to transform the lives of young adults with disabilities through the power of a job. Since then, more than 17,000 young people with disabilities have been given workplace training and meaningful employment. Additionally, Marriott has more than 4,500 partners in the U.S. who hire these students, most of whom are transitioning out of high school special education. I am so incredibly proud of our company and the associates who are creating opportunities for all, by recognizing their abilities to succeed.

It makes me proud to see properties like the Courtyard Pune Chakan help associates with all kinds of abilities become successful contributors to our company and their communities. Our world gets better when we recognize how all can contribute – and that starts with a job. The Courtyard Pune Chakan is doing just that and I salute them for it.