How Hilton Grand Vacations Helps One Team Member Balance Work, Family And Passion

When you think of a call center Team Member, you probably don’t think of “passionate rugby player.” However, Similiti L., a customer care agent in Las Vegas, dreams of competing on an international level.

“I’ve always been an athlete,” Similiti began. “I grew up in Tonga, where women didn’t really play sports. I was always the girl pushing back and trying to do what the boys were doing, including sports. Then I moved to the United States in middle school and saw women and girls playing sports — and realized being an athlete was something I could do. Long story short, I’ve played rugby and football ever since.”

“Then I heard that Tonga was starting a women’s rugby team. It surprised me because I wasn’t allowed to play not that long ago. It was a sign that things were changing.”

“This year, Tonga recruited female rugby players — not just from the island but worldwide — to try to qualify to compete at an international level. So I went to Tonga for a month and tried out for the team.”

Unfortunately, the Tongan women’s team didn’t snag a spot this summer. However, Similiti doesn’t regret the experience.

“I’m very grateful for this job. I was able to take time off and pursue my passion. And even though it didn’t work out how I wanted, I can look back in ten years and see how I helped pave the way for women athletes in the future.”

When she first applied for the call center position, she didn’t expect a career that would support her athletic ambitions.

“Three years ago, I was a stay-at-home mom who needed a job to help support my kids,” she explained. “So when I saw a job opening at a call center, I thought, ‘You know what? I’ve done customer service before. Let me try it.’”

Similiti was pleasantly surprised to discover that Hilton Grand Vacations supports her as a working parent . “My schedule aligned with my life outside of work. Each morning, I drop my kids off at school before work. I have the weekend off to spend time with my kids. Plus, I have had access to paid time off and other benefits from day one . I’d never worked someplace that offered that.”

Hilton Grand Vacations also supports Similiti’s professional growth. “I didn’t think I would be with Hilton Grand Vacations for this long,” she admitted. “I started, thinking it was just a stepping stone to the next job. But the people here are great, and there’s room to grow.”

“This is my third year working for Hilton Grand Vacations, and I love coming to work every day,” Similiti said.

Start a career you love with a company that will help you grow professionally and personally. Check out job openings at hgv.com/careers and join our talent network for updates on new opportunities, hiring events and more.