Be Inspired: Marriott Career Stories - Kyana Gerard

From a nine-stool A&W root beer stand to 8,000+ hotels, Marriott International has grown into one of the most influential companies in the hospitality industry. Like Marriott, many of us have humble beginnings.

We recently launched our new People Brand, “Be,” which highlights three themes: Begin, Belong, Become. As I reflected on my own career, I connected with some of our outstanding Eastern Region leaders to learn about their beginnings with Marriott — and how far they’ve come.

MEET: KYANA GERARD

Director of Operations – Rooms, Charlotte Marriott City Center

Kyana began her career in her hometown, St. Thomas, USVI. During high school, she worked as a culinary intern at Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Resort, then returned to the resort during summer and winter breaks from Johnson & Wales University (Providence Campus) to work as a cook and in the pastry shop.

During her sophomore year in college, Kyana completed an externship as a part of her Baking and Pastry Arts degree program at the Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa.

Upon graduation, Kyana relocated to Washington, D.C., where she honed her craft at three Ritz-Carlton properties in Georgetown, Pentagon City, and Washington, D.C. Throughout her time there, she held several food and beverage roles, including Event Concierge, Banquet Server, Sales & Events Coordinator, Food & Beverage Supervisor, and Event Manager.

In 2014, Kyana took her talents to Charlotte, N.C., where she worked as a Senior Event Manager and Associate Director of Events at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, before becoming the Dual Property Director of Event Planning and Operations at the Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel and Charlotte Marriott SouthPark.

Currently, Kyana continues to build upon her career journey as the Director of Operations – Rooms at Charlotte Marriott City Center.

What inspired you to join Marriott?

“I got my start in hospitality in high school because that was, in my opinion, the coolest career track to choose. As a part of our program during our senior year, we attended classes in the morning and did on-the-job training each afternoon.?Being a part of the team at Frenchman’s Reef, there was a sense of family, and we took great pride in our work.?

“This company culture carried through to my college externship in Hilton Head where my pastry supervisor, Ms. Anne Mitchell, took a personal interest in my development as a hospitality student as well as a young Black woman.??

“Later, at a job fair at JWU Providence, Ian McPhee walked me through the benefits and rewards of working with The Ritz-Carlton brand, helping me to set up interviews at a few Ritz-Carlton properties.?

When I interviewed at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. for a supervisory role, the leadership team did not just send me on my way.?They instead explained that although they did not believe the supervisory role was a good fit at that time, they recognized my professional and career potential and offered me the event concierge role.?Knowing there were people that were willing to provide me with the support I needed to learn, grow, and achieve my dreams locked me in.”

How has your career with Marriott inspired you and helped you fulfill your sense of purpose?

“As a woman in my late 30s, I often reflect on my purpose. I have been placed in environments that have challenged my leadership skills and my character.?These life and career lessons have proven to be invaluable in my daily interactions, especially with young leaders.?

“My career would not be successful without the investments of the phenomenal professionals I have had the pleasure of learning from.?My goal is to expand on those lessons, guiding the new generation of leaders and, in turn, continuing to strengthen our company culture.”

What has been your most rewarding memory with Marriott?

“I have been recognized on property and above property numerous times. I am truly grateful for the recognition I have received over the years.?I have had many inspiring conversations with company leaders that have shaped my outlook on life and my career.?

“My most rewarding memory is pretty recent.?My current General Manager, Jon Farace, helped to rekindle my love for hospitality and Marriott.?I was at a crossroads.?I received the offer for my current role on the same day I received an offer from another company in another industry.

"Jon took time to express his belief in my abilities.?We openly discussed my strengths and opportunities for growth. It was a moment I felt fully supported and appreciated.?It reignited my passion for hospitality and kept me from deviating from my lifelong career goal of becoming a General Manager.”

How has Marriott helped you grow your career?

“Tools and resources are readily available in abundance.?The access we have to training is advantageous for anyone wanting to develop their professional skills.

“Networking has been my primary tool for career growth.?Marriott is a big-small world.?From conferences, to webinars, to the global address book…I have been able to reach out to colleagues all over the world for information. Our willingness to share knowledge and resources makes us successful.?Whether it is directly related to a job opportunity or benchmarking ideas that have helped me to be successful in my daily operations, I have been able to grow as a hospitality professional because of the brilliant ladies and gentlemen I have access to.”

What advice would you offer to anyone looking to begin their career with Marriott?

“Be patient and explore.?There are a plethora of opportunities in this industry and with this company.?Take the time to explore the possibilities. Timing is key during your career journey.?Being in the right place at the right time with the right people is not just a cliché.?On the flip side, it is perfectly acceptable to redirect your goals and interests.?It is YOUR journey.”???

To join our outstanding team and personalize your career journey, visit Marriott Careers.

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