Women Dominate the Hospitality Industry
Women have long been key players in hospitality, starting in early roles such as innkeepers, servers, and housekeepers.
Over time, their involvement expanded into management and leadership positions. Although challenges remain for women aiming for top executive (C-suite) roles, their impact on the industry is undeniable.
Recently, two female leaders shared their views on the future of women in hospitality.
Rosanna Maietta: Leading the Hospitality Industry with Expertise
Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), brings extensive experience to the role. She previously served as President & CEO of the AHLA Foundation and EVP of Communications and Public Relations at AHLA. Maietta’s deep understanding of the association’s mission, operations, and relationships with key stakeholders, including the AHLA Board and Foundation Trustees, is invaluable.
A Career in Hospitality Without a Degree
What sets our industry apart is that you don’t always need a formal four-year degree to succeed. What truly matters is training and intentional development.
Hospitality is About People
At its core, hospitality is about service and human connection. Many successful leaders began in entry-level positions and climbed the ladder. Whether or not you have a formal degree, you must be proactive about your career growth.
Take Advantage of Training and Mentorship
Seek out mentorship and training programs—whether within your company, through industry associations like AHLA, or via initiatives like The ForWard Program. This platform is excellent for networking, leadership development, and supporting women leaders in hospitality.
The Path to Success
With hard work and a passion for service, there’s a clear path for growth. Our role is to ensure women are aware of these opportunities and feel supported in their career journeys.
Skills Beyond Service
In hospitality, people skills are vital, but problem-solving is just as important. Anticipate issues, create solutions, and develop systems to prevent problems. As you move up in leadership, business acumen becomes essential. Understand revenue, costs, and market strategy to drive operational efficiency.
Embrace Technology in Hospitality
Technology is reshaping the industry. To succeed, you must be tech-savvy. Whether it’s AI in customer service or advanced property management systems, knowing how to leverage technology will improve both guest experiences and operational processes.
A Lifelong Career in Hospitality
Hospitality offers countless career paths and is one of the most innovative industries you can join. It’s not just a job; it’s a lifelong career. The AHLA and its foundation are committed to supporting individuals along this journey.
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Anneliesse Cooper: 25+ Years in Hotel Industry Leadership
Anneliesse Cooper is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Atrium Hospitality. She joined the company in April 2022 as Senior Vice President of Human Resources and was promoted to CHRO in December 2022. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, Cooper drives talent strategies and champions company culture aligned with Atrium’s core values.
Her focus is on fostering leadership excellence to attract and develop top talent, supporting both individual and organizational growth.
WomenRISE Program: Empowering Women Leaders
In 2024, Atrium Hospitality launched the WomenRISE Program to support women General Managers. This initiative offers mentorship, resources, and growth opportunities to help women advance their careers.
Participants and mentors agree the nine-month program boosts preparedness and self-confidence for leadership roles.
Growth Mindset and Leadership Advancement
While mentorship and training are vital for leveling the playing field, a growth mindset plays a key role in career advancement. Mentors can guide, but candidates decide when to take the leap into bigger roles.
Women are thriving in hospitality education today, making up about 70% of hospitality graduates. Many hospitality managers are also women.
Pathways to C-Suite Leadership
Most hospitality leaders started in hourly roles and gained experience across different departments. Though career paths evolve, emerging leaders can learn from these journeys.
To succeed, emerging leaders should:
— Find a passionate hotel role to build skills
— Learn from colleagues
— Seek mentorship
— Embrace opportunities to explore other hotel operations
Beyond performance, what sets great leaders apart is developing a personal leadership style, being a lifelong learner, connecting authentically, and inspiring others.
A Personal Journey of Growth
Throughout my 25+ years, mentors and supportive bosses challenged me and allowed me to make decisions, building my confidence. Their support helped me pursue next-level roles, including reaching the C-suite.