Ibtihal Abdalla: A Rising Star Breaks Down Barriers
In honor of Women’s History Month, M&R Team News is proud to spotlight an inspiring associate whose hard work, dedication and passion have shaped her remarkable journey.
Ibtihal Abdalla, a full-time sales coordinator at the Fairfield New York Manhattan/Central Park and full-time student pursuing her computer science degree, has excelled in her career while maintaining impressive discipline in her education. As Ibtihal prepares to celebrate her one-year anniversary with the hotel this May, her story of resilience, ambition and empowerment is a testament to the strength of women leaders.
Ibtihal moved to the United States in 2021 from Saudi Arabia on her own, driven by her passion for hospitality. She immersed herself in the field right away, starting as a night auditor at a Marriott TownePlace Suites in Ohio. It was a pivotal moment, fueling her passion for hospitality even further. In 2023, Ibtihal moved to New York City to study and pursue her career in hospitality, eventually joining the team at the Fairfield New York Manhattan/Central Park.
Hospitality has been a field that captivated Ibtihal from a young age. At just 11 years old, she was inspired after seeing a female sales and events manager at a company her father worked with in Saudi Arabia. This role, rare for women in her country, deeply inspired Ibtihal. “It was very empowering for me,” she said, reflecting on the significance of seeing a woman in a leadership position. Because her family emigrated from Sudan, she faced challenges breaking into the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia, where natives were often given preferential treatment. Yet, her determination never wavered, and her passion for the field grew stronger.
In addition to juggling her career, Ibtihal is pursuing a full-time computer science degree at CUNY’s Borough of Manhattan Community College, where she maintains an impressive 3.8 GPA. She skillfully balances her studies with her role at the hotel, motivated by a desire to merge her passion for hospitality with her skills in technology to become a sales or revenue analyst after completing her degree in May.
Ibtihal’s story is a testament to her resilience in overcoming challenges. Navigating a male-dominated field in computer science, especially as a newcomer with no family in the U.S., was not without its difficulties. She admits there were times she had to prove herself, but she was determined to forge stronger connections, creating a support network with her female coworkers and classmates who encouraged her to keep moving forward. In the hospitality industry, however, Ibtihal never felt the same level of adversity. “The hospitality industry has been incredibly welcoming, and that has motivated me,” she says.
One of Ibtihal’s sources of motivation comes from her general manager, Yan Chung. Ibtihal admires how Yan makes time for every employee, creating a culture where everyone feels supported. “It’s amazing how she makes time for all the employees and makes everyone feel so seen,” Ibtihal says. “I feel motivated to come to work every day.”
When asked how she manages to balance work, school and life, Ibtihal attributes her success to prioritization. “When I’m at work, I’m 100% focused on work. I don’t think about school at all. When I go to school, I’m 100% focused on school.” This disciplined approach allows her to manage her many responsibilities with clarity and purpose. Whether it’s work, school, home or time at the gym, Ibtihal prioritizes the task at hand.
With her unwavering focus, discipline and passion for hospitality and technology, Ibtihal has demonstrated that ambition knows no gender, proving that with dedication and the right mindset, it’s possible to pursue multiple dreams and thrive.
