M&R Celebrates its GMs for Women’s History Month
In celebration of Women's History Month – a national observance each March that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society – M&R Team News asked the company’s 10 female general managers to comment on their experience at the company and opportunities for growth.
Amy St. John, general manager of the Hampton Inn Anderson in Indiana, said she has helped several housekeepers work their way up to become managers, including Angela Skaggs, who became housekeeping supervisor three years ago, and Amy Wehner, who now is maintenance supervisor.
“Watching these women grow to become strong leaders has been an amazing journey,” she said.
Like Amy, Traci Kinney, general manager of the Best Western Charleston and Quality Inn Charleston in West Virginia, helped mentor several young women who “moved up and into different positions that they thought they would never try.”
Not surprisingly, she considers “being a coach and being my team’s biggest cheerleader” to be the most fulfilling aspects of her job.
Tabitha Vaughn, general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Joplin in Missouri, said she personally benefited from two promotions, from director of sales to operations manager to general manager.
She enjoys “handling all of the collective personalities of the staff,” adding “It can be challenging, which I enjoy.”
Yan Chung, general manager of the Fairfield New York Manhattan/Central Park, has worked at different M&R hotels for more than a decade. The opportunity to experience a variety of hotel brands has advanced her knowledge of the industry.
Yan is comfortable supervising both men and women, noting “all have been very supportive.” She is particularly proud of her role mentoring Janeel Brown, who came to work as a guest service agent, was promoted to guest services supervisor and now is rooms division manager.
For Yan, the most fulfilling aspect of her job is “to build an A team and overcome challenges.”
Tanya Bogenrief, general manager of the Fairfield Inn Joplin, said she has “grown as a manager and leader” during her 13-year career at the hotel. “When you have a company that pushes the positives, makes you feel valued and empowered and gives you the tools, confidence and direction to succeed, it is easy to see the achievements and succeesses.”
While the Fairfield Inn Joplin team is relatively small, it includes males and female from different backgrounds, ethnicities and age groups, she said. “I love watching the employees grow. I love that most of my staff has been long term. It makes me feel like I’m doing something right.
“I love how everyone in this hotel feels like family and that the employees incorporate that sense of family with the guests. Knowing that every employee – through all departments – truly cares shows in our scores and surveys.”
Margarita Garcia, general manager of the DoubleTree New York Times Square West, noted she has “had the pleasure” of managing three M&R properties.
“I absolutely love to teach and mentor my leadership team,” she said. “The best gift you can give to someone is knowledge.” Margarita currently is mentoring her newly promoted director of operations.
Melissa Thibault, general manager of the Hampton Inn Marion in Illinois, said she believe women have “just as many opportunities as men” at M&R.
Melissa has mentored both younger and older women. “Older women are looking for new opportunities that they did not have access to in their younger years,” she said. “Showing these ladies how hard work and dedication can lead to success has been the best asset I can provide them.”
The most fulfilling aspect of her job is speaking with guests: “I like to hear their stories and find out why they are traveling and the destinations that they have visited or are going to visit. I hope someday to be the person on the other side of the counter.”
Melissa Hill is general manager of the Hampton Inn Joplin in Missouri, where she has worked for the last two decades. She also believes she has enjoyed ample opportunities for growth and achievement at M&R.
What she likes best about her job is “working alongside her team to make our guests feel welcome and like they have come home when they stay with us.”
Kristen Prablek, newly appointed general manager of the Fairfield Inn St. Louis Collinsville, IL, said she is “honored to work for a company that recognizes my enthusiasm and drive to be a good leader.” As a young hotelier, she wondered whether she would be given an opportunity to serve as general manager. “Being given an opportunity like this shows the company values hard work and dedication,” she said.
As a recent hire, Kristen said she has been impresssed by the support she has received. “Everyone has been extremely welcoming and ready to offer a listening ear and helping hand as I transition into my new role,” she said.
Tanya Jamal, who has been named general manager for M&R’s new SpringHill Suites New York Manhattan Times Square, soon to open at 223 W. 46th St., believes gender diversity in leadership "is essential for a well-rounded and successful team.”
Mentoring young women “has been a rewarding aspect of my role,” she said. “I have actively participated in mentorship programs at M&R, providing guidance and support to young women as they navigate their professional journeys. It’s fulfilling to contribute to their growth and success.”
The U.S. Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in In 1987. A presidential proclamation is issued annually to honor the extraordinary achievements of American women.
