Nepali Native Gains Hospitality Experience in Midtown Manhattan
Pemala Sherpa, a recent college graduate from Nepal, is making her dreams come true and gaining valuable hospitality industry experience working as a guest service agent at the Holiday Inn Express Manhattan Midtown West.
Pemala is enrolled in the Optional Practical Training program – temporary employment that is directly related to F-1 visa holders’ major area of study. They can gain up to 12 months of employment experience either before or after completing their academic studies.
Growing up in Nepal, Pemala was drawn to the hospitality sector. Her passion for providing unforgettable experiences to guests led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in hospitality. She continued her education, earning a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in human resources at Berkeley College in New York.
Pemala’s professional journey includes working in a variety of hospitality roles, including food and beverage operations at the Park Hyatt Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. These roles provided her with experience in both front-of-house and back-of-house operations and shaped her into a well-rounded hospitality employee ready to take on new challenges.
A multilingual professional, Pemala speaks English and Nepali fluently, with the ability to converse in Hindi, and some knowledge of Tibetan, Spanish and French. Her language proficiency has helped her interact with guests from diverse backgrounds, allowing her to personalize their experiences and make their stay even more memorable.
For Pemala, hospitality is more than just a job—it’s a calling. “Hospitality has always felt like home to me,” she said. “Every guest I meet is a new story, and I’m here to make sure it’s a memorable one.” Whether it’s helping a guest navigate the busy streets of New York or learning new hospitality strategies, Pemala is always eager to grow and adapt. “In the world of hospitality, there’s no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ experience—each day brings fresh challenges and learning, and that’s what makes this journey so exciting,” she said.
Pemala currently works under the guidance of Nadine Charles, the director of front office at the Holiday Inn Express Manhattan Midtown West, M&R’s Hotel of the Year for 2024. This recognition is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to excellence, and Pemala’s commitment to providing quality guest experiences reflects that. “Pemala is very thoughtful, has great energy and is always willing to help others,” said Nadine. We have a few reviews where her kindness and customer service are mentioned. Day to day, she works at the front desk, greets guests and helps with reservations while providing outstanding customer service. Pemala is a great addition to the team as she brings knowledge and experience.”
Living and working in the heart of New York City has been a life-changing experience for Pemala. “Working in a top-notch IHG hotel in one of the world’s most famous cities is a dream come true for someone from Nepal,” she said. “I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to grow in such a vibrant setting, where every day offers new challenges and opportunities for learning. I'm eager to see what the future has in store because this adventure is only the beginning.”
Looking to the future, Pemala plans to use the skills and knowledge she acquires in the United States to make a significant impact on Nepal’s hospitality and tourism industries. Her goal is to help raise the standards of hospitality in Nepal and contribute to the growth of its tourism sector by implementing international best practices.
With her passion, dedication and diverse experiences, Pemala Sherpa is poised to make a lasting impact on the hospitality industry, both in the United States and back home in Nepal. The future is full of possibilities, and Pemala is eager to embrace them, one guest at a time.
