Maria’s career in hospitality is about much more than just herself; it’s about her daughter too. After getting a degree in hotel management in her native Venezuela, Maria moved to the United States to pursue a new path. “Being from another country and coming here by myself made me stronger,” she says. “I wanted to be so much more not only for me but also for my daughter.”
When she was just two and a half years old, Maria Anzola’s daughter underwent a kidney transplant that tragically resulted in brain inflammation and slight brain damage. This job gives Maria the flexibility she needs to both progress in her career and be a strong mother for her daughter.
For the past seven years, Maria has worked at a Hilton property in Texas, doing a little bit of everything, including housekeeping, laundry, facilities management, and front desk operations. Her motivation to keep growing continues to propel her forward as she works toward the ultimate goal of becoming a general manager.
“I want to become a GM because I need to do so much more with myself as a professional as a woman and also as a mother,” Maria explains.
As she continues to pursue her passion for hospitality, Maria cannot imagine doing anything else. “I just love helping people,” she says. “I have built a family at this property and I feel like it’s my second home.”
The hard work pays off too. Maria takes full advantage of the benefits of working in hospitality. “The benefits are amazing,” she explains. “I have discounts to go anywhere. One of the things I love to do with my daughter is travel. She loves hotels and she loves traveling.”