Nany Fullmore,<\/strong> General Manager of the Santa Clara Marriott, has dedicated 33 years to Marriott, building a career rooted in growth, leadership, and a passion for hospitality. Her journey began as an hourly employee, where she worked across multiple roles and quickly discovered her love for an industry that thrives on diversity and opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOver the years, I have held multiple leadership roles in finance and operations, and today, I am honored to serve as the General Manager of the beautiful Santa Clara Marriott,\u201d Said Fullmore. \u201cMy career has been driven by a deep commitment to hospitality, and I am inspired every day by the ability to create exceptional experiences for guests while fostering an environment where associates can build fulfilling careers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Becoming the General Manager of the Santa Clara Marriott is not only a major career milestone for Fullmore\u2014it\u2019s a deeply personal achievement tied to her family\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “It\u2019s especially meaningful because, 30 years ago, my dad was an operations leader at this very same property. Following in his footsteps and leading the hotel he once helped shape is an incredible honor. This role is more than just a career milestone\u2014it\u2019s a tribute to my dad’s legacy,\u201d Fullmore shares.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \u5357\u59ae\u00b7\u798f\u723e\u83ab\u723e<\/strong>, General Manager at Santa Clara Marriott<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n Ces Viray<\/strong>, Complex Director of Business Travel Sales at Hilton Santa Clara<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Take Ces Viray, <\/strong>Complex Director of Business Travel Sales at Hilton Santa Clara. Her love for hospitality started in her mother\u2019s pizza shop in the Philippines, where she first learned the power of great service. That early experience led her to study Tourism and Hospitality in college and eventually carve out a successful career in the hotel industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI still remember my days off when I’d smile at random people, unconsciously thinking they were hotel guests\u2014that\u2019s when it hit me. I genuinely loved what I was doing, and nearly 20 years later, I\u2019m still in the hotel industry,\u201d Viray shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her career has taken her from Manila to Seattle and now Santa Clara, each step refining her expertise in hospitality. With a strong background in operations, transitioning into a Sales Leadership role felt like a natural next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Hilton Santa Clara gave me a chance to experience and thrive in this role. I love working with a team, chasing a common goal, and celebrating shared successes along the way,\u201d Says Viray. Each of these women has forged their own unique path, and leadership in hospitality is as much about mindset as it is about experience. The ability to lead a team, foster collaboration, and create a welcoming environment is a skill honed over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Tina Walters<\/strong>, Director of Sales at Hyatt Centric Santa Clara, one lesson has remained central throughout her career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStay humble, guide, don\u2019t judge, put yourself in their shoes\u2014we\u2019ve all been there,\u201d says Walters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walters\u2019 philosophy reflects an essential truth in hospitality leadership: great leaders don\u2019t just manage\u2014they uplift, mentor, and inspire their teams.<\/p>\n\n\n Yuriko Kawaguchi<\/strong>, Director of Sales and Marketing at Delta Hotels Santa Clara<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Yuriko Kawaguchi<\/strong>, Director of Sales and Marketing at Delta Hotels Santa Clara, believes that empathy is at the core of effective leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOne leadership lesson that has significantly shaped the way I manage my team, and property is the power of leading with empathy,\u201d says Kawaguchi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Early in her career, she learned that the most successful teams are built on trust and a shared commitment to excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHospitality is a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry, and as a leader, it\u2019s my responsibility to ensure my team feels supported. I make it a priority to listen, understand challenges from different perspectives, and foster an environment where every team member knows their contributions matter,\u201d Kawaguchi, explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, leadership is about more than just strategy\u2014it\u2019s about inspiring confidence, providing guidance, and creating opportunities for growth.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n While leadership comes with its rewards, it also comes with challenges. \u201cIn sales, and especially in leadership, there\u2019s always that pressure to earn your seat at the table,\u201d Hernandez shares. \u201cEarly in my career, I felt the need to prove myself more than my counterparts, but I quickly learned that confidence and results speak louder than anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hernandez has tackled these challenges by building strong relationships, staying adaptable, and maintaining a mindset of continuous learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI approach problems with data-driven insights and solutions, which has helped strengthen my credibility and trust with both my team and ownership. Most importantly, I\u2019ve embraced the belief that leadership isn\u2019t about fitting into a mold\u2014it\u2019s about leading authentically,\u201d Hernandez says.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Michelle Hernandez<\/strong>, Director of Sales and Marketing For \u5357\u59ae\u00b7\u798f\u723e\u83ab\u723e<\/strong>, her challenge was balancing the demands of a hospitality career with raising a family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBalancing a demanding career in the hospitality industry while building a family was one of the biggest challenges I faced.\u201d Said Fullmore. \u201cHotel work requires long hours and dedication, and at times, I questioned whether I could successfully manage both. Fortunately, I was surrounded by supportive mentors\u2014both male and female\u2014who guided and encouraged me throughout my journey. Their support helped me navigate the challenges, and today, I am proud to be a mother to strong, beautiful daughters who believe in women\u2019s ability to thrive in both career and family life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her experience highlights the importance of mentorship, resilience, and a strong support system in overcoming challenges and achieving success in the hospitality industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Melissa Belluomini<\/strong>– Director of Sales, Marketing, Leadership isn\u2019t just about individual success\u2014it\u2019s about lifting others along the way. Many women in Santa Clara\u2019s hospitality industry actively mentor, support, and collaborate with one another to create a strong network of leaders. For Ces Viray <\/strong>mentorship, collaboration and mentorship have been a key part of her journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ve been lucky to build amazing friendships in this industry, and supporting other women in leadership is something I truly care about,\u201d says Viray. \u201cI\u2019ve had great mentors, like my former boss Michele Knipe, who believed in me, and I do my best to pay that forward\u2014whether it\u2019s sharing advice, making connections, or just being there when someone needs support.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n For Tina Walters,<\/strong> networking and relationships play a crucial role in leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have a strong relationship with my clients\u2014and this is where I find support. I’ve always said, \u2018my customers have become my friends and many times, my friends have become my customers.\u2019 Networking is powerful,\u201d Walters explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond driving business success, strong professional relationships foster trust, collaboration, and long-term growth. In hospitality, where connections are at the heart of every interaction, Walters’ approach underscores the value of building genuine relationships that extend beyond transactions. These connections not only help develop client loyalty but also create a support system for professional development, new opportunities, and mentorship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All these experiences highlight the many ways women in hospitality uplift one another\u2014through mentorship, collaboration, and the power of strong professional relationships. Whether it\u2019s guiding someone early in their career, offering advice, or simply being a source of encouragement, these connections help build a more inclusive and supportive industry. Tina Walters,<\/strong> Director of Sales Hyatt Regency<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n As more women step into leadership roles in hospitality, they are paving the way for the next generation of leaders. What advice do these accomplished professionals have for young women aspiring to enter hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Melissa Belluomini<\/strong>, Director of Sales, Marketing & Events at Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, encourages taking bold steps in career growth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself, believe in your abilities, and take the leap.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yuriko Kawaguchi<\/strong>, Director of Sales and Marketing at Delta Hotels Santa Clara, highlights the importance of confidence, adaptability, and continuous learning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “To young women aspiring to build a career in hospitality\u2014especially in sales and management\u2014my advice is simple: be confident, stay curious, and never stop learning. Hospitality is a dynamic industry that thrives on relationships, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Build strong networks, seek mentors, and don\u2019t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Your voice and perspective are valuable, and leadership in hospitality benefits from diverse ideas and approaches.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n For \u5357\u59ae\u00b7\u798f\u723e\u83ab\u723e<\/strong>, General Manager of the Santa Clara Marriott, growth comes from embracing challenges and seeking mentorship:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Hospitality is a wonderful and rewarding industry that offers endless opportunities for growth and leadership. My advice to young women aspiring to enter hospitality\u2014especially in sales and management\u2014is to believe in themselves, embrace vulnerability by taking risks, and show up as their whole, authentic selves. Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, and confidence is built through experience. I also encourage seeking out mentors you admire and respect\u2014having strong guidance and support can make all the difference.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n These leaders emphasize that success in hospitality is not just about gaining experience, it\u2019s about actively seeking opportunities for growth, fostering connections, and staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Discover Santa Clara, we are proud to work alongside the incredible women who shape our city\u2019s hospitality industry. These leaders are not only making an impact within their own hotels but are also elevating Santa Clara as a top-tier destination for travelers, business professionals, and event organizers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through collaboration, mentorship, and a shared commitment to excellence, these women continue to redefine what leadership looks like in hospitality. We want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate some of our outstanding in-market partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your leadership, dedication, and contributions make a difference every day, and we are grateful for all that you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you for your contributions to Santa Clara\u2019s hospitality industry!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" March marks Women\u2019s History Month, a time to honor the achievements and contributions of women across industries. For Women\u2019s History Month, we turn the spotlight to the women leading Santa Clara\u2019s hotels\u2014professionals whose vision, resilience, and leadership define the city\u2019s hospitality landscape. Their work goes beyond managing rooms and reservations; they are the architects of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":51612,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1596,1739,1],"tags":[2864,2860,2863,2867,2865,2861,2868,2866,2862,2859],"class_list":["post-51426","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hotels","category-hotel","category-uncategorized","tag-hospitality-careers","tag-hospitality-leadership","tag-hotel-industry-leadership","tag-hotel-management","tag-networking-in-hospitality","tag-santa-clara-hotels","tag-tourism-and-hospitality","tag-women-empowerment","tag-women-in-business","tag-women-in-hospitality"],"acf":[],"content_card":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/zh-hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51426","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/zh-hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/zh-hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/zh-hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/zh-hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51426"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/zh-hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51426\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56380,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/zh-hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51426\/revisions\/56380"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/zh-hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51612"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/zh-hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51426"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/zh-hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51426"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/zh-hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51426"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-1.png\" "\\"\\"")
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Viray\u2019s journey exemplifies how passion and a commitment to teamwork create opportunities for leadership in the ever-evolving hospitality industry.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\nLessons in Leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/6.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOvercoming Challenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For Michelle Hernandez<\/strong>, Director of Sales and Marketing at Embassy Suites Santa Clara, one of the biggest obstacles she has faced is overcoming imposter syndrome in an industry traditionally dominated by men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/3.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
at Embassy Suites Santa Clara<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-1.png\" "\\"\\"")
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& Events at Hyatt Regency<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nWomen Supporting Women
in Leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Melissa Belluomini<\/strong>, Director of Sales, Marketing & Events at Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, has made mentorship a key part of her leadership journey.
\u201cI have always taken on a mentor role. I feel fortunate that I had mentors in my career who always supported and believed in me,\u201d Belluomini shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/4-2.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdvice for Future Women Leaders in Hospitality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Recognizing Women Leaders in Santa Clara\u2019s Hospitality Industry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Honoring These Inspiring Santa Clara Leaders:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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