2018 Front of House – Hospitality Finalist

Amanda Gesten

La Posada de Santa Fe

What was your first job in the hospitality/tourism industry?
Plaza Bakery- Assistant Manager (2008)

Who has helped/mentored you throughout your career?
Kristin Lepisto, Kathrine Balleau, David Stone, Annabel Tiberi, Dana Esparza, Ellen Zieselman

What has been the highlight of your career?
The highlight of my career is every wedding weekend when you witness the Bride going down the aisle to meet her soon to be husband for the very first time. It is then you realize how all of your hard work from reserving the wedding, to detailing the wedding from the early mornings to the late evenings and the stresses of putting together the final details of the event pays off. You realize what you have done is truly special and you helped make a once in a lifetime event become alive. It is an incredibly beautiful moment to watch.

Red or Green?
GREEN!

What is one suggestion or piece of advice you would share with young people entering the hospitality/tourism business?
Be patient and have empathy for your guests, clients, colleagues and those surrounding you. Remember to listen and not react to your supervisors/superiors as they want the best for you and want to see you grow in your position.

What is your favorite New Mexico travel experience?
There’s too many!! From camping in white sands, to skiing in Taos to visiting our many wine vineyards, there’s quite a long list.

What is your favorite quote or piece of inspiration?
“People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

– Maya Angelou

What does being a finalist for the Top HAT Awards mean to you?
It is such an incredible honor, I already felt like won.

Stay tuned for more Finalist Spotlights as we get closer to the 2018 New Mexico True Top HAT Awards Gala on November 8th!