2018 Front of House – Hospitality Finalist

Diana Roman

Home2 Suites by Hilton

What was your first job in the hospitality/tourism industry?
Home2 suites by Hilton is my first and only hotel job.

Who has helped/mentored you throughout your career?
Yahima Hernandez, my boss and mentor at the Home2 Suites, has helped me be more confident and encouraging throughout her own hard work at the Home2 Suites.

What has been the highlight of your career?
Getting to make so many friends through this position will always be a highlight, I see so many people every day and I’ve connected with coworkers and guests. I’ve participated and grown with all my coworkers by competing in Hilton contests and celebrating the little things like our birthdays and our hotel anniversary.

Red or Green?
Green for breakfast, Red for dinner!

What is one suggestion or piece of advice you would share with young people entering the hospitality/tourism business?
Listen; listen to your coworkers and your guests. Everyone has had so many experiences and sound advice. We should pay attention to little details about them and take into account everyone’s stories.

What is your favorite New Mexico travel experience?
I loved Meow Wolf, it was so new and interactive. It really tested how much you wanted to explore and discover what this museum had to offer, while still being a safe environment.

What is your favorite quote or piece of inspiration?
“Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.”

― Judy Garland

Being true to yourself is essential to grow and learn.

What does being a finalist for the Top HAT Awards mean to you?
Being a finalist for the Top HAT awards really shows me that I have been true to myself and my position. I’ve always tried to be professional and hardworking no matter how I’m feeling or what the next obstacle will be. I always try to come to work with a positive attitude and a goal for improvement everyday as well as to try and lift everyone else up.

This award is an achievement of how hard I’ve worked, despite working on my Bachelors degree at the University, I will always come to work prepared and excited for the day with all of my energy. I started working at the Home2 thinking it was an easy front desk job, but with all these diverse people coming in from all over the world and for different occasions, I WANT to work hard. I want to work honestly and diligently for my coworkers and for myself.

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