03/03/2025

Honoring Trailblazers and Industry Leaders

The hospitality industry is as diverse as the people within it, offering endless opportunities across every role—from front desk and sales to housekeeping and food service. As one of the world’s largest employers, women now make up approximately 60% of the workforce. But while women have become a dominant force in the field, their influence has been shaping hospitality long before their numbers reflected it.

 

Pictured left to right, Alice Marriott, Maude N. Bouldin. 

Trailblazing women have been instrumental in shaping the hospitality industry into what it is today. Alice Sheets Marriott played a key role in transforming Marriott Corporation into a global leader, overseeing business operations, financial management, and service standards alongside her husband, J. Willard Marriott Sr. Similarly, Maude N. Bouldin, the first female hotel manager in America, broke barriers in a male-dominated industry. In 1925, she secured a historic loan—described by the Los Angeles Times as "the largest individual financial transaction ever undertaken by a body of women in the United States"—to build Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles. Through her leadership, Bouldin not only ran a successful hotel but also paved the way for women in hospitality, challenging gender norms and pushing society toward greater equality.

Women like Alice and Maude set the stage for female leadership in hospitality, but the impact of women in this industry extends far beyond history books. Today, in Ohio and beyond, countless women continue to drive hospitality forward—creating exceptional guest experiences, mentoring future leaders, and ensuring the success of their properties and brands. Some of these women were recently honored at the 2024 OHLA Stars of the Industry Gala for their remarkable contributions to Ohio’s hospitality landscape. This is what their nominations had to say - 

✨ Kimberly Reid, Courtyard Columbus Dublin – Attendant/Host of the Year
"Kimberly is a shining example of hospitality excellence, earning praise from every guest she interacts with—including one loyal client who declared, "The Breakfast Lady Rocks!" She fosters relationships with customers and stakeholders, directly contributing to the success of her property and brand every day."

✨ Deborah Wiggins, Aloft Cleveland Beachwood – "Jack of All Trades" Award
"A leader in developing talent and driving guest satisfaction, Deborah has helped her hotel earn its highest internal brand award. She mentors industry professionals, speaks at conferences, and plays a key role in hospitality recruitment initiatives. Her colleagues describe her as an inspirational leader and someone they will never forget because of how she makes them feel."

✨ Wendy Tyson, Hyatt Regency Columbus – Service Superstar of the Year
"Recognized as a go-to expert in her field, Wendy has trained employees across multiple hotels and influenced corporate system updates. She has been a key player in adapting sales processes, ensuring smooth transitions while uplifting those around her. A coworker perfectly summed up her impact: "She treats every living thing with true care and compassion."

 

These women represent just a fraction of the incredible female leaders driving Ohio’s hospitality and tourism industry forward. While they may not have built a brand from the ground up, they are the backbone ensuring those brands continue to thrive. Without them, neither the industry nor the properties they serve would be where they are today. International Women’s History Month is a time to honor the achievements of women who have dedicated their careers to shaping industries and communities. But recognition shouldn’t stop in March. Let’s continue to uplift and empower the women around us. One way to do that? Nominate your outstanding female team members for the 2025 OHLA Stars of the Industry Awards. Regional nominations open April 1st—a perfect opportunity to celebrate the women who make Ohio’s hospitality industry truly exceptional.

 

    

Pictured from left to right, Kimberly Reid, Deborah Wiggins, Wendy Tyson.