Current job: Director of Human Resources at Vesta Hospitality, a national hotel development and management company with currently 13 hotels in eight states and 700 employees. I am the strategic HR business partner, the HR hotline and the Chief Culture Officer. It is a great pleasure working on initiatives that help to grow and develop employees and future leaders.
Proudest professional moment: I must say that I accomplished a lot in my life: 20+ years ago I became the youngest hotel general manager within our hotel chain at the time and completed daunting initiatives on time and budget. However, the proudest moment was probably when I passed my Professional in Human Resources (PHR) test in 2011. The pass rate was only 59 percent and I salute and thank each and every one of my study buddies for helping me achieve this goal.
First job: Hotel apprentice in Hamburg, Germany. Fresh out of high school, I learned the business from the ground up. What an awakening when I was assigned with the task to clean 15 dirty guestrooms on my second week on the job. Working ten days without a day off and getting up at five o’clock in the morning. Until then I was a spoiled teenager…
Fun fact: You may have seen me zooming around town in my little red convertible. I love the sun and smelling the spring. Maybe taking a picture or two for my photography collection. And I enjoy being IPP (Immediate Past President) of the Rotary Club of Vancouver.
Favorite spot on a Saturday night: I love supporting our community and attend events and fundraisers; meeting people and making new friends is the essence of life. At home, I like to cook, enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood and a TV date night.
Favorite movie: That’s a hard one. I like action movies and chick flicks alike. Got a kick out of “My life in ruins,” which reminded me of my favorite vacation spots in Greece.
Music of choice: Definitely soft rock. But I have been known for visiting musicals and classical concerts as well. I think the Vancouver Symphony is doing a fantastic job.
Favorite place to eat: VQ and Meriwether’s in Portland. Lapellah and Roots in Vancouver. For a quick bite I go to Panera.
Motto/Inspirational quote: Carpe diem or Seize the day!
