Latinx Heritage Month
September 15–October 15 marks National Latinx Heritage Month. In celebration of the invaluable contributions Hispanic and Latino people have made to American culture, Ace has been highlighting some of the incredible team members who help make this community everything we strive to be.
Over the past month, we’ve used our LinkedIn platform to profile some of our outstanding Latinx team members; their thoughts and insights are reproduced below.
In addition to our staff spotlights, Ace was represented by eight of our Latinx Leaders at a pair of virtual leadership events: six team members attended the Latinas In Leadership CEO Breakfast sponsored by the Tri-State Diversity Council, and two attended this year’s HACR Executive Summit.
Internally, Ace produced two virtual events, open to all team members: a presentation with Stacie M. de Armas of the Nielsen Company, who presented on consumer trends from the Latinx and Hispanic communities, as well as Nielsen’s Covid-19 Impact Special Report in the Hispanic Community; plus a panel discussion with some of Ace’s team leaders, who shared insights on their journeys in hospitality as Latinx leaders, managing through Covid, and a defining moment in their lives.
We look forward to further opportunities to celebrate the beautiful differences at work in the complex tapestry of culture at Ace Hotel.
Ana Ramirez
Ana is a Lead Reservationist at Ace Hotel & Swim Club. She joined us five years ago as a Reservations Agent.
What does Latinx Heritage Month mean to you?
“Remembering the sacrifices that my parents went through [as they] worked hard to obtain the American dream. Their sacrifice has given me an opportunity to attain higher education while maintaining the importance of family unity, honesty, responsibility and keeping our traditions.”
On being part of the Ace team:
“What I like about working at the Ace is that there is a genuine spirit of cooperation among the whole team and opportunities toward professional growth.”
Angel Serrano
Angel has been a Guest Service Agent at Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles since 2019.
On being part of the Ace team:
“What I like most about working at the Ace Hotel is the diversity and adaptability of the staff. As we navigate through these unparalleled circumstances, everyone has united and quickly adapted to the new normal while maintaining the prestigious reputation of the Ace Hotel.”
Judy Velez
Judy is our fearless Food & Beverage Director at Ace Hotel Chicago. She joined Ace as the General Manager of our restaurant, after having worked her way up in the food & beverage industry.
What’s your greatest achievement in your career or personal life?
“F&B is an ever changing industry and you need to push yourself daily. The fact that I have a family that cheers me on and that even with a small child I have been able to achieve my career goals is what I am most proud of.”
On being part of the Ace team:
“I love that I get to be myself and encourage others to do the same. I love that I am valued for who I am and I get to spread my wings and fly. I love that I get to be a wife, mother and F&B Director without compromising.”
Julieta Barcenas
Julieta has been with Ace Hotel & Swim Club for over six years as Director of Housekeeping.
On what she likes best about working with Ace:
“That it makes me happy to come to work.”
One thing that she’s most proud of:
“To be a director of housekeeping, that was one of my goals.”
Jorge Mendoza
Jorge Mendoza joined the Ace Hotel Chicago team two years ago, as the Restaurant Manager
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It’s a time when we get to showcase how rich Latin culture is and educate folks about the achievements of Latins here in the USA and abroad.
What’s your proudest achievement in your career?
Having the opportunity to task force in NYC is by far one of my work highlights and it made my family very proud.
What do you like best about working with Ace?
We’re a welcoming family, with no place for bigotry, bias nor disrespect. I love that there are people from all walks of life, and that we all get to be ourselves and enrich each other’s lives.
Dely Garcia
Dely joined the opening team at Maison de la Luz in January 2019, as the Director of Housekeeping.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
I’m very proud of my Dominican heritage and always remember where I came from. I was born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the second largest nation in the Caribbean. It’s a popular city destination for its beautiful white sand beaches, pristine blue waters, picturesque mountains, waterfalls and its tropical climate. The sad part is that there are not many professional opportunities in my country, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here.
Being an Afrolatina has not been easy in the US either, but with hard work, dedication and the values that my parents raised me with, I’ve been able to accomplish many dreams — and I know there’s more to come.
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