March is National Women’s History Month. Additionally, March 8, 2020 was International Women’s Day, where organizers celebrate women’s achievement and take action for equality. Throughout the month of March, Borgata will honor their female employees across all divisions on the Borgata Blog. We’re highlighting the accomplishments of our outstanding female team members, and you’ll be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes these exemplary employees part of the Borgata family. In this edition, you’ll get a look at team members from our Food & Beverage, Spa, and Retail divisions.
Megan Sandoval, Pastry Chef
Who is someone you really admire? I admire all mothers, but mostly working mothers because I can relate!
What’s the first career you dreamed of having as a child? A brain surgeon. I remember dissecting a cow’s heart and thinking organs were so cool.
Where do you volunteer and how has it impacted you? I have volunteered at Field of Dreams in the past and I love that it assists people who need extra help playing baseball.
How would your 10-year old self react to what you do for a living? My 10-year old self would be excited that I went from making pickles with my grandma to developing fine dining desserts.
Irini Risteski, Restaurant Manager, Borgata Baking Company
What is your favorite activity in your current position and how often do you get to do it? Team member and customer interaction. Fortunately, I get to do this every day.
What is your definition of success? My definition of success is knowing that what you are doing is helping you and others lead a better, happier, and healthier life.
What is the one piece of advice you received which has changed your life? Be patient and don’t stress over the things you can’t control.
What qualities do you value in the people with whom you work? Honesty, integrity, and respect for others.
La Thipsouvanh, Costumed Beverage Server
What is your favorite activity in your current position and how often do you get to do it? I love entertaining my customers and my co-workers. When I see them happy and smile and laugh because of me, it makes me happy, and I get to do it every day.
What is your definition of success? To be available to take care of my parents and give them a better life.
How many years have you been at Borgata? Share a favorite memory. It’s been going on 17 years. It really excited me to open Borgata, and thanks to the wonderful “mother” of my department, Sherry. Without her, I wouldn’t have had this amazing experience.
Sherry Decker, Director of Beverage
What is the career highlight you are most proud of? I have finally achieved where I want to be in life: a great position working for a company that I love and being among the best people I could have ever wished to work with.
What is your definition of success? Believing in yourself, being proud of what you do, and being happy with the end result.
What qualities do you value in the people with whom you work? Trust, worthiness, loyalty, being open minded to suggestions, and the willingness to change.
Maryetta Borkowski, Catering Manager
What is your favorite activity in your current position and how often do you get to do it? The tastings for galas. I do this about two or three times a year for the last 7 years or so. I get to sit down with the CEOs and board members of some pretty important healthcare companies, and we taste all of the food that they will have for their black-tie dinners. My favorite part is always the desserts.
What is your definition of success? Success is accomplish through grit and grace. You must face your day with courage, strength, and determination by providing a sense of generosity, kindness, and refinement.
If someone were to play you in a move, who would you want it to be? Joanna Gaines, even though Joanna is not an actress, but is still on TV. I feel like we relate most like each other, through similar decor taste, to faith and success.
What’s something you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before? Go zip lining through the mountains of Vermont.
Victoria Hillesheim, Server at The Metropolitan
What is your favorite activity in your current position and how often do you get to do it? I like meeting new people, and I get to do it all day at work. I especially like getting the privilege of having some “regulars” that request me.
What is your definition of success? When you wake up every day and work doesn’t really feel like work. You truly love what you do each day.
Where do you volunteer and how has it impacted you? Most of my volunteer activities are for CASA. I really enjoy being a voice for children in foster care because I see a positive impact on children’s lives. I know my genuine desire to help others, and time spent with the children and the relationships built, really make a difference.
Sheril Antonioli, Spa Salon Manager
What is the career highlight you are most proud of? Being the campus director of the National Massage Therapy Institute.
What’s the first career you dreamed of having as a child? I wanted to be a rock and roll star.
What is the one piece of advice you received which as changed your life? Know your audience and trust people the way that they are. You will never be disappointed.
Eli Flanagan, Massage Therapist
What’s the first career you dreamed o having as a child? My first career I ever dreamed of having was a pediatric nurse. I always loved children and helping people. It was one trait that has not changed.
Where do you volunteer and how has it impacted you? I have been volunteering for Atlantic Care Hospice. This is my calling. Hospice is a wonderful type of care that many people have mixed feelings about. It is more comfort care for people who are terminal and do not want treatment. My mom passed in a hospice care facility and it was life changing for me. Peaceful an calming are two words that describe it.
What qualities do you value in the people with whom you work? I value the strong women who are working full-time and raising their children. I appreciate anyone who can do both well.
Gina Monzo, Retail Manager
What is your definition of success? A career that is rewarding, productive, giving, and makes you happy.
Where do you volunteer and how has it impacted you? Hammonton Historical Society. It connects me to history.
What is one thing about you that surprises others? My level of discipline.
How many years have you been at Borgata? Share a favorite memory. I’ve been at Borgata for five years. The way that I was embraced and respected for all of my years of experience is a favorite memory.