When playing cards, the Queen is a valuable face card, an important and significant part of any hand. Just like in cards, Borgata values all of the “Queens” that are a part of the resort’s team, and celebrates the efforts and diversity that these VIPs make every day to Atlantic City’s premiere destination. This Women’s History Month, we asked several of Borgata’s female leaders what it means to be a Queen in their own lives, and how they impact both customers and fellow employees at Borgata.
Maria Zaras, Director of Housekeeping and EVS
Who is the most influential “queen” in your life and how have they inspired you? My mother! Her life story inspired me to achieve whatever I had passion for. Her approach to many of my questions or ideas was, “Do you have passion for it?” If “yes” was my answer, then she would reply, “Then go for it. What are you waiting for?”
What are some of the favorite parts of your job that you get to do on a daily basis? I love being surrounded by people, so every day, interacting with the most diverse group of individuals while performing my job duties is like being a kid spending a day in a toy store.
What advice would you give others who are looking to become leaders in the hospitality industry? Ask yourself if you are truly passionate about working with and developing people. Is communication your naturally strong attribute? It is a key to training your team for success and delegating to achieve great accomplishments. Integrity, gratitude, and cultural awareness are characteristics that
successful leaders must possess.
Sherry Decker, Director of Beverage
Who is the most influential “queen” in your life and how have they inspired you? Oprah Winfrey showed me that anything is possible by overcoming adversity, changing people’s perspective to what is acceptable and what is taboo. She showed me to never sit idly. Always move forward to achieve your goals. If there is a will, there is a way.
What are some of the favorite parts of your job that you get to do on a daily basis? The ability to work with so many talented people and help them achieve their goals is a favorite part of my job. I love interacting with guests and team members and hearing their stories. I consider them a part of my family.
What advice would you give others who are looking to become leaders in the hospitality industry? Have patience. Be consistent. Be open to change. Hear guest and team member suggestions so you can strive to make it a better experience.
Tamara Brown, Director of Casino Cashiering
Who is the most influential “queen” in your life and how have they inspired you? My mother is the most influential in my life because she has instilled in me to be an independent thinker, to go after anything and everything I want in life, follow my own path, and never let anyone determine my worth. Only I can do that.
What are some of the favorite parts of your job that you get to do on a daily basis?I love interacting with people and sharing my knowledge.
What advice would you give others who are looking to become leaders in the hospitality industry? Fear is life’s treadmill. It will keep you walking in place. Chart your course, stay focused, and never be discouraged.
Jennifer Witherow, Social Media Manager
Who is the most influential “queen” in your life and how have they inspired you? My mom has always inspired me to be a strong, compassionate, and independent woman. She has always put others before herself but continues to put her and her family’s happiness at the forefront of everything she does. She takes care of the people around her, and that is something I have always admired.
What are some of the favorite parts of your job that you get to do on a daily basis? I love working on a female-dominated team in an industry that typically only sees male leadership. I am encouraged to be creative in collaboration with my coworkers and am thankful for the opportunity to create content that represents how incredible Borgata is.
What advice would you give others who are looking to become leaders in the hospitality industry? Do not take no for an answer and be open to change. If there is something you want to achieve, find the people that believe in you, and go for it. In an industry such as hospitality, there is so much opportunity for growth.