Women are taking the lead in general manager roles
Smart Meetings continues to celebrate Women’s History Month! We are highlighting women who have worked their way up and earned the position of general manager to show our appreciation for their dedication to hospitality, their genuine passion for helping others and for standing strong in an industry where men still dominate the majority of leadership roles. Smart Meetings features only but a few of amazing women who are standing out in the general manager positions at successful hotels and resorts.
Sherry Abedi, General Manager of Viceroy Washington DC and Hotel Zena
Q: What attracted you to the hospitality industry?
A: The people, the guests and our co-workers. The hospitality industry is beneficial because you have the opportunity to meet and learn about so many different personalities, cultures and viewpoints. It really helps to prepare you to be able to be in any environment and really learn to connect with people on an individual basis.
Q: What three words describe you, professionally or personally?
A:They’re intertwined for me, but I would say driven. I can maintain focus and have a certain level of tenacity. Creative. I just learned I am creative, in that whether it has to do with programming activations or problem solving. Loyal—that bleeds into my personal and professional life.
Q: Do you see progress towards gender equality in the hospitality industry?
A: I definitely see progress in our industry. In this particular role and in the hotel companies I have worked for in the past 10 to 12 years are very focused on providing that opportunity and highlighting the strength of women.
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Shernette Crichton, General Manager of Half Moon in Montego Bay Jamaica
Q: What attracted you to the hospitality industry? 
A: My inspiration was truly a love for people, just catering to the needs of others. As a child, I was always planning parties for my parents. I love to entertain, to serve and to connect with people. I thought the hospitality industry was perfect for meeting people and catering to their needs.
Q: What three words describe you, professionally or personally?
A: I am a God-fearing person. I do believe that I can do all things through Christ. I’m also passionate and caring. I look out for the needs of others and giving back to community is very important to me.
Q: What are some of the challenges you face as a female general manager?
A: One of the things I noticed is that there is this subconscious bias. When you introduce yourself as the general manager, you get a pause. There is a subconscious attitude about female capabilities. Are you aggressive and assertive enough to hit your numbers? Also, work/life balance. Being a mother, a wife and juggling the family’s needs as well as work obligations.
Iris Junge, General Manager of The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Q: What attracted you to the hospitality industry?
A: Mostly my father, he worked in the industry. I got to experience travel and what it meant to take care of guests to make sure they have a memorable experience. His number one priority was making sure his guests were happy and well taken care of.
Q: What three words describe you, professionally or personally?
A: Passionate, driven and authentic.
Q: What is your next professional goal?
A: I want to continue to make a difference for women in hospitality so that we gain parity even above the general manager level. I want women to get past the fact that men will always have a dominant presence and better chances at a job for whatever reason. I also want the next generation of employees and leaders to understand how amazing this industry is and how many opportunities there are to be successful.
Lindsey Sears, General Manager of Andaz Savannah, a Concept by Hyatt
Q: What attracted you to the hospitality industry?
A: For me, it really boiled down to this culture of taking care of others. My mom was always the parent to help out with all the neighborhood kids—carpools and taking people here and there. Hospitality was really a way of life. I also went to culinary school and I coupled hospitality with the passion I had for food and beverage. They are closely connected.
Q: What three words describe you, professionally or personally?
A: Intentional is number one, because it bleeds over to both my professional and personal life. It’s being intentional in your actions. Solution oriented, because I’m a results driven person. And committed—breaking the mold, pushing the boundaries and heightening expectations.
Q: What are some of the challenges you face as being a woman in the role of a general manager?
A: I have two different ideas here. As a female general manager, I find myself being more self-aware of needing to be more serious or putting extra work to appear more credible. But I almost feel like this is my own doing, rather than anyone else making me feel this way. I’m sure that’s going to change and evolve!
Read More: The Story Behind the 2024 Smart Women in Meetings Awards
Jacqueline Volkart, General Manager of The Ritz Carlton, South Beach
Q: What attracted you to the hospitality industry?
A: Growing up, I observed and assisted my mom. She always invited guests to our home—every table was set to perfection, from the wrinkle free tablecloth to the flowers, to the candles and decorations. I was also in charge of our hometown Youth Center, planning and organizing events. From early on in my life, I loved special events.
Q: What three words describe you, professionally or personally?
A: Positive, engaging and inspiring.
Q: Do you see progress towards gender equality in the hospitality industry?
A: There is huge progress in the hospitality industry. Miami alone has over 120 female general managers. I am thrilled to be in a community that welcomes diversity and inclusion.
