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Meet Daniela Cunningham of Hilton Phoenix/Mesa

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Cunningham.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Daniela. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Originally from Mexico, went to a private school since I was 4 years old, had everything I wanted then moved to Phoenix, AZ when I was 18 years old with nothing. Moving to a different country with a different language and culture can be extremely scary, especially when you don’t know anyone. Started working for the hotel Hilton Phoenix/Mesa when I was 19 years old as the Executive Lounge Attendant as I was attending college pursuing a degree in the medical field. My life at that time was only work and school as I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t even have a car. After working for a couple of months for the hotel, the Director of HR gave me the amazing opportunity to work for her during summer, on simple projects while I still had my other job. I saved enough money to finally be able to afford a car. I remember going to the dealership extremely nervous because it was the first time I was going to buy a car for myself with my own money. I called my dad as soon as I bought it and I will never forget his words “You bought a sports car?!?! You are only 19?!?!” I had to be at the hotel at 4:40 am every day, I was done with my shift at noon, then school for a couple of hours, back to the hotel to help HR for a couple of hours with fun projects, then leave the hotel at 6:00pm to go back to school, finally home at 9:00pm to do homework. I had long days, but I became very interested in the Hospitality Industry. I started doing research and always asking questions in meetings and giving my opinions and ideas. Later on, the General Manager of the hotel offered me to get some training with his assistant. He noticed how curious I was with the industry and my interest on learning more and more each day. When his assistant left, the General Manager offered me the position to be the Executive Assistant. I was not the only one that wanted the position and I didn’t want to do the interview because I didn’t think I was capable enough to fulfill that position. I remember talking to my brother about it and crying because I was sure I wasn’t going to get the job due to lack of experience, but my brother told me to never give up and give my best in the interviews. After interviews, one day I received the call that I got the job and I was the happiest girl ever! I decided to change my career path to the hospitality industry. It wasn’t easy, I had to literally learn a lot in a very short period of time, as it was my first time being an Executive Assistant. I didn’t want to let the General Manager down so I did plenty of research on my own on how to succeed on my position. I have been the Executive Assistant to the General Manager for 3 years now. I assist all the departments in the hotel, I also handle the social media channels for the hotel. Still going to school for Business and Management. Still working and educating myself as knowledge can be a very powerful weapon. Couldn’t be more grateful with my company for giving me such an amazing opportunity.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I had to grow up extremely fast as I was not living with my parents anymore and I was not getting money from them. I became independent when I was 18 years old. While my friends back home were having fun during their summers and enjoying parties and family time, I was working, working, working to be able to support myself. Made a lot of mistakes and I still make them, but we have to learn the hard way. Language was never an issue for me as I learned how to speak English in school. I guess the biggest impact for me was the money. For having everything to nothing it really changes your life and the way you see things. Makes you realize how grateful you are for at least having a place to sleep. Told myself I never wanted to be in a position where I had to struggle, so with school knowledge plus my own research, I was able to prepare myself enough to get in very high positions and to be able to perform as expected and proud to say I just bought my first house!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hilton Phoenix/Mesa – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m the Executive Assistant to the General Manager at the Hilton Phoenix/Mesa. I support every department in the hotel and specially the General Manager. I’m his right hand pretty much. I’m in charge of the social media of the hotel too. My coworkers like to call me “Smarty pants” because they say I always have all the answers to their questions when it comes to the property. I love my company and I’m very proud of it as we make sure our guest are satisfied with their stay and always make sure they leave happy with a smile on their faces and as well as our team. We have the best team as they are always going above and beyond for our guests. When you work for a company that will support you, train you and sincerely care about you, makes everything so much easier.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least about our city?
What I like about my city is that we are making progress. We have so much to offer and people don’t get to see that as they get blinded by other big and popular cities, but I have a strong belief that we are on our way to become a great city to live in as plenty of big businesses are operating on this area of town. I don’t think there is something I don’t like about the city to be honest. I think we are making our way up and we should be proud about that.

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Imaged Credit:
Corporate Photography by Mark Skalny

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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