When U.S. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, he proclaimed, “we can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” More than 45 years later, those accomplishments have soared to include political greatness, and astounding achievements across every field.

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we celebrate and honor the diversity and cultures that have shaped the foundation of our global company. As part of our Early Careers university program, we contribute resources and the opportunity to pursue an IHG internship to students of HBCUs to help foster a successful career in hospitality.

This month, we’re recognizing some of our Black leaders at our hotels in the Americas in a two-part series. These are just some of the many Black colleagues who not only keep our hotels thriving but are also advancing progress in the industry, as well as inspiring and opening doors for others. We’re sharing their stories, advice, and the challenges they face.

Lekecia Harris, General Manager, Staybridge Suites Charleston – Ashley Phosphate

Six years ago, Lekecia Harris attended a sales convention in Charleston, South Carolina.

“There were 12 to 15 hundred people, but only two of us were Black. It was the first time in my life where I felt I didn’t belong, but at the same time, I knew I needed to be in the room.”

That unwavering knowledge is threaded throughout Harris’s career. Even though she may have felt like an outsider, not only did she deserve to be in those spaces, she had to be there to create more opportunities for others.

Today Harris is the General Manager of Staybridge Suites Charleston – Ashley Phosphate, and it’s a role she manifested for herself.

“I had just moved to Charleston and saw the hotel being built, and I said – out loud, ‘I am going to work there.’ And I did,” says Harris. “I started out as a Night Auditor. It was the only position they had open when I walked through the doors, and three months later, I was Front Office Manager, then Director of Sales, and now I’m the GM.”

Harris also credits her competitive streak with helping her succeed.

“I love winning when the odds are against you. This is a competitive industry, and I want nothing less than for the hotel I’m managing to be at the top. I’m proud of the praise and accolades our hotel receives.”

Her success and passion also motivate Harris to mentor others in the field, including two people who also became GMs.

“I’ve worked with some of the best people and thrive when I can uplift and encourage them to aim higher.”

Raeshawna Scott, General Manager, Kimpton Banneker Hotel

After completing her hospitality major and graduating from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the oldest historically black college in America, Raeshawna Scott began working in hotels almost immediately.

Her first leadership role was in 2002 as an Assistant Front Desk Manager. She worked her way up in the industry performing many duties including Director of Housekeeping and Assistant General Manager before becoming a full-time General Manager of Kimpton Banneker Hotel.*

“Working in hotels – no two days are the same, and I love that we get to show kindness and warmth to people from all walks of life,” says Scott.

But it’s important to recognize, she says, the many challenges of being a black woman in leadership – in any industry.

“I have found that you are questioned more as a black female leader,” says Scott. “You must be even more aware of what and how you communicate, so you don’t fall into the stereotype of being angry or aggressive versus assertive.”

The unique complexity is that those challenges run parallel to vast advantages and opportunities. Like her fellow hospitality leaders, Scott says the best thing about her career is molding the future of the industry.

“There is nothing more fulfilling to me than helping a room attendant grow into a leadership role or mentoring an operations manager into assistant GM or GM,” says Scott. “It’s all about seeing the potential in people and helping them achieve their goals.”

Kennaese “Kay” Butler, General Manager, Candlewood Suites Safety Harbor – Clearwater NE

“I took pride in my work and it didn’t go unnoticed,” says Kay Butler as she describes finding success in her decades-long career in hospitality.

Butler began working as a housekeeper in 1988 and was quickly promoted to Executive Housekeeper. “Each day was filled with laughter, relationship building and hard work,” she says. “It was my goal to show my team, that I too, would jump in and help wherever it was needed. This allowed me to gain trust with my staff.”

Butler is now the General Manager of Candlewood Suites Safety Harbor-Clearwater NE, where she brings that same level of dedication and caring with not just her colleagues, but others in the industry as well.

“I remember mentoring a young woman who was new to the industry. She was working at a hotel that needed some work and when she reached out to me for help, it filled me with great joy,” says Butler. “Together, we created an action plan, hired a new team, created a culture, and soon the hotel was seeing success.”

A natural leader, Butler wants other Black men and women to know how important it is to be their own champion.

“Moving up in my career wasn’t always easy. I was not taken seriously. I was a Black American with big dreams, but now I am a Black American with fulfilled dreams,” she emphasizes.

“Never give up on yourself and position yourself with people who will mentor, encourage, and cheer you to success. Black people have opportunity. Allow yourself to be heard, seen, remembered, and respected in this industry, or any industry of your choice, and you will grow.”

Ronnell Williams, General Manager, Holiday Inn Chateau Le Moyne

Ronnell Williams began working in hotels 20 years ago as part of housekeeping. Over the years, he advanced his career working roles as bell captain, front desk agent, director of the front office, and assistant GM.

“I remember when I became a general manager for the first time. I was so excited to lead a property,” says Williams.

He oversees the Holiday Inn French Quarter-Chateau LeMoyne (an IHG company-managed property owned by a Black-founded and Black-led company).

“My goals are to make guests happy, mentor my colleagues, and of course, make a profit for the hotel.”

Williams says he feels lucky to have worked with great mentors and brands in his career and wants to pay it forward.

“My advice to minority aspiring GMs is to have a strong network and learn from seasoned GMs. Never stop learning in general, and finally, it’s all about making an impact in your current role.”

*Kimpton Banneker is named after Benjamin Banneker, born to free Black couple in 1731, who became a noted almanac author, surveyor, and farmer.

Stay tuned for part two of our series…