In honor of International Women's Day, W Maldives and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa recognize the female employees who are instrumental in determining the direction of the hospitality sector. Inspiring accounts of some of the talented and devoted women who work at these two resorts in Marriot Bonvoy's portfolio of Maldives resorts have been shared.

"At Marriott International, we value diversity and equality, and we have a strong commitment to promoting women in leadership positions," said Rivero Delgado, Area Vice President - Singapore, Malaysia & Maldives. Women are having a big impact on our company and the hospitality sector as a whole, from managing teams to giving our guests experiences they won't soon forget. We are devoted to giving women the self-assurance to apply for any position they desire, and we encourage everyone to feel free to do the same, regardless of race, gender, religion, or ethnicity.

Wong Min Sin (Jess)- Pastry Chef at W Maldives

Jess is a highly talented individual who is dedicated to doing her absolute best. She personifies the W brand with her contagious smile and positive outlook. She began her career at a young age, and her time spent working in various hotels has sharpened her abilities and knowledge of the culinary arts. Her mother and aunt, who enjoy baking treats, serve as her inspirations. Jess claims that W Maldives gives her the freedom to be who she truly is and that she believes in treating everyone with equality. She counsels other female artists to be strong and independent. Executive pastry chef is one of Jess's desired careers, along with starting her own bakery or restaurant. Her enthusiasm and optimism serve as a reminder that anything is achievable with effort.

Fritzel Gantuangko- Human Resources Manager at W Maldives

As the only woman in the kitchen when she began her career, Fritzel overcame stereotypes to establish herself as a valuable team member as the Chef's secretary. She was given the chance to work in the Maldives because of her dedication to excellence and diligence, and she later moved into human resources. Fritzel has developed her career over the years, rising through the ranks to take on her current position as HR Manager at W Maldives. Fritzel has persevered and her passion for the hospitality industry has only grown, despite the difficulties that come with being a woman in the field. She is adamant about developing solid relationships, keeping a positive outlook, and being helpful to others. For young girls joining the industry, Fritzel has some inspiring words of advice: Believe in yourself, embrace challenges, build relationships, and pursue your passion with unwavering determination.

Ashinie Weerasinghe- Quality, Learning & Development Manager at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Ashinie's journey began when she enrolled at Flinders University in Australia to pursue a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance. She entered the hospitality industry as a side gig and began waitressing before realizing that it was her true calling. After earning an advanced diploma in hospitality from William Angliss in Australia, she was able to work as an intern at the Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa in Sri Lanka, where her passion for the field grew. Ashinie was given the opportunity to work as a front office associate during her internship. A week later, she was given the chance to work as a training coordinator, where she would be in charge of the training division rather than a manager. She had never anticipated such a big challenge, but she made the decision to seize the chance and give it her all. Ashinie succeeded by persevering and working hard, finding her way into training and human resources. At the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Ashinie works as the manager of quality, learning, and development. She supports women in embracing different viewpoints and pushing the envelope to accomplish their objectives. She holds that women should be reminded that they have earned and deserve their seat at the table and should not let their gender define them or prevent them from contributing. Ashinie points out that the hospitality sector is evolving and that there are numerous career opportunities. Everyone is urged by her to push themselves, keep working toward their ultimate objective, and avoid letting setbacks or obstacles define them. Her message is crystal clear: anything is possible with persistence, self-belief, and a willingness to learn and grow.

Ashiyath Shurufa- Guest Service Agent at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Ashiyath has always had a deep love for the hospitality sector. She was subject to societal criticism and gender stereotypes, but she never let them stop her from pursuing her goals. Her career path started with internships at Capital Travel and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, where she developed her abilities in customer service and guest satisfaction. As a guest service agent, Ashiyath helps all visitors by managing check-ins and checkouts, handling payments and billing, and promptly responding to phone calls and text messages from visitors to meet their precise needs. For Ashiyath, working in the hospitality industry is more than just a job; it's a thrilling experience where she encounters various difficulties and continuously learns new things. She is honored to work with powerful women in the field who inspire her to aim high. The advice Ashiyath gives to young girls is to never let prejudice or gender stereotypes stand in the way of their aspirations. They can accomplish anything they set their minds to in the hospitality industry if they have self-confidence and perseverance.