Meet our latest CFHLA Heart of Hospitality spotlight, Raquel Rios, a banquet server at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando, where it’s always five o’clock somewhere.

Originally from Boston, she began her professional life working in hospitals as a medical secretary. When things became difficult, as she was raising her children alone, she took a part-time job working with a catering company on the weekends.

After having such a positive experience working in hospitality, she wanted to continue in that career, but juggling the schedules of her children didn’t make that possible. However, once her daughter graduated and joined the Marine Corp, she and her son decided to make the move to Florida. Once her son graduated from high school, she decided to give the hospitality industry another go.

Raquel began as a banquet server at Margaritaville nearly four years ago and could not be happier.

She is devoted to her job and is always lending a hand to the other outlets. With a thirst for knowledge, she is not afraid to ask questions to improve herself. Always helpful with her co-workers, she has become a great asset to the banquet team, especially with room details, server standards and service training. Raquel is relied upon by the property to train new hires.

All team members look to her with questions about the property and the history of past events. She does not hesitate to speak with the clients and addresses their needs directly. In fact, they often seek her out for guidance in layout changes, additional equipment and for general advice on the event.

In addition to her willingness to always help at the resort, she has also participated in the 5k Pink on Parade walk for Breast Cancer at AdventHealth Celebration. She has also volunteered to be part of the on-property crew during the past few hurricanes.