Maria, this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Steward / Dishwasher Employee of the Year, is all about attention to detail and adapting to changes hour by hour in the sometimes chaotic climate of the kitchen. She is responsible for keeping a variety of kitchen equipment clean and china, glassware, and silverware in pristine condition.

Whether the kitchen is serving 600 families on Thanksgiving or handling a large business group, this steadfast steward always stays calm and manages every detail to keep everything clean and operations moving smoothly.

Maria communicates closely with the chefs to anticipate which tools and equipment they will need for banquets, special events, or regular service, and her understanding of the department’s workflow enables her to anticipate exactly what the servers will need so that everything is ready for them.

Additionally, colleagues know Maria will show up for work each day with a bright smile and a determination to use her exceptional communication skills to help everyone reduce stress and ensure operations run smoothly. This seasoned steward has a reputation for being one of the hardest working and most humble employees in the entire hotel family.

We celebrate Maria’s 18-year journey, marked by poise, grace, and efficiency, from a contract worker when she started to a respected colleague and now a recognized industry leader!