Amaris Brinks

El Paso native Amaris Brinks moved to San Antonio in 2019 to be closer to family. After graduating from high school, she began working for a chain restaurant as a hostess. The company quickly recognized her passion for people and providing outstanding customer service and offered her the opportunity to travel to different states and locations to train its newest team members and prepare them for grand openings. Eventually, she moved up within the company to the corporate office, overseeing four separate locations.

“As much as I loved this role, it was time for me to move on, which is where my journey with Hotel Havana began,” Brinks explained. “While I’m still relatively new to the hotel industry, by sharing my energy and passion with our guests, I was able to work my way up to the position of Rooms Director. In this role, I oversee the front desk agents and housekeeping departments and ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Each day at Havana, I strive to go above and beyond by inspecting rooms, minibars, and resolving issues if any arise to ensure complete guest satisfaction.”

Brinks noted that she believes it is so important to have women well represented in the hospitality industry, particularly in leadership roles. “Having women in leadership positions brings a diverse set of skills, unique perspectives, and innovative ideas that contribute to improved decision-making for the hospitality industry,” she said. “Female leaders can inspire and encourage other women to pursue their goals, leading to greater gender equality in the workplace.”

Brinks shared the reasons she loves working in the hospitality industry. “For one, I thrive on the everyday interaction with people – I love meeting all kinds of guests and hearing their stories, she said. “My most important reason, however, is the happiness and comfort we bring to our guests. Knowing that we provide exceptional service, making our hotel a home away from home, is such a warm reward. Last, I love the numerous opportunities for growth in this industry, and the hands-on experience that I have gained at Hotel Havana is priceless.”

Her advice for young women considering a career in hospitality? “Always remain confident in yourself,” she said. “Develop your skills by utilizing available resources, take every opportunity that will help you grow, and go that extra mile. The hospitality industry is always changing, so just be adaptable like a chameleon, by adjusting to any circumstances that arise.”