March marks Women’s History Month, a time to honor the achievements and contributions of women across industries. For Women’s History Month, we turn the spotlight to the women leading Santa Clara’s hotels—professionals whose vision, resilience, and leadership define the city’s hospitality landscape. Their work goes beyond managing rooms and reservations; they are the architects of memorable guest experiences, the decision-makers guiding the region’s tourism growth, and the mentors paving the way for the next generation.
We will hear directly from multiple women shaping Santa Clara’s hospitality scene. They share their career journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and the philosophies that guide them. From hotel general managers to sales and marketing executives, these women are defining what it means to lead in an ever-evolving industry. Their stories are not just about hospitality. They are about perseverance, innovation, and the belief that great leadership is measured not by titles, but by impact.
Paths to Leadership
If you ask any woman in a leadership role in Santa Clara’s hotel industry, each will have a unique story about how they got started. Yet, a common thread weaves their journeys together—years of dedication, an unwavering passion for hospitality, and a deep commitment to their teams, clients, and communities.
Nany Fullmore, General Manager of the Santa Clara Marriott, has dedicated 33 years to Marriott, building a career rooted in growth, leadership, and a passion for hospitality. Her journey began as an hourly employee, where she worked across multiple roles and quickly discovered her love for an industry that thrives on diversity and opportunity.
“Over the years, I have held multiple leadership roles in finance and operations, and today, I am honored to serve as the General Manager of the beautiful Santa Clara Marriott,” Said Fullmore. “My career has been driven by a deep commitment to hospitality, and I am inspired every day by the ability to create exceptional experiences for guests while fostering an environment where associates can build fulfilling careers.
Becoming the General Manager of the Santa Clara Marriott is not only a major career milestone for Fullmore—it’s a deeply personal achievement tied to her family’s legacy.
“It’s especially meaningful because, 30 years ago, my dad was an operations leader at this very same property. Following in his footsteps and leading the hotel he once helped shape is an incredible honor. This role is more than just a career milestone—it’s a tribute to my dad’s legacy,” Fullmore shares.
Nany Fullmore, General Manager at Santa Clara Marriott
Ces Viray, Complex Director of Business Travel Sales at Hilton Santa Clara
Take Ces Viray, Complex Director of Business Travel Sales at Hilton Santa Clara. Her love for hospitality started in her mother’s pizza shop in the Philippines, where she first learned the power of great service. That early experience led her to study Tourism and Hospitality in college and eventually carve out a successful career in the hotel industry.
“I still remember my days off when I’d smile at random people, unconsciously thinking they were hotel guests—that’s when it hit me. I genuinely loved what I was doing, and nearly 20 years later, I’m still in the hotel industry,” Viray shares.
Her career has taken her from Manila to Seattle and now Santa Clara, each step refining her expertise in hospitality. With a strong background in operations, transitioning into a Sales Leadership role felt like a natural next step.
“Hilton Santa Clara gave me a chance to experience and thrive in this role. I love working with a team, chasing a common goal, and celebrating shared successes along the way,” Says Viray.
Viray’s journey exemplifies how passion and a commitment to teamwork create opportunities for leadership in the ever-evolving hospitality industry.
Lessons in Leadership
Each of these women has forged their own unique path, and leadership in hospitality is as much about mindset as it is about experience. The ability to lead a team, foster collaboration, and create a welcoming environment is a skill honed over time.
For Tina Walters, Director of Sales at Hyatt Centric Santa Clara, one lesson has remained central throughout her career.
“Stay humble, guide, don’t judge, put yourself in their shoes—we’ve all been there,” says Walters.
Walters’ philosophy reflects an essential truth in hospitality leadership: great leaders don’t just manage—they uplift, mentor, and inspire their teams.
Yuriko Kawaguchi, Director of Sales and Marketing at Delta Hotels Santa Clara
Yuriko Kawaguchi, Director of Sales and Marketing at Delta Hotels Santa Clara, believes that empathy is at the core of effective leadership.
“One leadership lesson that has significantly shaped the way I manage my team, and property is the power of leading with empathy,” says Kawaguchi.
Early in her career, she learned that the most successful teams are built on trust and a shared commitment to excellence.
“Hospitality is a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry, and as a leader, it’s my responsibility to ensure my team feels supported. I make it a priority to listen, understand challenges from different perspectives, and foster an environment where every team member knows their contributions matter,” Kawaguchi, explains.
Ultimately, leadership is about more than just strategy—it’s about inspiring confidence, providing guidance, and creating opportunities for growth.
Overcoming Challenges
While leadership comes with its rewards, it also comes with challenges.
For Michelle Hernandez, Director of Sales and Marketing at Embassy Suites Santa Clara, one of the biggest obstacles she has faced is overcoming imposter syndrome in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
“In sales, and especially in leadership, there’s always that pressure to earn your seat at the table,” Hernandez shares. “Early in my career, I felt the need to prove myself more than my counterparts, but I quickly learned that confidence and results speak louder than anything else.”
Hernandez has tackled these challenges by building strong relationships, staying adaptable, and maintaining a mindset of continuous learning.
“I approach problems with data-driven insights and solutions, which has helped strengthen my credibility and trust with both my team and ownership. Most importantly, I’ve embraced the belief that leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about leading authentically,” Hernandez says.
Michelle Hernandez, Director of Sales and Marketing
at Embassy Suites Santa Clara
For Nany Fullmore, her challenge was balancing the demands of a hospitality career with raising a family.
“Balancing a demanding career in the hospitality industry while building a family was one of the biggest challenges I faced.” Said Fullmore. “Hotel work requires long hours and dedication, and at times, I questioned whether I could successfully manage both. Fortunately, I was surrounded by supportive mentors—both male and female—who guided and encouraged me throughout my journey. Their support helped me navigate the challenges, and today, I am proud to be a mother to strong, beautiful daughters who believe in women’s ability to thrive in both career and family life.”
Her experience highlights the importance of mentorship, resilience, and a strong support system in overcoming challenges and achieving success in the hospitality industry.
Melissa Belluomini– Director of Sales, Marketing,
& Events at Hyatt Regency
Women Supporting Women
in Leadership
Leadership isn’t just about individual success—it’s about lifting others along the way. Many women in Santa Clara’s hospitality industry actively mentor, support, and collaborate with one another to create a strong network of leaders.
Melissa Belluomini, Director of Sales, Marketing & Events at Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, has made mentorship a key part of her leadership journey.
“I have always taken on a mentor role. I feel fortunate that I had mentors in my career who always supported and believed in me,” Belluomini shares.
For Ces Viray mentorship, collaboration and mentorship have been a key part of her journey.
“I’ve been lucky to build amazing friendships in this industry, and supporting other women in leadership is something I truly care about,” says Viray. “I’ve had great mentors, like my former boss Michele Knipe, who believed in me, and I do my best to pay that forward—whether it’s sharing advice, making connections, or just being there when someone needs support.
For Tina Walters, networking and relationships play a crucial role in leadership.
“I have a strong relationship with my clients—and this is where I find support. I’ve always said, ‘my customers have become my friends and many times, my friends have become my customers.’ Networking is powerful,” Walters explains.
Beyond driving business success, strong professional relationships foster trust, collaboration, and long-term growth. In hospitality, where connections are at the heart of every interaction, Walters’ approach underscores the value of building genuine relationships that extend beyond transactions. These connections not only help develop client loyalty but also create a support system for professional development, new opportunities, and mentorship.
All these experiences highlight the many ways women in hospitality uplift one another—through mentorship, collaboration, and the power of strong professional relationships. Whether it’s guiding someone early in their career, offering advice, or simply being a source of encouragement, these connections help build a more inclusive and supportive industry.
Tina Walters, Director of Sales Hyatt Regency
Advice for Future Women Leaders in Hospitality
As more women step into leadership roles in hospitality, they are paving the way for the next generation of leaders. What advice do these accomplished professionals have for young women aspiring to enter hospitality.
Melissa Belluomini, Director of Sales, Marketing & Events at Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, encourages taking bold steps in career growth:
“Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself, believe in your abilities, and take the leap.”
Yuriko Kawaguchi, Director of Sales and Marketing at Delta Hotels Santa Clara, highlights the importance of confidence, adaptability, and continuous learning:
“To young women aspiring to build a career in hospitality—especially in sales and management—my advice is simple: be confident, stay curious, and never stop learning. Hospitality is a dynamic industry that thrives on relationships, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Build strong networks, seek mentors, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Your voice and perspective are valuable, and leadership in hospitality benefits from diverse ideas and approaches.”
For Nany Fullmore, General Manager of the Santa Clara Marriott, growth comes from embracing challenges and seeking mentorship:
“Hospitality is a wonderful and rewarding industry that offers endless opportunities for growth and leadership. My advice to young women aspiring to enter hospitality—especially in sales and management—is to believe in themselves, embrace vulnerability by taking risks, and show up as their whole, authentic selves. Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, and confidence is built through experience. I also encourage seeking out mentors you admire and respect—having strong guidance and support can make all the difference.”
These leaders emphasize that success in hospitality is not just about gaining experience, it’s about actively seeking opportunities for growth, fostering connections, and staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry.
Recognizing Women Leaders in Santa Clara’s Hospitality Industry
At Discover Santa Clara, we are proud to work alongside the incredible women who shape our city’s hospitality industry. These leaders are not only making an impact within their own hotels but are also elevating Santa Clara as a top-tier destination for travelers, business professionals, and event organizers.
Through collaboration, mentorship, and a shared commitment to excellence, these women continue to redefine what leadership looks like in hospitality. We want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate some of our outstanding in-market partners.
Your leadership, dedication, and contributions make a difference every day, and we are grateful for all that you do.
Honoring These Inspiring Santa Clara Leaders:
- Amy Sands – Director of Sales at Avatar Hotel Santa Clara
- Briana Johnsgard– Director of Sales at Hyatt House Santa Clara
- Bridgette Burns– General Manager TownePlace Suites Santa Clara
- Ces Viray– Complex Director of Business Travel Sales Hilton Santa Clara
- Debby Wilson – Director of Sales TownePlace Suites Santa Clara
- Erin Henry– General Manager Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
- Melissa Belluomini– Director of Sales, Marketing, & Events at Hyatt Regency
- Michelle Hernandez– Director of Sales and Marketing, Embassy Suites Santa Clara
- Miriam Arreola– General Manager at Avatar Hotel Santa Clara
- Nany Fullmore – General Manager at Santa Clara
- Tina Walters – Director of Sales and Marketing Hyatt Centric Santa Clara
- Yuriko Kawaguchi– Director of Sales and Marketing Delta Hotels Santa Clara
Thank you for your contributions to Santa Clara’s hospitality industry!
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