Hilton’s 2024 CEO Light & Warmth Awards Celebrate Team Member Achievements and Exceptional Stories of Hospitality

Sixteen team members and one hotel team from around the world receive the hospitality leader’s highest form of team member recognition for their commitment to hospitality and dedication to Hilton’s values.

McLEAN, Va. – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced today the recipients of its 2024 CEO Light & Warmth Award, recognizing 16 individuals and one team within Hilton’s portfolio of brands. The CEO Light & Warmth Award is the company’s highest honor celebrating Hilton team members around the world who exemplify Hilton’s values and honor Hilton’s purpose to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.

Team members who received this prestigious award were hand-selected from nearly 700 nominations by a committee of fellow colleagues and Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. From stories of exceptional hospitality, inclusive teamwork, innovation and community stewardship, these team members bring Hilton’s values to life.

Each year, it is an incredible honor to select our CEO Light & Warmth Award winners from hundreds of applications. These team members exemplify the pinnacle of Hilton hospitality, showcasing exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to our values, and significant contributions to our business,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. “Today, we celebrate these extraordinary individuals who embody the passion, dedication, and purpose that fuel our Hilton family each day.Christopher J. Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton

Americas CEO Light & Warmth Award Winners

Stacie Bladen, Director of Rooms, Hilton McLean Tysons Corner

During Hilton's Travel with Purpose Week, Stacie and her partner transformed their postponed wedding plans into a meaningful community service initiative, partnering with Beloved Asheville to assist those in need following Hurricane Helene. Stacie used her vacation days and personal vehicle to ferry supplies up and down impacted roads, delivering food, water and other necessities to Asheville residents unable to access supplies due to their isolation or disabilities.

Toni Colson, Senior Director, Owner Engagement, Hilton

Toni’s passion for service can be seen in every interaction, whether with guests, team members or with Hilton’s community of owners. She balances the expectations of various stakeholders while supporting the memorable and important work of her team. Although in a corporate role, Toni demonstrates Hilton hospitality to all and her love for community is evident through her passion for service, frequently engaging her team to support their communities through projects like preparing meals at food banks and building bikes for children.

Neil Castañeda, Manager, Hilton Lima Miraflores

Neil has always been an incredibly open leader with his team members in his area and in other areas. He is always ready to actively listen and support everyone who needs it. In the hotel's internal HR activities, he organizes the schedules so that his team can attend and enjoy the event, while he covers the shift for them. Neil exemplifies our Hilton values exceptionally well. His commitment to service, professionalism, and humanity is evident in his outstanding work. 

Kaitlyn Condon, Group Sales Manager, Hilton Boston Park Plaza

As a group sales manager, Kaitlyn constantly exceeds her sales expectations for the hotel while fostering a positive, inclusive work environment that inspires her team and creates great experiences for her guests. In addition to being a collaborative leader at the hotel, she is also passionate about giving back, having dedicated over a decade to feeding the homeless and supporting various food donation programs in her community.

Michelle Keck, General Manager, Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington-Brandywine Valley

With Michelle’s inclusive leadership style and dedication to mentorship, Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington-Brandywine Valley has earned multiple accolades and continues to lead in guest satisfaction. Beyond her professional achievements and passion for mentoring, she actively gives back to the community, leading initiatives to support domestic violence survivors, fundraising for awareness campaigns and advocating for increased state funding to assist those in need.

Vincenzo (Vinnie) Miliano, Bar Manager, Conrad Los Angeles

Through a combination of creativity, hospitality and thoughtfulness, Vinnie consistently goes above and beyond to surprise and delight guests while investing in the professional development of his team. Beyond his dedication to guest service, his passion for sustainability brings innovative solutions to Conrad Los Angeles, like donating all used wine corks to ReCork, which converts those into products such as shoes.

Daryana Murillo, Assistant General Manager, Hampton Inn Louisville-Northeast

Daryana is a leader who goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and respectful environment for her team. When faced with challenging situations, her patience and professionalism make the stay for her guests, earning their heartfelt gratitude. A recent naturalized citizen of the U.S., she leads her diverse team with warmth and inclusivity and works to organize team bonding and development opportunities. Daryana is dedicated to both her work and her community, which she supports frequently through volunteering, acting as a language interpreter for people in crisis.

Asia Pacific CEO Light & Warmth Award Winners

Hong Ma, Room Attendant,

As chief concierge, Ahmed works to make every guest feel at home. From special visits to sick guests and weekly wellness emails to his team, Ahmed receives positive praise from everyone he encounters, with many guests crediting him as the reason they will return to Ramses Hilton. In addition to his work, Ahmed works with charity houses, orphanages and elders' homes to arrange for monthly visits from the hotel team.

Denise Beadle, Food & Beverage Supervisor, DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon

Denise has been a pillar of support and continuity in our hotel for over 25 years. She never fails to remember a face or a name, welcoming back returners with warmth and genuine interest in their recent exploits. Her passion to deliver first class service with a bright smile is infectious and this never falters, even with the 4 a.m. wake up call for early breakfast…Denise embodies the ethos of Hilton. Her warmth radiates all around the hotel, felt by both the guests and the team.

Sherif Darwish, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba

Sherif’s leadership at DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba has had a profound impact on his guests, team members and the Aqaba community. In addition to demonstrating exceptional hospitality to guests when it was needed most, he has supported the hotel’s performance, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Sherif is known for his commitment to sustainability and to his community, supporting local heroes, hospitals and schools for individuals with disabilities.

Lesley Harkins, Senior Reservation Specialist, Owners Desk, Hilton Reservations & Customer Care, Hilton

Lesley exemplifies hospitality, integrity and dedication to her work, providing exceptional service to Hilton’s community of owners and VIP guests. Known for her kindness, grace and smile, her team can count on her to bring a positive attitude to the office and Hilton’s community of owners can rely on her for friendly and reliable hospitality.

Yelzhan Kabiden, Junior Pastry Sous Chef, Hilton Astana

Yelzhan’s leadership and compassion extends beyond the walls of the hotel, from organizing pastry master classes for children to creating specialized pastries for a Women’s Day celebration, he turns the ordinary into something meaningful. Yelzhan spreads the light and warmth of hospitality beyond the kitchen through charitable initiatives, including organizing marathons to support children with Down syndrome, helping domestic violence victims, and volunteer work with the elderly.

Roman Uhlir, Restaurants & Bar Manager, Hilton Prague

In addition to his expertise in gastronomy, Roman has worked to make every guest experience positive and unique at the Cloud 9 bar for more than 15 years. Roman not only brings happiness to everyone he encounters, but he also serves as a mentor for others in the hotel and in his community, creating a bartending school that has trained over 3,500 students. As part of his community outreach initiatives, Roman extends training opportunities to groups with disabilities.

A Business of People Serving People

Since 2011, more than $1.65M has been awarded to more than 150 Hilton CEO Light & Warmth recipients. As a business of people serving people, Hilton works to provide team members with the necessary tools and information to bring hospitality to life and grow their careers, enabling them to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive its business.

Hilton team members are why Hilton is a force for good in the world, why guests stay with the hospitality leader again and again, and why they have been recognized as the top hospitality workplace and the No. 1 Best Place to Work in the U.S. by Great Place to Work and Fortune.

For more information about joining the Hilton team visit jobs.hilton.com.