Marie De Villa did not always know where her career path would lead. During her senior years in high school, she often felt lost while her classmates were sure of what they wanted to become. The uncertainty weighed on her until she decided to take things one step at a time. That journey eventually led her to the culinary track, where she discovered her passion for food, service, and the celebratory spirit of hospitality. Looking back, she admits that sometimes, “you must get lost in order to find yourself.”
A Heart for People
For Marie, the most essential skill in tourism and hospitality goes beyond technical training—it’s having a heart for people. “Many people may think of technical skills, but these skills are useless if you don’t love what you are doing,” she says. The heart for service, she believes, transforms ordinary tasks into memorable experiences and lasting impact.
Staying competitive in such a fast-moving industry requires more than just knowledge of trends. For her, it’s about knowing the people you serve and understanding how to provide solutions that matter. “We are solution providers to our clients and guests,” she explains, adding that genuine care always shows through in the work.
Lessons in Leadership
One piece of advice has guided Marie throughout her career: “Eyes on the skies, feet on the ground.” She takes it to mean that success must never compromise humility. Even as she dreams bigger, she grounds herself in reality and keeps character at the center of her growth.
As a student leader in her department, Marie quickly realized that leadership in hospitality is both firm and soft. A leader, she believes, must know when to be compassionate and when to be decisive. This duality shaped her management style—balancing attention to detail with empathy for her team.
Leadership has not always been easy. In one event, she had to confront her friends who were also serving as coordinators. The tension tested both her resolve and her relationships, but she chose professionalism over convenience. “A friend or not, work is work,” she says. It was a lesson in standing firm for the sake of the project, even at personal cost.
Inspiration by Example
When it comes to inspiring teams, Marie believes words are not enough. “A team is not inspired merely because of your words of encouragement. A team is inspired because they can see the value of the job through you,” she explains. Her approach is to make projects exciting and enjoyable, knowing that enthusiasm is contagious.
She also learned that the best leaders are those who show up. “No matter how smart you are, if your members don’t feel that connection, you have failed as a leader,” she says. Being present, especially in difficult moments, is what builds trust and respect.
Facing the Pressures of Hospitality
Like many professionals in hospitality, Marie has faced misconceptions about her industry. She recalls moments when people mocked tourism and hospitality students for “just cleaning rooms or serving coffee.” Rather than be discouraged, she chose to prove them wrong through her dedication. “We are more than the changing of sheets, cleaning bathrooms, serving food and coffee. We are the trend, we are the lifeline!” she insists.
Her perseverance eventually paid off. She stepped out of her comfort zone, engaged with the academic and professional side of the field, and became an advocate for the value of hospitality as a serious profession.
The ITHP Advantage
Marie’s commitment led her to the Institute of Tourism & Hospitality Professionals (ITHP), where she earned her credential as a Certified Hospitality Professional. At first, she felt intimidated, unsure if the organization was too exclusive for her to approach. But she soon discovered a supportive community that welcomed her questions and encouraged her growth.
Preparing for the certification exam was tough, especially as a young professional, but passing it gave her confidence. More importantly, it connected her with experienced practitioners whose wisdom she now draws from. “Seeing seniors in the industry, understanding their POVs, and learning wisdom from their years of experience is so valuable,” she says.
Future-Proofing Through Growth
For Marie, future-proofing a career in hospitality means constant learning and embracing discomfort. She urges professionals to leave their comfort zones, try new things, and actively promote the beauty of the industry. “There is so much more waiting for us to be explored,” she says.
Her advice to those considering joining ITHP is simple: don’t be afraid to reach out. “Asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of eagerness to improve,” she says. In her eyes, growth is not about competition or accolades—it’s about showing up, persevering, and having the heart to serve.
