Why is it that so often we don’t tell stories anymore?

Brazil * Germany * Switzerland * U.S.A. * 3 Colleges * Hotels * 5 Languages * 8 Pets * A Story

Once, Denise’s father asked her to remember to personally thank the hostess of a party she was about to attend. The hostess was her friend’s mother and Denise said “Ieda, thank you very much for lunch. It was delicious!” It is certainly expected of guests to thank the host of a party, but at that time Denise was 5 years old. Needless to say, her friend’s mother was impressed and delighted by the kind gesture of that young lady. Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Denise attended a bilingual private school (Portuguese and German), and was exposed to a constant cultural exchange since Kindergarten up to her Senior High School year.

At a young age she discovered there was something about serving people that amazed her, and that led her to become class president most of her school years, sports festival coordinator and to play leading roles in high school plays. Being passionate about public speaking, advocating for those in need, meeting new people, attending and hosting social events, a young teenager then, Denise considered careers in law, journalism, psychology, public relations, business administration and even acting!

She had more passions she did not want to let go of: travelling, food and the rather fascinating vision of always living an excellent life. And when one day her family was invited to eat at one of Rio’s fanciest restaurants on the top floor of a luxury hotel on Copacabana Beach, Denise knew it then: She became so involved with what was happening behind the scenes, and wanted to know how such a lavish meal with such classic service was made possible in such a perfect way. She wanted to be part of that world, because in her eyes, it was combing all of the elements she believed were central for a great life.

Denise went on to study International Hospitality and Tourism Management at one of the world’s most prestigious hotel schools, The Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland. Already fluent in 4 languages, she had travelled many times to Europe, around South America and the U.S.A. Her time well spent in Switzerland earned her a 2nd degree honors Bachelor of Science diploma, graduating in the top 5% of her class, an award for “Best Attitude” in 1999, a lifetime membership with Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Honor Society, leadership positions in 5 different committees, 2 internships in the U.S. with Global Hyatt Corporation and Marriott International, and additional fluency in Spanish, but most of all it gave her lifelong friendships and cultural experiences she had never lived before.

Another Academic round
Denise decided to pursue another B.A., this time in International Business, at Rollins College, in Winter Park, Florida. This major provided her with more tools in international business and its cultural and communication differences and, once again, lifelong friendships and even an internship with one of Central Florida’s best known Immigration Law firms. She worked as an Accounting Tutor and participated in college life as the President of the International Business Club and a choreographer for Rollins Dancers. It was then time for Denise to rejoin Marriott International as a Front Office Supervisor for the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and Convention Center.

And passions evolve too…
She dedicated her time at the Marriott to enrich the front office staff, ensuring they felt cared for and treated fairly. She loved serving guests, but her passion was to ensure the satisfaction of her staff.
Her enthusiasm for living an excellent life was translated into living in a civil, kind way, showing respect and consideration for others, while understanding the collective need, and hoping that others will follow her lead.
Denise understood the passion for food she’s always had was the reason why she now masters fine dining skills, wine and food pairing and the fine institution of having afternoon tea.

Last but not least, after she showed her manager at Marriott a draft for her departmental “How to make a good impression at the Front Desk” training proposal, she once again knew it. It was time for another chapter in her life.

Business and Academia meet
While pursuing her Master’s degree, Denise became certified as a consultant in Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol by the Protocol School of Washington. Denise opted to pursue her Master’s degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. The program offers her the opportunity to deeply analyze the hospitality industry she so much loves, and gives her the chance to enter the industry as an etiquette expert, tackling many Human Resources issues, like Internal Marketing issues, and Guest Service Management Issues. Of course, it comes with the wonderful added benefit of, once again, lifelong friendships.

Being able to combine her passions and ambitions has long been one of her top goals in life.
She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, their daughters and their 8 pets.