Eight Women That Make The Belize Collection a World-Class Leader in Hospitality
For 2023’s Women’s Day, The Belize Collection is putting the spotlight on eight women whose creativity, hard work, and talents go into making The Belize Collection’s resorts some of the most spectacular places to visit in Belize.
Julie Kee, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Belize Collection
Julie Kee has been The Belize Collection’s Director of Sales & Marketing for a little over a year. She enjoys the variation the work day brings. Julie’s role is a combination of strategizing at the main office and being present onsite to ensure effective execution. Her day can start with meeting with the Sales and Marketing departments to plan out campaigns and end at the resorts hosting visiting press and travel agents. One of the greatest highlights from her time at The Belize Collection so far was when they hosted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. She brings to her job a passion for not only marketing and sales, but for the hospitality and tourism industry. Julie hopes to someday become involved in a training school or a full tourism program, providing her skillset to new people coming into the field. Julie enjoys running, hiking, and traveling and recently got into skiing.
Accalia Boscardi, Director of Human Resources at The Belize Collection
Accalia Boscardi has been with The Belize Collection for five years. She appreciates the autonomy given to her by her bosses and the mixture of team members of really young people striving for excellence and other colleagues who bring years’ worth of experience. As the organization’s Director of Human Resources, she brings a strong working knowledge of all the departments and their needs. She’s currently halfway through an MBA at Manchester Metropolitan University and hopes to broaden her career horizons in business development and consulting. When she’s not studying, Accalia can be found doing macrame or planting.
Delmi Aguiar, Accounts Manager at The Belize Collection
As of May 2023, Delmi Aguiar will be working at The Belize Collection for 15 years. She enjoys the new challenges work brings her way, like when she learned how to drive a bus.
She has extensive knowledge of The Belize Collection’s various sectors. When Delmi first started out, she thought she’d be at The Belize Collection for a year or two, but remained on staff thanks to her love of the company’s dynamism. She loves to spend time with her kids.
Odarli Lima, Lead Accountant at The Belize Collection
Odarli Lima has been with The Belize Collection for 8 years after starting there as a summer job the year after her graduation. She appreciates the positive work environment where everyone gets along really well. She recalls working during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed her to recognize how the pandemic affected all aspects of her business. She wore multiple caps during this time and saw how the entirety of the business worked and how it strengthened the bond among employees. A trustworthy and resourceful team member, Odarli loves to come up with new projects. Now working towards her Certified Public Accountant license she hopes to contribute even more of her skills to TBC. She loves reading epic fantasies and is currently reading ‘The Way of Kings’ by Brandon Sanderson.
Crisna Jimenez, Front Desk Manager at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant
Crisna has been with The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant for almost three years. Even after all that time, she continues to enjoy meeting new guests and feels very assured in her guest relation skills. She once got lost at The Rainforest Lodge while in search of bridge number 5, and loves to interact with the staff, teaching them most of what she knows. An adventurer who loves hiking and kayaking, Crisna is a huge fan of the various on-site activities The Belize Collection’s resorts make available for their guests. She takes great pride in being a leader for her staff, and enjoys relaxing and listening to music to relax. Crisna possesses a saintly degree of patience, which she uses to assist her clients and colleagues with all their concerns.
Janini J. Vega, Head Chef/Food and Beverage Manager at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant
Janini J. Vega started only five months ago but in that time she’s already developed into an irreplaceable part of the food and beverage team at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant. She’s excited for the opportunities to grow in her skills with the company, and adores the regular exposure to wildlife her time at the resorts provides. She loves to learn more about the culinary possibilities available in Belize and shares her insights with other members of the staff. She finds great joy in helping in others’ development and sharing time with her kids in Orange Walk on her days off. Ever open to criticism, Janini takes heed of the possibility of constantly growing and evolving.
Julee Rash, Front Desk Receptionist at Umaya
Julee Rash has been working as the front desk receptionist at Umaya Resort for almost two years. A fast learner, she enjoys the work she gets to do and being able to constantly meet new people. Always striving to develop her skills, she isn’t afraid to seek advice from her colleagues and push herself to learn new things. She recalls meeting Ms. Charitina Tush who was a mentor to her when she first started, and shared with her the skills necessary to successfully manage the front desk. When not manning the reception desk, Julee enjoys catching up on her shows and sleep. She’s also a member of her church’s choir.
Tessie Duran Tonaco, General Manager at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef
Tessie Duran Tocano recently hit her 1-year work anniversary with The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. In that time, she’s grown to really appreciate the opportunity to share ideas with her colleagues and try new ways of doing things. She loves how the work at Jaguar Reef is never stagnant and always moving. She’s a people person very good at managing conflict resolution and resolving situations with clients. An industry pro with over 30 years experience, she moved to The Belize Collection in order to work with the best in the businesses and encounter new challenges. She loves traveling and visiting different parts of the country. In 2018, she summited Machu Picchuu. A lover of adventure, she always strives to find her own path and be a leader.
These 8 women are just some of the staff members that make The Belize Collection a place of excellence where collaboration, mutual support, and mentorship facilitate a culture of constant improvement. Say hello next time you see them at the resorts.
