Meet 9 Ladies Making Things Happen at The Belize Collection
The Belize Collection recognizes the importance of women in society, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day of the year. After all, they make up a fair share of the 320 employees throughout the various properties. In fact, the management and directorial positions are female dominant. Not to put too fine a point to it all, but…these women are getting it done! All while being incredible mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, and colleagues.
Inspired by the sheer strength of the Belizean women who make up the labor force throughout Sleeping Giant, Jaguar Reef, and Umaya, we decided to chat up a few and get some insight into the roles they play at work, at home and in society. A few were shy at first, but once they found their voice and spoke of their passions, it became easy to see how they fit into the roles they’ve undertaken, and how truly valuable their contributions are. The women we are about to introduce to you are problem-solvers, hand-holders, footballers(!) – just incredibly strong forces of nature who make it their mission to make your stay as seamless and enjoyable as possible. The Belize Collection is so very proud to highlight 9 of the many incredible Belizean ladies making things happen day in and day out.
The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant
Doris Tello, Guest Services Manager
After being introduced to the tourism industry five years ago, Doris discovered a passion for the variety of work it entails. In the five years since she’s been at Sleeping Giant, Doris has made strides in her professional development. She began as a front desk agent, and quickly became front desk manager, which has led her to her current position of guest services manager.
Doris Tello, Guest Services Manager
After being introduced to the tourism industry five years ago, Doris discovered a passion for the variety of work it entails. In the five years since she’s been at Sleeping Giant, Doris has made strides in her professional development. She began as a front desk agent, and quickly became front desk manager, which has led her to her current position of guest services manager.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Problem-solving. While the main goal is to not have issues, if anything arises, things that may be beyond our control, I want to ensure that we resolve it quickly. I like working with my team, engaging with them – we get along well, and I feel we can talk candidly.
This year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” What do you think would be a good way to invest in our Belizean women?
We appreciate feedback and guidance in the workplace. Personally, I’ve been given challenges and I’ve been encouraged to keep aiming higher at work. I was provided the resources and training, as well as evaluation that I feel has gotten me to level up. By continuing to encourage our women, they can get to where they want to. I am a firm believer that if you put yourself to do something, there’s nothing that can keep you back; as long as you set your mind to it, you can do it. Always strive for the best [of you].
Siomara Mayen, Housekeeping Supervisor
Thirteen years ago, Siomara took on the role of housekeeper at Sleeping Giant. A self-described strong, determined, goal-oriented woman, she took the opportunity to assist the then-housekeeping supervisor, learning the trade and the nuances of the job. And when the position became available, took on the role of main supervisor. Siomara credits the team she leads for making work a joy to come to.
Siomara Mayen, Housekeeping Supervisor
Thirteen years ago, Siomara took on the role of housekeeper at Sleeping Giant. A self-described strong, determined, goal-oriented woman, she took the opportunity to assist the then-housekeeping supervisor, learning the trade and the nuances of the job. And when the position became available, took on the role of main supervisor. Siomara credits the team she leads for making work a joy to come to.
This year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” What do you think would be a good way to invest in our Belizean women?
I think an institution that could help women seeking safety and freedom from domestic violence would be a great investment. I’m not sure such an entity exists, and if it does, then there needs to be more promotion so women can access their services.
Additionally, I encourage other women to tap into their inner strength. Whatever you choose to do in life, do it with conviction and determination.
Leibi Lopez, Restaurant Supervisor at the Grove House
An enthusiastic and energetic woman, Leibi truly enjoys her role. “This is a great place to grow your career,” she says. Having done a 7-year stint at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, she eventually made her way to The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, where she’s also spent 7 years. Besides the incredible location and proximity to home, Leibi enjoys the staff/team environment and meeting new guests every few days. “You’re never bored!”
Leibi Lopez, Restaurant Supervisor at the Grove House
An enthusiastic and energetic woman, Leibi truly enjoys her role. “This is a great place to grow your career,” she says. Having done a 7-year stint at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, she eventually made her way to The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, where she’s also spent 7 years. Besides the incredible location and proximity to home, Leibi enjoys the staff/team environment and meeting new guests every few days. “You’re never bored!”
This year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” What do you think would be a good way to invest in our Belizean women?
I believe we should give our women equal job opportunities. As a mother of four children, 3 girls and 1 boy, I value education and family. I believe that there should be more educational programs. There should also be some kind of financial help – it does not have to be free – but I feel that education should be affordable for women who want to better themselves. It’s never too late, and they should not give up on themselves.
The Lodge at Jaguar Reef
Seidy Valdez, Head Accountant
Originally from Santa Elena, Cayo, Seidy made the move to laid-back Hopkins where she grew from the ranks of Front Desk Clerk to Accounts Receivable Clerk and now is Head Accountant. After 9 years at Jaguar Reef, Seidy loves knowing that there are so many growth opportunities, and that employees are encouraged to take risks and try new roles. The mother of two enjoys traveling, camping, and spending time with her family.
Seidy Valdez, Head Accountant
Originally from Santa Elena, Cayo, Seidy made the move to laid-back Hopkins where she grew from the ranks of Front Desk Clerk to Accounts Receivable Clerk and now is Head Accountant. After 9 years at Jaguar Reef, Seidy loves knowing that there are so many growth opportunities, and that employees are encouraged to take risks and try new roles. The mother of two enjoys traveling, camping, and spending time with her family.
Which women inspire you the most?
Besides my mom, of course, there is another woman who inspires me greatly. She is our General Manager, Teresita Tonaco. I admire when she talks about things I thought was traditionally male work, especially the maintenance work and processes! She is a great leader.
This year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” What do you think would be a good way to invest in our Belizean women?
I’ve noticed that there are many courses/trainings being offered. It’s not all just for women, but it is a start to show people that they can better themselves and learn new things. Some courses are free, or low-cost, and I think that is a good start.
Do you have any words of advice?
When I was 16, and fresh out of high school, I took a part-time job at a resort in Cayo. From housekeeping, I eventually moved to front desk while I furthered my education. Then I got the offer to come work at Jaguar Reef, and I was scared. I kept second-guessing myself, wondering if I would fail after making such a big move. But I eventually took the risk and came to Hopkins and now I’m the Head Accountant and have been here 9 years. So, my advice is to never be scared of taking on a challenge. Never be afraid of growing – there is no limit to growth.
Sandra ‘Patty’ Samayoa, Line Cook
Self-described as a strong, independent, hard-working woman, Sandra is quick to remind us that she’s not a chef. Now a line cook, after doing some time in the prep cook section, Sandra loves the challenge and heat of the kitchen.
Sandra ‘Patty’ Samayoa, Line Cook
Self-described as a strong, independent, hard-working woman, Sandra is quick to remind us that she’s not a chef. Now a line cook, after doing some time in the prep cook section, Sandra loves the challenge and heat of the kitchen.
What is your favorite part of the job?
When it gets busy. You don’t have time to think – you just GO. I love the pressure. I also love doing events, when we get to go out on location and interact with the guests, that’s really fun too.
This year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” What do you think would be a good way to invest in our Belizean women?
I’m a footballer, and I think it would be great to focus on women’s football. Football is mostly promoted for men, and like for us women, when we play games, we have to get our jerseys, equipment, and if we are playing in a stadium, we have to pay for it. So, I think that if we could invest in women’s football, we could have some great progress.
In fact, for the generation growing up, I think that if they have more sports and they’re active, they will benefit a lot. There’s not as much time for social media – you see 5, 6-year-olds always on tablets. I think if there were more sporting activities for them, they would be better off.
This International Women’s Day, Sandra’s advice is to “be better, every day. Do good. Stay humble.”
Diana Bonnel, Housekeeping Manager
Diana has been at Jaguar Reef for almost 10 years. A proud mother of 3, Diana unabashedly loves naps if she’s not spending time with her children. This discovery only endears her to us more!
Diana Bonnel, Housekeeping Manager
Diana has been at Jaguar Reef for almost 10 years. A proud mother of 3, Diana unabashedly loves naps if she’s not spending time with her children. This discovery only endears her to us more!
What is your favorite part of the job?
Honestly, I love the teamwork. I also love that you get to know so many people. Also, you never know what the job will entail…let me tell you, when you get that call that there’s iguanas in the plunge pools?! That’s always an exciting day.
This year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” What do you think would be a good way to invest in our Belizean women?
I think investing more in the tourism industry, creating more jobs would make a difference. But also, we women should have our mindset to investing in ourselves. Maybe it is owning our own businesses, which can have its ups and downs, but if you don’t try, how will you know? Taking the initiative, making the efforts and sacrifice for oneself as a form of self-investment is a way to grow and progress.
Umaya Resort & Adventures
Fedencia Shal, Line Cook
Fedencia has been at Umaya since its inception and has truly found her calling in the kitchen. Her voice singsongs as she describes the joy of prepping, cooking, and watching the dishes being prepared. She also loves big events, especially when guests are thrilled with their meals. Fedencia’s joy of cooking is so unmistakable that she was soon moved from breakfast and lunch shifts to the dinner line.
Fedencia Shal, Line Cook
Fedencia has been at Umaya since its inception and has truly found her calling in the kitchen. Her voice singsongs as she describes the joy of prepping, cooking, and watching the dishes being prepared. She also loves big events, especially when guests are thrilled with their meals. Fedencia’s joy of cooking is so unmistakable that she was soon moved from breakfast and lunch shifts to the dinner line.
Which women inspire you the most?
My mom. She is a very smart lady. When we were kids, she loved us as a mom. As we grew older, she became more involved in the community and joined a women’s group. She began to encourage and train us to educate ourselves more. Thanks to my mom, I can do all kinds of things, like embroidery, sewing, arts & craft, and cooking!
This year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” What do you think would be a good way to invest in our Belizean women?
With our Women’s Groups, the focus is to help each other in the community. Supporting the Women’s Groups who in turn can help its members to advance would be a great investment. Some people want to be able to sell pastries or make food to sell. They want to help themselves too, and the group leader would ask for help to provide a stove, or materials, and that way you can advance.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share?
I tell my daughter, “Be prepared for your future. Do what you love”. I might want her to go to school and do office work, but she wants to do what I do. She sees what I do, and she loves it too. Now I encourage her to learn and do it well.
And to single mothers, I say never give up. As my mother used to tell me, “You never look back. You only look forward.” Focus on the future, and the future of your children. You can do it.
Amarilis Casanga, Housekeeping Manager
An introvert and travel aficionado, Amarilis enjoys spending her off time with her family, often hosting a barbecue, or heading out to the river or the beach.
Amarilis Casanga, Housekeeping Manager
An introvert and travel aficionado, Amarilis enjoys spending her off time with her family, often hosting a barbecue, or heading out to the river or the beach.
Any important women in your life?
My best friend is my mom. Sometimes my sister gets jealous – she shouldn’t though, because she is a great listener and gives me good advice!
What is your favorite part of the job?
I do enjoy spending time catching up with the staff and I feel like we have good communication. I also like when I can provide someone with a job. It’s a great feeling.
This year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” What do you think would be a good way to invest in our Belizean women?
Training and believing in someone. As an example, management saw that I was willing to work and go the extra mile, so they trained and helped me to get to where I am now.
My advice to women is to truly believe in what you want.
Arleni Villanueva, Restaurant Server
Mom to a 4-year-old boy, Arleni is a proud Mopan Maya woman. She enjoys the teamwork and camaraderie with the team at Umaya. Once quite shy, she has blossomed in her work environment, and encourages other team members to step out of their shell.
Arleni Villanueva, Restaurant Server
Mom to a 4-year-old boy, Arleni is a proud Mopan Maya woman. She enjoys the teamwork and camaraderie with the team at Umaya. Once quite shy, she has blossomed in her work environment, and encourages other team members to step out of their shell.
Which women inspire you the most?
My aunt. She is a single mother, and I am a single mother too. When I was pregnant with my son, there was a lot of negativity surrounding me. Thanks to my aunt, and her good advice, I was able to move past that and now I am focused on improving my life and my son’s life.
This year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” What do you think would be a good way to invest in our Belizean women?
In our Mopan Maya culture, we have Women’s Groups, where members create art and sell them to fundraise. Sometimes it’s embroidery or other kinds of art and they are sold in little gift shops. The money raised is shared amongst the members and some stays within the group to invest in more materials. I think the groups could use some help from the government to advance more.
Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress
As we re-read the answers from each of the women featured, we can’t help but feel immense pride. What an amazing collective! Many of these women have been with us over a decade, growing, improving themselves and making their marks. The Belize Collection is equally proud to say that it actively encourages its employees to take opportunities for growth and expansion. Through courses, hands-on training and in-house promotions, our employees can determine their next course of action in self-improvement and advancement.
Many of the Heads of Department, supervisors and managers are mothers, and as such The Belize Collection is naturally flexible when it comes to understanding the motherhood role and responsibilities of its employees. By respecting the fact that women in our society play multiple important roles, we allow them space for growth. We all stand to benefit from happier, healthier women in our society, so let’s do our part in encouraging and investing in them. Happy International Women’s Day!
