Women leaders are shaping the future of hospitality

A CAREER BUILT ON PASSION AND PERSEVERANCE

Cheryl Warner

Senior Manager, Franchise Services & Support, Choice Hotels Canada

Cheryl Warner has devoted almost her entire career to the hospitality industry, and, in particular, to Choice Hotels Canada, leaving a significant mark on the company, its staff and its hotels. Her contributions have earned her widespread recognition among the Choice Hotels Canada franchisees, with people frequently requesting her by name, honouring her during key anniversaries and seeking her out at events. She is undeniably a favourite among everyone at Choice Hotels Canada and the hotels she collaborates with every day.

From her earliest days helping in her family's greenhouse to her first job as a waitress and short-order cook at just 15, Cheryl’s passion for hospitality was evident.

Her career took off with Journey’s End, where she climbed the ranks from management trainee to general manager, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her ability to step in wherever needed, even floating as a general manager to support multiple properties, earned her the prestigious “Manager of the Year” award in 1992, selected from over 100 candidates.

Warner’s impact extended far beyond the property level. She transitioned to Choice Hotels Canada’s corporate office as a franchise services coordinator, later rising to manager of franchise support, where she found her true calling—supporting franchisees. Now, as senior manager of franchise services & support, she remains a driving force in the organization.

This June, Warner will celebrate 37 years with Choice, a testament to her loyalty, leadership, and deep-rooted passion for the industry. She has given her heart to the organization, and her legacy continues to shape its success. “You need to work hard and surround yourself with great people who have the same vision,” she says, reflecting on the outstanding teams she has led.

Mentored by industry leaders Barry Sheen and Maurice Rollins, Warner learned the importance of recognizing and guiding talent. Her late husband, David Warner, also played a significant role in her journey, providing a supportive sounding board for ideas and strategies.  Despite the immense pain of losing her husband, Warner has demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering commitment to the Choice Hotels Canada team and every hotel within the system.

Reflecting on changes in the industry, Warner notes that when she started, few women held general manager positions. Today, she is encouraged by the increasing presence of women in leadership roles and takes pride in working alongside many strong female professionals.

Early in her career, one of the challenges she encountered was overcoming obstacles related to her age and not being fluent in a second language. However, she remained determined and focused on proving her capabilities. Outside of work, she finds fulfillment in volunteering with Sleeping Children Around the World, a charity providing bed kits to children in need. “It is so rewarding seeing the look in these little ones’ eyes,” she says.

For those entering the industry, her advice is simple: "Reach for the stars and never be afraid to try something new. If you get an opportunity in a different country, take it—you could learn new things." – Cheryl Warner

REDEFINING SUCCESS THROUGH RESILIENCE

Élisabeth Avognon

General Manager of Gestion Hôtelière Mijuco Inc.

Élisabeth Avognon, general manager of Gestion Hôtelière MiJuCo Inc., began her hospitality career with a summer job that quickly led to a management role. Inspired by Maurice Rollins, founder of Journey’s End Hotels, she embraced a client-centred approach that has guided her ever since.

Avognon draws strength from a diverse group of mentors, including global icon Oprah Winfrey and the hardworking housekeepers she has worked alongside. “Their resilience and determination have shaped my perspective,” she says, emphasizing the importance of lifting others as she advances.

She has faced unique challenges as a Black woman in the industry, navigating stereotypes while remaining steadfast in her commitment to leadership and empathy. “Overcoming these challenges has played a key role in shaping me into the manager I am today,” she says, noting the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment.

Her definition of success has evolved over time. While she once equated it with financial achievement, she now sees it as a balance between professional growth and staying true to her values. Giving back is central to her life, whether through community service at her church or mentoring the next generation.

Her advice to her younger self? "Believe in yourself and claim your space. If you love this industry, stay in it—you will succeed through hard work and integrity. Every day brings something new, and it’s a blessing to welcome people and brighten their day."

“The landscape has definitely changed for women, and it’s encouraging to see the industry evolve alongside that. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to witness this transformation firsthand, with more women stepping into leadership roles. Currently, I have the privilege of being the general manager of a hotel group, where two out of three owners are incredible women—Valérie Côté and Geneviève Milot. They’re two of the most inspiring entrepreneurs I’ve had the chance to work with. It’s incredibly heartening to see the industry now fostering an environment that supports and nurtures the success of women.” - Élisabeth Avognon

FROM NEW BEGINNINGS TO OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Mary Jane Molina

Operations Manager at Halifax Tower Hotel & Conference Centre, N.S. 

Mary Jane Molina, operations manager at Halifax Tower Hotel & Conference Centre, took an unconventional path into hospitality. With a hospitality management degree from the Philippines, she entered the Canadian hotel industry as a room attendant before quickly moving up the ranks.

The pandemic was a defining period for Molina. While challenging, it provided opportunities for hands-on learning across all facets of hotel operations, reinforcing her adaptability and resilience. A key mentor, her general manager, Nimfa Bautista, played a crucial role in guiding her through operational challenges and staff shortages, setting an example of dedication and excellence.

Molina believes the industry has made significant strides toward gender equality but acknowledges there is still progress to be made. “Women bring unique perspectives and a strong sense of passion to everything they do,” she says, expressing optimism about increasing opportunities for female leaders.

One of the biggest challenges she faced was adapting to diverse customer expectations in a multicultural environment. “It took time to develop the skills to understand and meet these expectations while ensuring every guest felt welcomed and valued,” she explains.

Her definition of success has also evolved, shifting from title-driven ambitions to valuing meaningful relationships with guests and colleagues. “Personal fulfillment through these relationships has become far more important to me than simply advancing professionally,” she says.

For newcomers to the industry, her advice is clear: "Embrace every learning opportunity, seek feedback, and build strong relationships with colleagues. Mistakes are part of the process—learn from them and keep moving forward."

“As a newcomer to the country, one of the challenges I have encountered in the industry is managing diverse customer expectations and cultural differences. Working in a multicultural service environment means interacting with guests from a wide range of backgrounds, each with their own preferences and needs. It took time to develop the necessary skills to understand and meet these expectations while ensuring that every guest felt welcomed and valued. This experience highlighted the value of empathy, active listening, and effective communication—skills that have become essential in my career as I strive to create memorable and personalized experiences for each guest.” – Mary Jane Molina