18 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com Stars of th Hilton is not just a company committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we embody it. One example is Nancy Lopez, AKA “Chef Fancy Nancy.” Here’s what she had to say: “I am a transgender woman with a passion for culinary arts. My motivation and inspiration have always been my mother. From the age of five I used to make tortillas, do housework, and even make my clothes… This is when I began to realize that a boy had been born with the feelings and soul of a girl. My biggest obstacle had to be my father who, in seeing me engage in “feminine” activities, would be angry with my mother for allowing me to do so. His solution was to take me to the fields to do more labor-intensive jobs. I sowed and picked for years of my childhood, and during this time is when I realized that my life was not going to be easy. But in the end, that work made me the great worker and fighter I am today and have been throughout my life. Today, I am 50 years old, and I continue to work hard in the kitchen to get ahead, but I do it with great pride and joy because I know I have a purpose. Besides cooking for people, being of service brings me the greatest joy. Honestly, my well-being depends on the work I do as a volunteer and in building community. It’s important to me to help the community the way the community has helped me. I am so thankful for my Hilton Family! I have found a HOME at the DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose! They CARE, and it shows!” The Argonaut is committed to environmental sustainability by participating in numerous programs/initiatives, committees, and investing in the property to remain a leader in “Good Earthkeeping” in San Francisco. To assist other properties with their green efforts, Regional Vice President Stefan Mühle, co-founder/former chair of the San Francisco Hotel Council’s Sustainability Committee, consistently encourages and educates other hotels to participate in the many available initiatives. The Hotel is very active in working with vendors and leaders of the industry who have taken an active approach to greening their businesses. Most importantly, though, the property openly shares field tests and findings (including successes and failures) and encourages as many team members as possible and other hotels to participate to push the proverbial envelope. The Inaugural CHLA DEI Award Doubletree by Hilton San Jose (Pictured with Lynn Mohrfeld: Misoon Kong) Good Earthkeeping Award Argonaut Hotel (Pictured with Lynn Mohrfeld: Ruth D’Franco and Tony Roumph)
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