DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Opens their Arms to Refugees
The Pan-African Association works diligently every day to serve our refugee clients well and to help them achieve peace and self-sufficiency in their new Chicago home. But we cannot do this alone. It is a monumental challenge that requires the generosity and commitment of the entire community. Among our most valued partners in this mission are the local businesses that give our clients gainful and meaningful employment.
Two of our favorite partners, in particular, are Chris Plunkett and Belinda Jones of the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. As leaders of the DoubleTree team, Chris and Belinda have opened their arms wide to Chicago’s refugee community. For them, it is not only a smart hiring practice – it is a matter of principle. Belinda says, “One reason I enjoy working in the hospitality industry is the diversity.” Chris adds that we have “a moral responsibility to connect with individuals from all walks of life.”
Last year, the Pan-African employment team introduced Chris and Belinda to our clients. Even though there is a lot of competition for jobs at the DoubleTree, Chris and Belinda took a chance on our refugee community. Starting in entry-level positions, some of our clients were soon promoted and quickly carved out an important place for themselves on the DoubleTree team. Reflecting on our clients’ experiences thus far, Chris remarks that they were “extremely well prepared to work here.” While our clients deserve all the credit for their unflagging work ethic, the employment team is proud that they were able to help these clients start their journeys here. The arrangement has been overwhelmingly positive for everyone. Belinda concludes that “it’s rewarding” to see refugee employees thrive in their new homes and new careers.
By hiring refugees, Chris and Belinda can be confident that they have hard-working and ambitious employees upon which the fast-paced hotel industry depends. Furthermore, they feel good knowing that they are creating a team as unique and diverse as the valued guests who walk through their doors every day.
Two of our favorite partners, in particular, are Chris Plunkett and Belinda Jones of the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. As leaders of the DoubleTree team, Chris and Belinda have opened their arms wide to Chicago’s refugee community. For them, it is not only a smart hiring practice – it is a matter of principle. Belinda says, “One reason I enjoy working in the hospitality industry is the diversity.” Chris adds that we have “a moral responsibility to connect with individuals from all walks of life.”
Last year, the Pan-African employment team introduced Chris and Belinda to our clients. Even though there is a lot of competition for jobs at the DoubleTree, Chris and Belinda took a chance on our refugee community. Starting in entry-level positions, some of our clients were soon promoted and quickly carved out an important place for themselves on the DoubleTree team. Reflecting on our clients’ experiences thus far, Chris remarks that they were “extremely well prepared to work here.” While our clients deserve all the credit for their unflagging work ethic, the employment team is proud that they were able to help these clients start their journeys here. The arrangement has been overwhelmingly positive for everyone. Belinda concludes that “it’s rewarding” to see refugee employees thrive in their new homes and new careers.
By hiring refugees, Chris and Belinda can be confident that they have hard-working and ambitious employees upon which the fast-paced hotel industry depends. Furthermore, they feel good knowing that they are creating a team as unique and diverse as the valued guests who walk through their doors every day.
