Celebrate Black History with HE&R Team Members
Meet Frankie, the porter at the Hershey Press Building. Frankie started as a contract employee 18 years ago. Four years ago, he was offered full-time employment. “That was a blessing and a half,” Frankie shared. Team members and guests who visit the Press Building know Frankie for his infectious spirit. He greets everyone with enthusiasm!
When asked why he likes working at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Frankie said, “I’ve got a long list…the people; I like the work. It’s everything. It is great to be around everyone and the positive attitude that runs through this building. I love my job. Everyone is like family here. They treat me with mad respect, and I return the favor.”
We are grateful to share our appreciation for Frankie as part of our Black History Month celebration.
“I’ve got a long list…the people; I like the work. It’s everything. It is great to be around everyone and the positive attitude that runs through this building. I love my job. Everyone is like family here."
Meet Abdalla, a team member at The Hotel Hershey. Abdalla serves as the Lead Steward in the historic property’s kitchen. In this role, he is responsible for setting up events and ensuring everything is ready for the servers. As he noted, “...if you need anything in the kitchen, I am the man!” On July 4, 1999, Abdalla joined the company as a busser in The Circular restaurant. After two years, he switched to the kitchen and earned a supervisory position last year.
When asked what his favorite thing is about working at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Abdalla said, “...diversity. Meeting people from different backgrounds. I’ve been exposed to a lot [of cultures] that I had no idea existed.” He continued, “The company, the inclusiveness of people from different continents, different races, different languages, different kinds of food…all of it has enriched me.”
And with your positive attitude and focus on teamwork, you have enriched us, Abdalla! Thank you for your commitment to The Hotel Hershey, our guests, and your colleagues.
“The company, the inclusiveness of people from different continents, different races, different languages, different kinds of food…all of it has enriched me.”
Meet Juaquina, assistant executive housekeeper at Hershey Lodge. Juaquina started at the Lodge as a part-time housekeeper. Within a year, she moved into a full-time housekeeping position. Her managers took notice of her passion and work ethic and encouraged her to apply for a supervisory role. She flourished as a housekeeping supervisor for two years, later earning a promotion to her current position in November 2021.
Juaquina notes that her favorite part of working at Hershey Lodge is “...the contact with the guests and international team members that come into the company from the Dominican Republic, Poland, and Ukraine.” She enjoys getting to know individuals from other places and learning about their cultures.
When asked what Black History Month means to her, Juaquina said, “The celebration means integrity and character to me, and remembering all those black leaders who fought so hard against a lot of opposition - so we could celebrate our culture today. A lot of times when you have to stand up for the right things, sometimes you have to stand by yourself, but are you still standing up for what is right.”
We celebrate your conviction, Juaquina, and thank you for your dedication to our guests, the legacy, and your team members at Hershey Lodge.
"A lot of times when you have to stand up for the right things, sometimes you have to stand by yourself, but are you still standing up for what is right.”
Meet Ashton, a full-time games area manager at Hersheypark for the last two years. Ashton began his career journey with our company in 2010 and was a valued part-time team member at the Park for six years.
Wanting to learn more about the resort and hospitality industries, Ashton transferred to Hershey Lodge in 2016. He was the Lodge night auditor from 2016 through late 2017. He worked in the housekeeping department at the Lodge for the next year, later returning to Hersheypark. During his time at Hershey Lodge, Ashton learned more about the array of opportunities available to team members across our organization, which helped shape and refine his short and long-term professional goals.
When asked what Black History Month means to him, Ashton said, “Black History Month is an opportunity to grow, learn, and figure out how Black History has impacted us as a culture and how it impacts us on a day-to-day basis.”
Thank you for being part of our team, and we look forward to watching your ongoing successes, Ashton!
“Black History Month is an opportunity to grow, learn, and figure out how Black History has impacted us as a culture and how it impacts us on a day-to-day basis.”
Hear more from these terrific team members.
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is committed to fostering a stronger internal culture of advocacy and inclusion to help team members share their voices and collectively effect change. We are expanding on existing initiatives and creating new programs to develop additional avenues of progress for team members from diverse heritages.