I've been talking and writing about opportunity a lot lately. It seemed to have a connection with some of you who wrote back. About two decades ago, I ignored our lawyers' advice and supported the Americans with Disabilities Act. They told me it would cost a lot of money to retrofit our hotels, to make them accessible to people with disabilities. I said, "Look, we're a hospitality company, we have to welcome everyone." The same is true about welcoming them as employees and giving them opportunities.
That's why we started the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities in 1989. This is a nonprofit, chaired by my brother Richard, which runs a program called "Bridges-.from school to work."
Why did we do it? Well, our company had a lot of success placing people with disabilities into jobs. So, if we could do it, we thought-so could others. Giving these young people opportunities to contribute, changes their lives €” and our businesses and our communities are better for it.
The mission of Bridges is very simple. First, to provide career guidance for young people so they can compete in today's work environment. Secondly, help employers tap into a valuable, but often overlooked pool of wonderful employees.
Let me tell you a story. Nikita Allen came to Bridges last year in Atlanta, Georgia. She really wanted a career in culinary and now she works at our Renaissance Concourse Hotel at the city's airport. She's working in the hotel kitchen, preparing meals and following her dream. Everyone who meets her can't help but notice her wonderful smile, her spirit and her drive. The hotel chef is really excited about her. Never mind that Nikita is deaf and reads lips and sends text messages to help her communicate, her personality and her abilities shine through.
I'm proud of the Bridges program; the success it's had. We've grown it from one location to seven across the United States. What a job they've done, placing nearly 10,000 young people with disabilities in jobs with more than 1,500 different employers.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Thank you for giving everyone an opportunity.
Posted by: Gaelle Seide | 04/01/2007 at 02:02 AM
As a long time platinum level customer of Marriott as well as the father of a daughter with a disability, I appreciate your willingness to support these wonderful and hard working people.
Posted by: DRB | 03/24/2007 at 03:26 AM
Although the government and law can set a standard, it's private initiative that really makes the difference. I applaud Marriott for taking steps to help mainstream people with disabilities. It's a win-win situation for people and business.
Posted by: JBM | 03/21/2007 at 09:32 AM
Another example of Marriott continuing to do the right thing! A few months ago I checked into the JW Marriott in Las Vegas. The young man at the reception desk seemed to have a disability. It did not stop him from doing a great job. It put a smile on my face.
Posted by: Hank Mancini | 03/21/2007 at 02:58 AM
Bill, I enjoy your blog. I especially enjoy staying at Marriotts worldwide. As a travel writer, I have choices, but your chain seems to rise above the rest consistently.
Just had a visit with the Surfers Paradise Marriott today in Australia. Look for my favorable story.
Posted by: Rick Brown Travels | 03/20/2007 at 10:40 PM
Fantastic!
Posted by: Craig Mische | 03/20/2007 at 04:53 AM