Rising Stars: Meet Johnetta Johnson of Atlanta, GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnetta Johnson

Hi Johnetta, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was working in retail when I was approached by a lady who was the General Manager of a hotel. She asked me if I would be interested in working in the hotel industry and to come talk to her. I met with her, and I’ve been in the Hospitality industry for 23 years now. Needless to say, I didn’t choose this career, this career chose me. I’ve worked as a Guest Services Representative, Front Office Manager, Sales Manager, Director of Sales, an Assistant General Manager, General Manager and now an Operations Support Manager working remotely as Task Force. I believe everyone on earth has a purpose in life, and my purpose is to serve others. I’m a servant at heart and the hospitality industry is indeed the career to be in because it allows me to fulfill my purpose.

Fast forward….I went to a vision board party where I met my co-founder. She asked me to take a picture of her and then asked me what my occupation was. Come to find out we were both in the same industry, and the rest his history! The Black Women of Hospitality Organization was birthed!

Black Women of Hospitality Inc. is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization that focuses on Women of Color who are in the Hospitality industry or have an interest in joining the wonderful world of Hospitality that includes the hotel, airline, and restaurant industry. Our mission is to unite, inspire and empower Women of Color in the hospitality industry by providing resources, support, and motivation to achieve personal and professional growth. We are devoted to increasing diversity and inclusion across hospitality, travel and leisure. The Black Women of Hospitality Organization gives scholarships, carries out research, shares best practices, provides mentorships, co-create solutions, runs webinars, serves in the community, and holds annual events dedicated to ensuring Women in our sector are not held back and can progress in their careers into leadership and hotel ownership!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While there have been several moments of joy and success, I must admit that the road has not always been smooth.

One of the struggles I have faced is the lack of representation and recognition. It is disheartening to see so few black women in leadership positions within the industry. Often, I have felt overlooked or underestimated compared to my peers. I have had to work twice as hard to prove my worth and capabilities, which can be exhausting and demoralizing at times.

Additionally, there have been instances of discrimination and microaggressions aimed at me because of my race and gender. Whether it be subtle comments or overt actions, these experiences have made me feel unwelcome and marginalized in certain professional settings. It can be a constant battle to navigate these obstacles while also trying to excel in my career.

Despite these challenges, I remain resilient and determined to succeed. I continue to push myself to achieve my goals and break down barriers in the industry. I believe that by sharing our stories and supporting one another, we can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an Operations Support Manager I travel 95% of the time. I specialize in the operations of hotels where I have been dedicated to ensuring the seamless day-to-day operations, with a strong focus on customer service, guest satisfaction and financial goals.

In my position, I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of the hotel’s operations, including front desk management, housekeeping, maintenance, and guest services. I work closely with department heads and hotel owners to implement new procedures and protocols that have improved efficiency and overall guest experience. From streamlining check-in and check-out procedures to implementing training for staff. I am committed to upholding the high standards of service that hotels is known for.

I have also been proactive in identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions to enhance the overall guest experience. Whether it’s addressing guest feedback promptly or ensuring that our facilities are well-maintained and up to standards,

I am dedicated to upholding the values and standards of excellence and committed to continuously striving for improvement and growth. I believe that my experience and expertise in this industry make me well-suited, and I am truly passionate about ensuring that our guests have an exceptional experience during their stay and that our employees enjoy coming to work!

One of my unique strengths that sets me apart from others is my exceptional ability to read people and understand them on a deep level.

Being able to quickly perceive someone’s thoughts, feelings, and motives helps me build meaningful connections and establish trust with others. This enables me to tailor my approach and communication to meet their specific needs and preferences.

I believe that this skill allows me to create positive and effective relationships with others, whether it be in a professional or personal setting. By truly understanding someone, I am able to anticipate their needs, provide support, and offer assistance when needed.

I take great pride in my ability to empathize with others and adapt to different personality types. This is a valuable asset that I bring to any interaction or collaboration.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Atlanta because it is an amazing and vibrant city. It is one of the most diverse places in the US and it’s among the best spots in the world to do business.

The thing I like least is the TRAFFIC!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blackwomenofhospitality.com/
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/blackwomenofhospitality
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//blackwomenofhospitality