Black Mentorship Program Inspires Hoteliers to Try to Make Sector Inclusive

25.08.2023 - 14:26 / skift.com / Carley Thornell

Twenty years ago, Telesa Via worked for a company that partnered with the National Urban League to build business relationships in the Black community and associations. Today, that has come full circle for the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants‘ vice president of sales, who was instrumental in the boutique brand forging a partnership with the civil rights and urban advocacy group. 

In its first year, a donation was made to the League for each reservation using a special code that included a guest discount. But equally as important as the impact of the promotion’s external impression is the internal influence of Kimpton’s partnership with the National Urban League’s Young Professionals mentorship program, said Via.

The effort nurtures future leaders, hoping to draw Black interest to a field that’s critically lacking racial and gender diversity in upper-level roles according to the Castell Project, a non-profit dedicated to accelerating the careers of women and minorities in hospitality.

As a Black woman, Via has continued to defy the odds from the very beginning of her career.

“I was told I would never be able to become a VP of sales, and this was from another female in the hospitality space,” Via said. “That was one of the greatest gifts anyone has ever given me because if you tell me what I can’t do, I’m going to get to doing it right away.”

Via has spent 13 years with Kimpton and her role currently touches the brand throughout the Americas. That length of service is notable in an industry with frequent turnover — annualized, 73.8 percent.

Via was initially “wowed” by representation in Kimpton’s leadership. “When I was hired, we had a female CEO, a female SVP of sales, and a female regional manager,” she said. “I’d never experienced that in my life.”

Most recently, a catalyst in her career came at a societal cost. While Via has been active in social causes for many years, the death of George Floyd prompted Kimpton to ask her to partner with current chief executive officer Mike DeFrino to lead Kimpton’s Black Lives Matter Act to Action. The initiative includes creating opportunities for employees of color, more representation in marketing for guests and owners, and partnerships with BIPOC vendors. 

“As a little girl growing up in Martinsville, Virginia, who would have ever thought that I’d be having conversations with my CEO, making sure we’re continuing to open the doors to anti-racism, ensuring equalities for Black employees, and getting into our communities?” said Via.

“I think that because of George Floyd’s death, what we’re seeing is that eyes are open,” Via said. “Today, we’re more mindful and intentional.”

As part of Act to Action, Via spearheads a mentorship program that also serves as a