As we celebrate International Women’s Day today under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, we take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for the extraordinary women who form the backbone of our team here at SunBreeze Hotel and SunBreeze Suites. These exceptional individuals play a crucial role in ensuring our guests’ comfort and creating a welcoming atmosphere on our beautiful island. Their personal journeys are a testament to resilience, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. These remarkable women continue to approach life with grace, positivity, and an unwavering dedication to service, always ready to greet you with a warm smile on Ambergris Caye.
Meet the amazing women who work at SunBreeze – the women who add soul and warmth to our guests’ experiences.
Introducing our Front of House and Management Team
Julia Edwards is the General Manager at SunBreeze Hotel and SunBreeze Suites and has been in this role since September 1996. She finds it most fulfilling to be a woman General Manager in a male-dominated industry, sharing her passion with employees who become like family and guests who become friends. Julia’s top three best practices rather than learning experiences are to be honest, genuine, and love what you do. Living and working in Ambergris Caye, she recommends during your SunBreeze stay to experience the amazing marine life Belize has to offer on a scuba diving or snorkeling adventure.
Linda Acosta, a Sales Assistant with 15 years of experience at SunBreeze, finds fulfillment in challenging gender norms in the hospitality industry. Her top learning experiences include self-trust, resilience to feedback, and ongoing self-improvement. Linda advises women in hospitality to embrace these qualities. She suggests if there is one thing a visitor should do while on the island it is to snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley to experience the area’s diverse marine life and coral reefs.
Vanessa Rivera, the Front Office Supervisor at SunBreeze Suites, brings 15 years of experience to her role. Her favorite hobby is visiting the beach. As a woman in hospitality, Vanessa finds fulfillment in creating memorable experiences that make guests happy. She values the opportunity to connect with people, anticipate their needs, and challenge stereotypes in the industry. Vanessa’s top learning experiences include improving communication with guests, enhancing problem-solving skills, and realizing the importance of supporting and learning from other women in the field. Living and working in Ambergris Caye, Vanessa recommends experiencing the sunrise with a hot cup of coffee for a peaceful and invigorating start to the day before embarking on island adventures.
Edilberta, a Front Office Clerk at SunBreeze Hotel, has accumulated 12 years and 8 months of experience in the hospitality industry. Her favorite hobby is watching series and novels. Edilberta finds fulfillment in understanding and promoting equality in general. As a woman in hospitality, her top three learning experiences include the ability to learn and adapt, understanding diverse perspectives, and mastering the art of multitasking to assist guests efficiently. Living and working in Ambergris Caye, Edilberta recommends that visitors to the island should not miss the opportunity to go diving and snorkeling to explore monumental sites and experience the rich culture of the islands.
Sheena Torres, the General Admin at SunBreeze, has been working at the company for almost a year as of April. Her favorite hobbies include listening to music and cooking. Sheena finds fulfillment in her role as a woman in hospitality by contributing as an ambassador for her country and creating memorable experiences for visitors. Her top three learning experiences in hospitality revolve around meeting new people, understanding visitor expectations, and gaining a deeper knowledge of her hometown with each interaction.
Julia Jimenez, a key member of the SunBreeze team, has been serving as a Reservation staff for the past 8 years. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music to unwind. Julia finds the most fulfillment in her role as a woman in hospitality by leaving a positive impact on customers. Her top three learning experiences include fostering patience, empathy, and delivering outstanding service to ensure guests feel at home and create unforgettable experiences. Living and working in Ambergris Caye, Julia highly recommends snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley as a must-do experience for visitors to the island.
Yari, a Front Desk Clerk at SunBreeze Hotel, has been with the company for 2 years. Her favorite hobby is reading. She finds the most fulfillment in her role by interacting with customers and receiving their feedback. As a woman in hospitality, Yari’s top three learning experiences include learning to handle customers during challenging situations, understanding the significance of prioritization and effective communication. Living and working in Ambergris Caye, Yari recommends visitors to experience a relaxing day at the secret beach to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Abriannie Lopez, a Front Desk employee at SunBreeze Suites, has been with the company for almost two years. Her favorite hobby is reading. She finds the most fulfillment in her role by providing comfort to everyone and hearing their heartwarming stories. As a woman in hospitality, Abriannie’s top three learning experiences include mastering prioritization, problem-solving, and effective communication. Living and working in Ambergris Caye, Abriannie believes that experiencing the cultural diversity of the island is a must for visitors.
Cecilia Pech is a Room Attendant at SunBreeze and has been working there for 2 months. Her favorite hobby is reading. She finds the most fulfillment in her role by ensuring guests enjoy a wonderful vacation experience. As a woman in hospitality, Cecilia’s top three learning experiences include developing patience, maintaining a positive attitude, and being willing to help wherever she can. Living and working in Ambergris Caye, Cecilia recommends visitors to go snorkeling at Shark Ray Alley for an unforgettable experience.
Val is an Apprentice at SunBreeze and has been working with the team for 9 months. Her favorite hobby is exercise and sports. She finds it fulfilling that her knowledge and ideas are valued in the hospitality industry as a teenage girl starting out. As a woman in hospitality, Val’s top three learning experiences include realizing the power of her voice, learning to give and receive feedback, and gaining confidence in decision-making. Living and working in Ambergris Caye, Val recommends visitors to experience the waves and peacefulness of the sea at Rocky Point before leaving the island.
Nancy Paola Navarijo Ortega is the Bookkeeper at SunBreeze and has been in this role for 2 years and 10 months. Her favorite hobbies include working out and traveling. She finds fulfillment in maintaining accurate records in the accounting department, ensuring a suitable environment for guests, and guaranteeing employees are paid correctly and on time. Although she doesn’t interact directly with guests, Nancy is happy to contribute to their enjoyable stays. Her top learning experiences in hospitality include balancing personal and professional life, practicing integrity and transparency with confidential information, and emphasizing organizational skills in maintaining guest satisfaction. Living and working in Ambergris Caye, Nancy recommends experiencing the Blue Hole Fly Over for an extraordinary view of the Belizean waters and the breathtaking beauty of the scenery, especially on the way to the Great Blue Hole.
MEET OUR HOUSEKEEPING TEAM
Ester Witzil, an experienced housekeeper with 24 years of service, values displaying friendly and welcoming behavior towards guests and new acquaintances. As a woman in hospitality, Ester’s top learning experiences center around honesty, integrity, and teamwork. Residing and working in Ambergris Caye, Ester suggests that visitors should not miss the opportunity to snorkel at the Belize Barrier Reef, a breathtaking experience that offers a glimpse into the mesmerizing marine world of Belize.
Roxana Flores, a dedicated Housekeeping Supervisor at Sunbreeze since 1996, finds the most fulfillment in receiving positive feedback from guests. As a woman in hospitality, Roxana’s top three learning experiences are to care for others, always maintain a welcoming smile, and prioritize cleanliness. Working and residing in Ambergris Caye, Roxana recommends visitors to dive and snorkel, as well as enjoy delicious seafood to fully experience the island’s beauty. In her free time, Roxana enjoys spending quality time with her family, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and balance in life.
Elia Rodriguez, a dedicated member of our housekeeping team for 2 years, finds fulfilment in being an ambassador for her country and contributing to memorable visitor experiences. As a woman in hospitality, Elia’s top three learning experiences include mastering beds, towels, and restroom decoration, emphasizing attention to detail and going above and beyond for guests. Living and working in Ambergris Caye has provided opportunities to connect with diverse individuals. Elia’s recommends visitors to the island should immerse themselves in the local culture, appreciate the scenic beauty, and engage with the welcoming community.
Joann Diego has been an integral team member at SunBreeze for 2 years, actively supporting the Housekeeping department. She takes joy in her role within the vibrant hotel atmosphere and in interacting with guests. Joann values the dynamic nature of her work environment. Situated in the beautiful location of Ambergris Caye, Joann enthusiastically suggests that visitors indulge in the resort’s offerings. Guests can experience the outstanding hospitality, delicious cuisine, and tranquil pool area firsthand.
Mareli Hernandez, a valuable member of our housekeeping team for 3 months, finds deep fulfillment in ensuring guest rooms are immaculately clean to provide a homely atmosphere. Her top three learning experiences as a woman in hospitality include creating a warm guest environment, offering unforgettable experiences, and surprising guests on special occasions. Living and working in Ambergris Caye, Mareli recommends visitors to explore the marine reserves through snorkeling, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the rich Belizean culture.
Inspirational women from housekeeping
It is truly inspiring to celebrate the incredible women who are an essential part of our team at SunBreeze. These women bring passion, skill, and dedication to their roles every day. Their unique perspectives, talents, and unwavering commitment to excellence enrich our workplace and contribute to the outstanding guest experiences we provide. We are honored to have such exceptional women leading the way in the hospitality industry, and we look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and thrive together as a team.