Hospitality Heroes Winners
2024
Jackie Barba, Slot Floor Attendant at Harrah’s Las Vegas
Jackie was recognized for delivering superior customer service and her ability to turn first-time visitors into lifelong guests.
Annette Gomes, Senior Manager of Human Resources at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Annette was honored for leading with kindness and compassion while inspiring her fellow team members.
Elmo Wedderburn, Customer Service Supervisor at Southwest Airlines
Elmo was applauded for going above and beyond to be of service to customers and co-workers. Elmo consistently anticipates the needs of others around him, ensuring all passengers are taken care of every step of their journey.
Ginny Gifford, Table Games Supervisor at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
As a day-one team member, Ginny was honored for providing outstanding guest service to customers and admirable leadership to team members as a table games trainer.
Consuelo Mora, Guest Room Attendant at Luxor Hotel & Casino
Consuelo works tirelessly to turn guest rooms around quickly. She was nominated for going above and beyond to challenge herself and being skilled in multiple positions within the housekeeping department.
Teri Daniels, Security Officer at Horseshoe Las Vegas
Teri was recognized for putting the well-being of guests and team members first. She recently helped a new officer who was experiencing financial hardship after moving to Las Vegas in finding him a home.
Ariel Kimura-Simono, Event and Group Sales Manager at Illuminarium Las Vegas
Ariel was honored for delivering one-of-a-kind events at Illuminarium Las Vegas inside AREA 15. Ariel was tasked with transforming Illuminarium’s 360-degree projection room into a custom roller rink for Super Bowl halftime performer Usher.
Robert Harrah, Senior Slot Technician Manager at Bellagio and Park MGM
Rob was recognized for his ability to work under pressure while leading a team of slot machine engineers. Rob’s leadership has helped boost employee morale and decrease negative guest feedback.
2023
James “Brewster” Thompson, Security Officer at Park MGM
Brewster was honored after receiving reviews from multiple guests detailing their positive interactions with him. Brewster consistently goes above and beyond, keeping guests safe while going the extra mile to create memories that last long after check-out.
Brittany Tullis, Flight Attendant at Southwest Airlines
Brittany was recognized after keeping passengers calm and safe during an emergency landing and assisting the Harry Reid International Airport security team with a wounded guest. Brittany’s managers say these are just two examples of Brittany’s kind heart and willingness to spring into action when duty calls.
Ariel Anderson, Guest Experience Manager at Bellagio Resort & Casino
Ariel Anderson focuses on recovering guest experiences that don’t go as perfectly as planned. Ariel handles occasional service lapses with genuine compassion and care, creating lifelong Bellagio guests in the process. Ariel is also responsible for leading recognition for Bellagio employees and her commitment to going above and beyond to make employees feel valued for their work inspires others to follow suit.
Patrick Rue, Engineering Manager at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Patrick Rue is a member of the resort’s opening team and is integral in keeping guests and team members safe. His primary role is managing the Dispatch center and ensuring the resort’s safety systems are functioning properly. Pat manages all permits and ensures all safety protocols are followed, keeping both guests and employees safe.
Rodney Quijano, Security Bike Officer, Planet Hollywood
Rodney was recognized for coming to the rescue of a vendor who had collapsed while on property. He performed chest compressions on the man until help arrived, saving his life.
Stanley Lamoya and Kenette Soliman, Bike Officers at Westgate Las Vegas
Stanley and Kenette make quite a team. They were on a routine patrol of the parking garage when they encountered man in distress who said he was considering harming himself. They comforted the man and encouraged him to accept help when it arrived.
Abriana Buffolino, Events and Film Supervisor, Fremont Street Experience
Abriana Buffolino is in her seventh year with the Fremont Street Experience and has overseen more than 100 shoots and special events, including Netflix productions, private events and the hospitality side of the Summer Concert Series. Abriana is down on the street almost every day, working with security and other special events and entertainment team. She takes pride knowing that hard work helps drive visitors to the Fremont Street Experience and make it an iconic Las Vegas landmark.