As recipients of the 2023 J. Willard Marriott, Jr. Diversity Excellence Award, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center has shown tremendous commitment to welcoming all and ensuring their STARS feel valued in everything they do. They have executed a holistic approach to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) through results-oriented programs and activations across all areas, including associate, customer, owner, supplier, and social impact.

Gaylord Rockies drives belonging with an inclusive culture for all. They have instituted an Inclusive Respect Council, shaped by key guiding principles, where STARS can share their perspectives and feel heard. It recognizes the value of diverse voices, positions inclusivity and STAR wellbeing as core to their success. They prioritize listening to their people and leading with an inclusive mindset, as proven by their support of multicultural STARS through their Go Global Day and J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

Education and engagement are top priorities. The hotel reinforces their commitment to DEIB by investing in STARS and providing continuous access to learning and development opportunities. For example, they have implemented Living Our Core Values (LOCV), a signature engagement program, focused on the key themes of Inclusion, Kindness and Respect. As a result, they were able to gather over 1,400 ideas from 350+ STARS about how to catapult their business and culture to the next level. Additionally, the hotel completed an overhaul of their training materials to ensure that imagery, videos, guides, and all content showcased an array of individuals that were representative of their STARS.

The hotel leverages cultural and heritage observances to provide educational opportunities, celebrate cultural moments, and promote Associate Resource Groups to their STARS. Gaylord Rockies embraces the uniqueness of their STARS at every chance, including supporting Pride events and hosting discussion groups and live “watch parties” for webinars and TED Talks during Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

Gaylord Rockies has done a stellar job of maintaining key relationships with community partners and diverse suppliers, including school systems, youth organizations, hospitals, veteran and military service organizations, and culinary associations—all contributing to Gaylord Rockies’ diverse workforce by supporting internships and apprenticeships on property. They also intentionally engage with Marriott’s Avendra partnership to increase their diverse spend, currently totaling over $2.5 million.

Gaylord Rockies is a STAR example of how to embody belonging and DEIB excellence at Marriott. Its commitment to inclusion extends to their STARS, customers, partners, and community alike—from ensuring STARS and guests from around the world can communicate with their team with translation services, to being intentional about their diverse supplier purchasing program, to ensuring leaders at every level lead with an inclusive mindset.