J.W. Marriott, Jr. – Opportunity for All Award

The Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort has woven inclusion into the fabric of its operations, shaping a culture that uplifts its guests, associates, and surrounding community, earning it the 2026 J.W. Marriott, Jr. Opportunity for All Award.

The property’s leaders and associates work together in cultivating this environment. Through monthly meetings and year‑round programming, the collaboration has established initiatives that promote a sense of belonging and opportunity, while expanding cultural awareness.

The Sheraton Grand Rio has long been committed to local youth. The property sponsors a program for young residents of the neighboring Vidigal and Rocinha neighborhoods. Residents have historically faced economic barriers and limited access to formal employment, but the partnership paves a pathway into the hospitality industry by offering hands‑on experience and mentorship. Some of these interns have joined the team as associates, enriching the workplace with their diverse perspectives and experiences. The hotel also partners with professional tennis instructors to provide classes to young people from the local communities, giving them the opportunity to learn the sport and build discipline and self-confidence, all while having fun.

This opportunity-driven mindset meaningfully translates to even more on-property experiences. The hotel offers certifications for associates to learn Brazilian sign language, encouraging connection with colleagues and guests who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Additionally, the property supplies printed materials in different languages and prepares personalized touches that honor diverse cultural, dietary, and religious needs. Through these actions, the team ensures that visitors from around the world feel welcome, seen, and respected in ways that reflect their identities.

Alongside these property-driven efforts, the Sheraton Grand Rio maintains deep, ongoing partnerships with local organizations such as Aldeias Infantis, which supports refugee children and adolescents through food donations and engagement activities, and Casa Nem, which provides shelter to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Through these actions, the Sheraton Grand Rio demonstrates how a hotel can be a powerful force for good by championing opportunity and welcoming all.