Director of Rooms Operations

Known for her calm authority and meticulous preparation in caring for both guests and associates, Emmanuella “Emma” Belle Uwimbabazi leads with a clear purpose: to create an environment where people feel supported and proud of the work they do. As the Director of Rooms Operations, her leadership has become a cornerstone of the hotel’s reputation for seamless service, particularly during complex and high-profile events hosted at the Kigali Marriott Hotel in Rwanda.

Emma’s journey with Marriott International began in 2012 with the Akilah-Marriott partnership, when she completed her hospitality education at the Akilah Institute for Women. She went on to build a strong operational foundation across the Middle East and Africa, contributing to multiple hotel openings, including the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi, and Kigali Marriott Hotel. Over the years, Emma has continuously invested in her growth, earning a bachelor’s degree in international hotel management and pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree.

Since returning to Kigali and stepping into her current role in 2022, Emma has been instrumental in strengthening collaboration across the front office, housekeeping, and spa & recreation. Her teams describe her as a leader who sets expectations clearly and supports them fully.

Emma is also entrusted with leading the property’s most protocol-sensitive delegations, including global summits, international sporting congresses, and high-level government events. During moments when precision and composure are essential, she brings a steady hand, ensuring all guests are welcome. Emma’s ability to anticipate and execute flawlessly has earned the trust of senior leadership, external partners, and repeat guests.

Beyond operational excellence, Emma is deeply committed to developing associates at every level. As a highly visible hospitality leader, she mentors new department heads, creates opportunities for first-job associates, and fosters confidence by celebrating contributions publicly while coaching with care privately.

Emma’s leadership reflects a belief that excellence is sustained by those who feel valued and prepared. Her impact is felt not only in performance results, but also in the confidence of the teams she lifts and the future leaders she inspires. Through her dedication and humility, Emma exemplifies what it means to Put People First and Pursue Excellence. She continues to leave a lasting mark on the Kigali Marriott Hotel and the broader hospitality community in Rwanda.