Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Hobbies and Interests
Achievementsandrecognition
Timeline
Hi, I’m

MARY NGUGI

Turks and Caicos,PROVIDENCIALES
MARY NGUGI

Summary

Accomplished hospitality leader with over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, specializing in event planning, guest engagement, and strategic team leadership. Currently the Meetings & Special Events Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos, curating seamless, high-end events with precision, creativity, and unparalleled guest experiences. Skilled in using event management software to plan, track, and manage events. Experienced in working with stakeholders at all levels, from clients to vendors and suppliers. Possesses strong organizational and administrative skills to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

Overview

6
years of professional experience

Work History

The Ritz-Carlton

Meetings & Special Events Manager
12.2024 - Current

Job overview

  • Plan and execute high-profile events, meetings, and VIP experiences
  • Coordinate logistics, budgets, and vendor partnerships for seamless events
  • Guide and inspire the events team, fostering innovation, efficiency, and adherence to Ritz-Carlton's gold standards
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Selected and ordered refreshments, decor and event materials.
  • Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
  • Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.

The Ritz-Carlton

Food & Beverage & Restaurant Supervisor
05.2022 - 12.2024

Job overview

  • Supervised operations at Lobby Lounge (May 2022 - Oct 2023), specializing in sushi service
  • Led transition to Casa Nonna (Oct 2023 - Dec 2024), ensuring smooth operations and guest satisfaction
  • Directed restaurant teams, optimizing service excellence and maintaining Forbes Five-Star dining experiences
  • Developed staff training programs to elevate service and efficiency

BLT Steakhouse

Restaurant Hostess
01.2021 - 01.2022

Job overview

  • Greeted guests warmly, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere and positive first impression.
    Managed the waiting list efficiently and optimized seating arrangements for smooth service flow.
    Handled reservations and communicated effectively with the service team to ensure seamless operations.
    Provided personalized service by offering menu details and daily specials to enhance the guest experience

Bar Jack All-Day Dining

Hostess
01.2019 - 01.2021

Job overview

Created a welcoming atmosphere, managing the waiting list efficiently and ensuring smooth transitions to tables during peak hours.
Optimized seating capacity through strategic reservation management and effective communication with serving staff.
Provided personalized guest experiences, sharing details on daily specials, promotions, and events.
Received recognition for exceptional customer service, consistently exceeding guest expectations.

Education

Florida International University
FLORIDA

BSc from Hospitality Management

University Overview

Kenya Utalii College

Certificate from Hotel Information Systems (Opera PMS)

University Overview

Penn Foster College
PENNSYLVANIA

Diploma from Travel & Tourism
09.2011

University Overview

Tsavo Park Hotel Institute
KENYA

Diploma from Guiding & Administration
03.2005

University Overview

Skills

  • Event Planning & Coordination
  • Luxury Hospitality Standards
  • Team Leadership & Development
  • Food & Beverage Operations

Languages

English

Hobbies and Interests

Hobbies and Interests
  • Wine Education & Pairing - Exploring fine wines & food pairings.
  • Travel & Hospitality Trends - Staying ahead in luxury hospitality.
  • Leadership & Personal Development - Mentoring and growing teams.

Achievementsandrecognition

Achievementsandrecognition
  • Rising Star Award, 12/01/24, Recognized for outstanding performance in luxury hospitality.
  • Luxury Event Excellence, Delivered seamless VIP & corporate events.
  • Leadership & Training, Developed high-performing teams.
  • Operational Excellence & Innovation, Created an internal operations guide to improve efficiency & guest service.
  • Recognition & Awards, Received two First-Class Service Excellence Awards.

Timeline

Meetings & Special Events Manager
The Ritz-Carlton
12.2024 - Current
Food & Beverage & Restaurant Supervisor
The Ritz-Carlton
05.2022 - 12.2024
Restaurant Hostess
BLT Steakhouse
01.2021 - 01.2022
Hostess
Bar Jack All-Day Dining
01.2019 - 01.2021
Kenya Utalii College
Certificate from Hotel Information Systems (Opera PMS)
Florida International University
BSc from Hospitality Management
Penn Foster College
Diploma from Travel & Tourism
Tsavo Park Hotel Institute
Diploma from Guiding & Administration
MARY NGUGI