Beyond the lobby: Women crafting careers in hospitality at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

In the heart of paradise at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa, where each smile is a welcome and every detail contributes to a memorable experience, there exists a cadre of remarkable women who are crafting more than just careers – they are shaping the very fabric of the hospitality industry. The resort invites you to venture behind the scenes and discover the stories of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to service. Celebrating International Women’s Day where inclusivity is embraced, they foster belonging by giving support, recognition, and being an ally to another. 

Mohamed Shiman, Director of Human Resources of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa said, “We believe in fostering an inclusive working environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of their background. We are dedicated to creating a culture that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all. Career growth is at full support, with all available resources provided to ensure each team member thrives in their professional journey,”

Karamath Abdul Shakoor, Accountant

Growing up on a small island in Addu Atoll, Karamath never thought that she would work in the resort industry. It was a motorbike accident that prompted her to join a resort and she knew at that very moment, the hotelier was for her. Her love for the ocean became a source of relaxation and ease for her mind. Despite facing gender inequality in the male-dominated finance industry in the Maldives, Karamath found equality and opportunity at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Valued for her skills and contributions, she emphasizes the importance of time management for achieving work-life balance. Karamath encourages women to take a leap of faith, asserting that while job opportunities may be limited in the finance sector, there are numerous women with untapped potential capable of holding leadership positions. Karamath’s journey resonates with the belief that dreams do come true, and it is your grit, not your luck, that will make it happen.

Muthu Lakshmi, Food and Beverage Team Leader

Lakshmi, whose background in Zoology, unexpectedly led her to a fulfilling career in the hospitality industry. Rising from the bottom to become a Team Leader, her journey began with a desire to work in a luxury resort, bringing her to Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa for its reputation and stunning location. Motivated by creating memorable guest experiences, her natural hospitality with an unwavering commitment to excellence fuels her professional growth. Adaptability and resilience are the valuable lessons learned along the way. Lakshmi emphasizes work-life balance by setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. In the resort industry, she champions the idea that women offer unique perspectives and valuable contributions. Lakshmi’s belief is rooted in providing every woman the opportunity and capability to achieve goals. The world becomes richer when women boldly acknowledge their strengths and lend their voices to every community they engage in. 

Maisha Musthafa, Guest Service Supervisors 

Maisha possesses a cheerful demeanor and her passion for delivering exceptional service defines her role as Guest Service Supervisor at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Enthusiastic about meeting people and learning about diverse cultures, she finds genuine joy in her work. Her hospitality journey was nurtured by her father, who emphasized the industry’s inclusivity, breaking gender stereotypes prevalent in the past. Maisha’s experience as a hotelier has been delightful, fostering personal growth and resilience in navigating day-to-day challenges with a proactive mindset. Striking a balance between family and career is pivotal for her. She holds the belief that providing additional awareness and exposure to the younger generation about the industry could encourage more women to step forward and pursue careers in this field. Inspired by Marriott International’s commitment to putting people first, helps her to discover a vast opportunity and to experience as much as she could. She calls all women out there to contribute to a community where all individuals are valued and respected equally; a place where women empower women.

Laltluangpuii (Lucy), Spa Therapist

Lucy, a seasoned Spa Therapist with over a decade of experience in the hotel spa industry, hailing from Mizoram in the North Eastern part of India. For her, the hotel industry is not just a career but an opportunity for personal and professional growth. The journey serves her a rewarding chance to discover the world and to meet people from diverse backgrounds. As a spa therapist at Shine Spa for Sheraton, Lucy finds immense satisfaction in making people feel rejuvenated through her exceptional skills and talents. Despite the inevitable ups and downs in her career, Lucy remains grateful for the unwavering support she receives from her family, friends, and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, which provides an inclusive environment to navigate through challenges. Her advice to fellow women is to embrace mistakes, recognizing that failure is not the opposite of success but an essential part of the journey. 

In the diverse narrative of this cadre, a tapestry of strength, resilience, and passion transcends boundaries. Celebrating International Women’s Day, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa congratulates incredible women across the globe for making a positive impact and shaping the tourism industry.