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Mary D\u2019Argenis-Fernandez grew up practically living in hotels. Her family spent their summers traveling and staying at different properties, sometimes for weeks on end. While their father worked, Mary and her sister, Katrina, would pass their time people-watching. \u201cWe would sit for hours in the lobby and watch the action around us,\u201d says Mary. \u201cWe noticed how the staff greeted guests when they checked in and interacted with guests in general.\u201d

Her love of being immersed in the hotel industry was born from these annual trips, but her career in hospitality started when she was in high school working at Disney\u2019s Magic Kingdom making ice cream cones. \u201cI loved my job and the company,\u201d she says. \u201cI had fun every day. I laughed with my co-workers and had a blast.\u201d

Although Mary originally intended to pursue a law degree, she decided to follow the path she knew would make her happier and give her the most professional satisfaction. With that, Mary returned to the Walt Disney Company after graduate school where she was promoted to a restaurant manager and an area manager soon thereafter.

In that first year, Mary was selected to be a facilitator for the Walt Disney Company\u2019s legendary training program, Traditions. \u201cIn that role, I realized I could make an impact in the way employees interacted with guests and how they felt about their jobs,\u201d she says. \u201cBy helping them feel connected to their work, there was the potential to increase retention, guest satisfaction, and profitability.\u201d

Subsequent roles at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and Fairmont Hotels followed the years she spent at Disney. In 2015, Mary launched MDA Hospitality and counts some of the world\u2019s most prestigious hotels as her clients, including Conrad properties in New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, and the historic Arizona Biltmore. In addition to these iconic properties, clients include luxury residential communities, clubs, a national specialty grocer, and an international technology company.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross, a Master of Education from Worcester State University, and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University.

Although Florida is home, Mary spends more than half of her time on the road. \u201cIt\u2019s just like when I was at Disney,\u201d she says. \u201cI love my job and never feel like I\u2019m working.\u201d

Connect with Jon Dwoskin:

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Connect with Mary D\u2019Argenis-Fernandez:

Website:\xa0https://mdahospitality.com/
Instagram:\xa0https://www.instagram.com/mdahospitality/
LinkedIn:\xa0https://www.linkedin.com/company/mdahospitality/