Sheila Burgess has served guests at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront since 1996, when she joined the hotel as a Banquet Server. Over the years, she has nearly done it all, working around the hotel in roles from housekeeping to host, coffee attendant to bartender to restaurant server – and more.

An always compassionate colleague, Sheila creates a tight-knit team environment. She goes out of her way to make new associates feel welcome, ensuring they are well-trained, and pitching in when others need help. Always looking for ways to do more at her hotel, she has spearheaded improvements such as crosswalk flag programs that promote safety for associates and guests, and ensuring wheelchairs are available for guest use. Sheila has put her green thumb to work in the hotel's rooftop garden, planting herbs and edible flowers for use in the kitchen.

Sheila blends her passion for hospitality and her genuine care for others seamlessly. She is meticulous about meeting every guest's dietary needs and does quality checks with guests during meal functions to ensure they are satisfied. One time, when centerpieces did not arrive at the hotel for a wedding on time, Sheila brought in flowers from her own garden.

She is a consummate ambassador for the hotel, creating unforgettable experiences and earning accolades from guests spanning her nearly three decades at the hotel. Her kindness knows no bounds, as she consistently looks to make a positive impact on those around her, including one memorable interaction where she reunited a guest with a special ring that had been accidentally thrown away.  

Sheila has a heart of gold, which is showcased through her extensive personal volunteer work in the community. She created finger puppets and knit hats for the local children’s hospital, a local homeless shelter, and her co-workers, and donated school supplies for children in need. She even painted rocks with her grandchildren to leave around the city for strangers to brighten their day.

Sheila's genuine care for her team and guests, combined with her community-mindedness, makes her a shining example of what it means to embody Marriott's timeless core values.