Danielle Burbage, Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown

I am a Sales Manager for Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown. I am responsible for selling the hotel to groups, and that entails rooms and meeting space. I work with clients on their needs for their group when they come into town for either a corporate event, leisure or conference.

My start into hospitality was as a Sales Coordinator, then I went back to the athletic world as a Director of Operations for Track and Field at the University of Louisville. Went on to coach track and field collegiately for 7 years. I was hired in mid-May 2022 as a Sales Manager. What I love the most about working in hospitality is the energy of the people and how fast pace it moves. It still gives me the same competitiveness I had as a former athlete and college coach. We get to compete against other hotels and cities! I also love the perks of working in hospitality! We have great benefits! My biggest "aha" moment was when I turned 30, I knew I had to follow my own path, and to enjoy the journey along the way. It's really all about the journey and the people you meet along the way. Advice, enjoy the journey and learn as much as you can for every person along the way.