Business: Human Resources Manager
Business
Human Resources Manager: Eileen Nepomuceno
By Sara Young
Eileen Nepomuceno started out at the bottom of the ladder and climbed her way to the top.
As a teenager, her parents never stressed the importance of higher education so there was really no motivation for Eileen to get a college degree. Regardless of that oversight, she always strived for independence and success, which is the very reason she's climbed the career ladder to become Director of Quality Control today, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
For someone without a college degree, Eileen has come a long way. Hard work and determination played key roles in helping her take her career to a higher level.
Gotta Love It
Overseeing more than 1,800 employees at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa could be a difficult task for some people. But for Eileen, she loves the fact that no two days are ever alike. "Everyone is so humble. I love having relationships with so many kinds of people. We're like a family and we work as a team. No day is the same as the last day!" said Eileen Nepomuceno, with a warm smile.
Everyday Is A New Day
As Director of Quality Training, Eileen is responsible for three branches of the hotel: quality, training, and time management. Each day brings new challenges for Eileen, and she feels she must constantly remind herself of the path she took to get to where she is today.
Having What It Takes
In 1975, the Kaiser High School graduate started working as a waitress at the Ward Centers Yum Yum Tree. One of the restaurant's regular customers was a bank manager at First Hawaiian Bank, and out of the clear blue he suggested that Eileen apply for a vacant bank teller position. And guess what? She got the job!
Just to make ends meet, Eileen worked part-time as bank teller, spending her evenings off moonlighting as a waitress. Soon after, she was appointed to Branch Teller Trainer, where she stayed put for the next seven years.
A Career Girl?
Although she seemingly found her career niche as a trainer, Eileen decided to become a stay-at-home mom. The evening hours were more convenient so she kept working nights as a supervisor at the Yum Yum Tree. "I had not been focused on having a career. I wanted to be like my mom. I didn't see myself as a career woman."
Where There's A Will …
Once her daughter was old enough to stay with a babysitter, Eileen took the opportunity to continue her career as a teller trainer for American Savings Bank. In order to advance her career in the banking industry, Eileen attended every night class that the bank offered. Eileen also aligned herself with different organizations that could help her develop professionally, such as the Institute of Financial Education, which to her was all a part of the learning process. What set her apart from the rest was her openness to being taught. Her willingness to learn exemplified her desire to advance her professional career.
All her hard work paid off because in 1990, she was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Training and Development.
…There's A Way
When a friend encouraged her to apply for a training director position at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Eileen hesitated. "I never worked in a hotel before."
During her job interview, Eileen came up with the best possible answer regarding her work experience. "I said, 'Service is service. Whether it's a guest or a customer, it's still service. I've excelled in my job, I'm loyal, and I was able to expand my leadership skills.'"
On May 17, 1996, Eileen started her new position in the fast-paced hotel industry. "It was a fun new industry, and it gave my career a new level to look forward to."
Room To Grow
Now, after spending 20 years in banking and over 11 years in the hotel industry, Eileen is confident that she can conquer any professional challenges that may arise. "I have been so fortunate because I always have room for growth. I learned so much, and I'm [never] the same person walking out that I was walking in."