A chat with Doreen D’Souza, first Seychellois woman to become the resort manager of an international chain Hotel, DoubleTree Allamanda Resort & Spa |01 July 2017

‘No regrets for joining Hilton’

Seychelles NATION (SN): Who is Doreen D'Souza?

Doreen D'Souza: I am a down to earth person and try to be humble.  I like to mingle with any one in society.  People tell me I am very open minded, flexible and like justice.

SN: Please tell us about your childhood days

Doreen D’Souza: I was raised by my mum and dad at Port Glaud and did my primary and secondary studies at Port Glaud school.  I also joined the National Youth Service for two years, and then went to Polytechnic.  My most memorable days, I would say, was the time when I was at the National Youth Service.  I made so many friends and learned to do things by myself for my personal development.

SN: Your days as a young girl?

Doreen D’Souza: Like any young girls, I did good and bad things as well, but happy that I changed more to the positive along the way.  I was an athlete when I was at school as I like sports until now.  I have always participated in the interschools sports day, but never won a gold medal… I have been an ambitious girl, like when I was still at the polytechnic; I would work during holidays to help my family.  My brothers and sisters always looked up to me for advice and I acted as if I was the big sister putting order in the house when there were conflicts among us.

SN: What did you study?

Doreen D’Souza: I studied secretarial at the Seychelles Polytechnic.  Then I did the certificate and diploma in human resources at the Seychelles Institute of Management which is the Guy Morel Institute now.  I also took some correspondence courses like diploma in modern management; diploma in communication and diploma in industrial relations.  All these helped me a lot in my careers in Human Resources Development.

SN: When did you start your career and as what?

Doreen D’Souza: My first job was as a clerk typist with the Ministry of Education based at the Seychelles Polytechnic.  Then I moved to the Ministry of Employment office at the old Unity House as a secretary.  I then moved from the public sector to join the private sector as a personnel assistant at Le Meridien Barbarons, and this is where my career in the hotel industry kicked off and until today, I am still in the industry.

SN: What is one major event in your life?

Doreen D’Souza: My wedding day. I still remember the full ceremony until today.

SN: About your travels?

Doreen D’Souza: Yes, I have travelled quite a lot on my own, but also with the company for work purposes.  When I was doing only training, I travelled very often to South Africa mainly to assist my colleagues conducting training there as I am a certified Master Train the Trainer for Hilton. I guess being in the hotel industry, you are bound to do some travelling.

SN: Tell us a little bit about your family

Doreen D’Souza: I come from a family of 10 – four brothers and three sisters plus mum and dad.  I am the third child and the only child that was born in a different month unlike others.  I was born in December, and all my brothers and sisters were born either in April or September.

SN: Your experience with the Hilton Group?

Doreen D’Souza: Now, I am the new resort manager for DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort & Spa since June 1, 2017. My experience with the Hilton Group has been fantastic, marvellous and great!  This company invested a lot in me and today they are getting return on their investment.  Hilton has lots of development programmes, but it is up to each individual to grab and seize the opportunity given to them. No regret for joining Hilton.

SN: Any advice for youngsters?

Doreen D’Souza: Keep focus and be self-motivated.  Look for a role model and never give up even if the storm is hard; persevere and one day you will be what you want to be!

Compiled by V.G.