At Highgate, we have always put people first.
This Opening Doors Together newsletter provides a roadmap for Associates to learn more, get involved, and engage with our K.I.N.D. Leadership culture and People First High Impact Groups—all of which strengthen how we lead, work together, and make decisions.
A MESSAGE FROM GERI
Culture is not a side initiative for the Highgate organization — it is foundational to how we operate, retain talent, support our teams, and differentiate ourselves as we continue to grow. By setting clear expectations, communicating consistently, and inspiring through kindness and care, we create an environment where every Associate feels valued, supported, and empowered to make an Impact.
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Our K.I.N.D. Leadership Standards are more than a priority — they are an expectation of how we lead, work together, and make decisions.
Our Inclusion Council and High Impact Groups play a meaningful role in strengthening engagement, creating connections across departments and teams, improving the Associate experience, and reinforcing the environment we want people to feel when they come to work each day. I encourage and value your participation in our High Impact Groups. By doing so, you strengthen our culture and each Associate's experience that our Highgate leadership so deeply values.
Your participation helps strengthen the culture and associate experience that our Highgate leadership deeply values. Thank you!
Geri Williams-Fitts, Chief People Officer
Four Pillars.
One culture.
K
Know Your Impact
Self-awareness & emotional intelligence
I
Inspire Through Kindness
Compassionate, recognition-rich leadership
N
Navigate with Clarity
Clear roles, decisions, & communication
D
Deliver with Purpose
Service excellence & ownership
THE FOUNDATION
KINDNESS IS
Kindness is sometimes viewed as a small gesture, but in the workplace, it can be a powerful operating principle.
Kindness influences how we welcome a new associate, how we conduct a difficult conversation, and how we support someone during a stressful day. It is present in whether a person has the information, tools, and resources necessary to succeed from the beginning.
Adreena Martin
Vice President, Human Resources – Special Projects
Chair, Ethnic & Racial Unity, High Impact Group
OUR HIGH IMPACT GROUP LEADERS—GET TO KNOW US!
OUR HIGH IMPACT PEOPLE FIRST PRIORITIES
FOCUS ON THREE KEY AREAS
Integrate the K.I.N.D. framework into our leadership standards to foster an environment where all Associates feel welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Provide meaningful participation and support for development opportunities so that every Associate may grow professionally and personally.
Strengthen our communities through intentional citizenship, active involvement, and genuine care.
​GOOD CITIZENSHIP & K.I.N.D. IN ACTION
Across every Division, every Hotel, and every Corporate Office, Make Your Mark: Summer of Impact has brought our teams together around one bold, shared ambition: Raising and exceeding our 2026 fundraising goal by $160,000 across our portfolio to support the work of the Highgate Charitable Foundation.
HIGH IMPACT 2026 GROUPS
OUR HIGH IMPACT GROUPS
Each High Impact Group—Cultural Connections, Ethnic & Racial Unity, Gender & Generational Pathways, and People First Wellness—serves as a practical expression of our values and provides a platform for our Associates to create meaningful impact. By integrating our High Impact Groups into the K.I.N.D. Framework, we reinforce their purpose, increase engagement, and demonstrate how they contribute to a more inclusive, connected, and high-performing organization.
WHY DO HIGH IMPACT GROUPS MATTER?
Get involved with a High Impact Group and help build a kinder, more connected workplace. Watch and learn how to get involved!
ETHNIC & RACIAL UNITY
HIGH IMPACT GROUP
Celebrate and promote inclusivity within our community. Through workshops, cultural events, and open forums, we strive to raise awareness about racial & ethnic issues and encourage meaningful dialogue.​
GENDER/GENERATIONAL PATHWAYS
HIGH IMPACT GROUP
Cultivate an environment that embraces all generations and genders, offering a safe space for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and mentoring, while promoting equal opportunities for growth and a fair, inclusive experience for all.​
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
HIGH IMPACT GROUP
Foster an inclusive and connected workplace by cultivating awareness and developing cross-cultural communication skills through education, events, networking, and social gatherings.​​​
PEOPLE FIRST WELLNESS
HIGH IMPACT GROUP
Promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being in the workplace by providing supportive resources, increased awareness, participation, and engagement in Highgate's existing wellness benefit programs.​​
JOIN. MAKE AN IMPACT.
1. Scan
2. Join
3. Make an Impact
Scan to make an impact
GENDER AND GENERATIONAL PATHWAYS GROUP
ADVANCING OPPORTUNITY,
BUILDING COMMUNITY.
The Gender and Generational Pathways Group fosters connection, inclusion, and growth through initiatives that empower our people and strengthen our culture.
WOMEN FORWARD
Highgate women leaders attended the American Hotel Lodging Assocation's 2026 FORWARD conference. Pictured here with Steve Batta, Group President, Highgate.
Abdul Rahman
Corporate Director, Talent Acquisition;
Chair, Gender & Generational Pathways High Impact Group
WHAT EVERY
GENERATION CAN TEACH US
Five generations are represented in today’s workforce. That creates different communication styles, expectations, and approaches to technology—but it also gives us an extraordinary opportunity to learn from one another.
Through my work with Highgate’s internship program, I see that opportunity firsthand. These new associates are often at the forefront of new technology, artificial intelligence and emerging forms of communication. They can teach more experienced colleagues new ways to present information and solve problems.
At the same time, established leaders can provide context, judgment, professional knowledge and perspective gained through experience.
2026 INTERN PROGRAM
The energy, hard work, enthusiasm, and contributions by our summer interns have made a meaningful impact across Highgate. We are incredibly proud of all they've accomplished, contributing more than 30,000 hours of purposeful work this summer. We hired 19 percent of the 2026 intern class as Highgate Associates!
POWERFUL HIGHGATE 2026 INTERN SURVEY TAKEAWAYS
Quotes from Intern Class 2026
93.4%
of our interns would recommend Highgate's internship program to others.
92.3%
expressed overall satisfaction with our internship program.
ETHNIC & RACIAL UNITY HIGH IMPACT GROUP
VOICES OF UNITY,
STORIES OF KINDNESS.
Hear from Highgate Associates on how ethnic and racial unity strengthens our culture and builds a kinder Highgate.
HIGHGATE ACADEMY
RECOMMENDED LEARNING
Explore curated Highgate Academy Online courses designed to build awareness, strengthen empathy, and create a culture of belonging. These resources encourage us to learn from different perspectives, support one another, and help create a stronger, more inclusive community.
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Use your SSO login
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS HIGH IMPACT GROUP
HOSPITALITY IS A GLOBAL LANGUAGE:
WHY CULTURAL CONNECTIONS MATTER AT HIGHGATE.
Our Cultural Connections High Impact Group is focused on learning about each other—different cultures, communities, and cuisines as our Highgate community continues to expand around the globe. We encourage exploration and observance of cultures and shared experiences in person and virtually.
We look forward to welcoming new members to our High Impact Group to help strengthen communication, accessibility, and inclusion across our teams.
Our Highgate Team members have Made Your Mark this year with events such as World Ocean Day and Spin it Forward, bringing Associates together to benefit our surrounding communities.
PEOPLE FIRST WELLNESS HIGH IMPACT GROUP
SUPPORTING WELL-BEING
ENCOURAGING HEALTH.
People First Wellness supports Associate well-being through initiatives like Thrive Together and helpful seasonal resources. We are also featuring the 2026 Health Calendar and related wellness resources for Associates.
YOUR HEALTH CALENDAR & LINK
https://www.healthadvocate.com/site/communications-calendar-26
PEOPLE FIRST WELLNESS: EYEMED CALENDAR
We care about your eyes and your eyesight! Look through the monthly calendar for healthy tips for everyone in your family.
GET INVOLVED
YOUR IMPACT MATTERS.
KINDNESS CONNECTS.
High Impact Groups at Highgate provide personal and professional opportunities for Associates. Our teams give back through cultural and community-focused events, proudly partnering with organizations that uplift diverse communities. Join a High Impact Group to help drive our mission forward. Scan the QR code to volunteer to participate in a High Impact Group.
HIGHGATE AWARDS & RECOGNITION
HIGHGATE RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY
These awards are especially meaningful because they are based solely on the voices of our Associates. In their surveys, Associates highlighted the very qualities that make Highgate an exceptional place to grow a career: our strong culture, commitment to promoting from within, caring and approachable leadership, dedication to professional development, inclusive environment, and our transparency in the way we operate.
We hope you enjoyed our Summer Newsletter. The next edition of our People First Newsletter will be published this winter. Any questions or suggestions? Contact: CorporateHR@Highgate.com