TO ETHER
OPENING DOORS
PEOPLE FIRST NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2025
At Highgate, we have always put people first. We’ve built a culture where every Associate is accepted, valued, and encouraged to thrive. This same spirit thrives in our 500+ hotels globally—After all, welcoming others is at the heart of hospitality.
INSPIRATION CORNER
INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
Together we’re making Highgate stronger and more inclusive every day. Watch our brief video message, outlining how we are Opening Doors Together at Highgate.
Highgate Recognized Nationally
Highgate is honored to be recognized as a 2025 Top Workplace in the Hospitality Industry, building on our achievement as a 2024 Top Workplace in the D-FW area by the Dallas Morning News.
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.
This recognition is a reflection of our Associates’ passion, contributions, and commitment to making Highgate not only a leader in hospitality, but also a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to succeed.
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS ACROSS GENERATIONS
This summer, more than 94 talented interns joined Highgate, bringing fresh ideas, innovative thinking, and a unique perspective to our hotels and corporate offices.
As part of a collaborative High Impact Group initiative, several interns came together to share their reflections on Highgate’s dynamic culture and the value of working in a multi-generational environment.
Their insights highlight the creativity, collaboration, and energy that make our workplace thrive.
Watch a short clip below to hear directly from our interns about their experiences and the lessons they’ll carry forward in their careers.
GOOD CITIZENSHIP IN ACTION
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Through the Highgate Charitable Foundation and Community Engagement, we lead with purpose and integrity. Highgate's Charitable Foundation's mission is to support philanthropic organizations and communities worldwide that address issues related to poverty, education and health care. HCF fundraises on behalf of a diverse array of public charities dedicated to the betterment of our global community.
Spin It Forward, a remarkable three-day rooftop event in June at Highgate’s New York Park Lane hotel raised $100,000 to uplift lives across the globe.
With 72 hours of nonstop, live-streamed music—spanning vinyl, house, pop, R&B, jazz, rock, funk, soul, and more—
This purpose-driven event directly supports the Highgate Charitable Foundation, funding life-changing initiatives around the world in poverty relief, education and healthcare.
HIGHGATE
CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
DJ FOR A CAUSE
HIGH IMPACT MID-YEAR INITIATIVES
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CELEBRATING CULTURAL CONNECTIONS &
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Highgate recently partnered with the North Texas Food Bank in a volunteer initiative dedicated to fighting hunger and supporting families across the region. Our Associates came together with the shared goal of giving back, helping to sort, and package meals for distribution to households currently facing food insecurity.
This effort reflects Highgate’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and our belief that even small actions can create a big impact. By opening doors for those who need a helping hand, we not only contribute to building a stronger, healthier community, we also enrich our own lives through teamwork, compassion, and service.
We are proud of our Associates for living out Highgate’s values and demonstrating that when we come together, we can make a meaningful difference.
GIVING BACK TOGETHER
Cultural Connections High Impact Group partnered with Community Partners of Dallas to support underprivileged children throughout the year, focusing on the immediate needs of children who are currently in the care of Child Protective Services.
For Easter, Highgate donated Easter baskets for the children.
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FOOD WITH PURPOSE
Highgate Cultural Connections partnered with with local organizations that empower and uplift diverse communities. In March, Highgate hosted an event introducing Food 4 Good to our Corporate Staff.
Through food, culture, and powerful storytelling, Food 4 Good breaks bread with the community and save lives one bite at a time.
YOUR HIGH IMPACT GROUPS
Our High Impact Groups focus on health & wellness, race and ethnicity, cultural awareness and gender/generational pathways. Each High Impact Group has made significant progress.
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.
PRIORITIZING OUR HEALTH
During the month of June, Highgate Associates took part in a wellness challenge in partnership with Dallas Community Partners, aimed at raising funds to support children in need of housing, food, and other essential resources. We’re proud to share that out of 82 participating teams, Highgate placed 3rd overall!
Mark your calendar to participate in these upcoming Wellness events, recommended by our People First Wellness High Impact Group:
9/7—2025 Komen NYC Race for the Cure | NYC |
9/21—American Heart Association Heart Walk | Dallas |
9/22—5th Annual HCF Golf Event | Roxiticus Golf Course, NJ |
10/18—2025 Komen NYC Race for the Cure | Dallas |
10/18 — 2025 Dallas Heart Walk | Dallas
10/25—Shatterproof Walk | NYC |
11/08— Aga Khan Walk | Dallas
11/15—Shatterproof Walk | Dallas |
CREATING A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT
To foster an inclusive workplace,
we provide Associates with meaningful opportunities to engage in discussions about culture, ethnicity, race and belonging. Our Ethnic and Racial High Impact Group members work with Project Unity, an international organization, based in Dallas.
Their virtual conversations are open to all Highgate Associates at no charge. Simply register below:
OUR HIGH IMPACT GROUP LEADERS—GET TO KNOW US!
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Wei Huang
Co-Chair
Gender and Generational Pathways
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Adreena Martin
Co-Chair
Ethnic & Racial Unity
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Marianne Balfe
Co-Chair
People First Wellness
Kendall Williams
Co-Chair
Ethnic & Racial Unity
Abdul Rahman
Co-Chair
Gender and Generational Pathways
Victoria Garcia
Co-Chair
Cultural Connections
Dina Winder
Co-Chair
People First Wellness
Diana Mills
Co-Chair
Cultural Connections
LOOKING AHEAD
Together, we’re making Highgate stronger and more inclusive, every day.
Our commitment to Putting People First remains unwavering. We will continue striving to make Highgate a vibrant and inclusive environment where every Associate feels recognized, heard, and valued. Our journey continues, and together, we are shaping a future where everyone belongs. Every day, we’re strengthening Highgate and fostering a more inclusive culture, with People First at the heart of everything we do.
Geri Williams-Fitts
Chief People Officer
GET INVOLVED
IN A HIGH IMPACT GROUP
High Impact Groups at Highgate provide personal and professional opportunities for Associates. Our teams give back through cultural and community-focused events as we proudly partner with organizations that uplift diverse communities. Join a High Impact Group to help drive our mission forward. Scan the QR code to apply on Highgate InTouch. Password: wearehighgate
We hope you enjoyed our Summer Newsletter. The next edition of our People First Newsletter will be published this fall. Any questions or suggestions? Contact: CorporateHR@Highgate.com