“I didn’t know you could own a hotel” is a common response to the idea of hotel ownership. For many, it seems like an unattainable goal, reserved for the lucky or well-connected. Yet, for those willing to navigate the industry or carve their own path, hotel ownership is not only possible but can also serve as a powerful means of generating wealth and uplifting communities.
My own journey began with my love for hospitality and my mother’s encouragement to “dream bigger, go further.” Through education, industry connections, and my current role as a consultant at CBRE Hotels, I’ve come to see hotel ownership as a practical goal—one I now help my clients achieve. However, for many minorities, particularly Black and Latino communities, the road to hotel ownership can feel distant.
These communities have long been defined by their ingenuity, creativity, passion, and hospitality—traits that align perfectly with hotel ownership. Yet, the reality is that Black and Latino representation on the ownership level remains disproportionately low. While there is a rich history of minority hotel ownership, barriers such as access to capital and lack of awareness continue to limit participation.