Jessica DeDominicis would often drive her car past the construction site for the Hilton Garden Inn on Boardman Street as the new hotel began taking shape.
That area of East Boston was quite familiar to her, as were all the neighborhoods. DeDominicis had grown up on Maverick Street before moving to Eagle Hill for her years at the Umana Middle School and East Boston High School where she graduated in 2005. Displaying excellent leadership skills and universally admired by her classmates, DeDominicis was elected president of her class and played one year of softball for the Jets.
“I loved East Boston High School,” recalled DeDominicis. “I had a great four years. The principals, Anthony Poto (one year) and Michael Rubin (three years), were outstanding when I was a student.”
DeDominicis, 31, maintains a close connection to the community. During one of those rides past the rising hotel, she decided to apply for a position.
“I came in and interviewed and it worked out well,” said DeDominicis. “They had a night auditor’s position and the hours worked well for me, being a mother of two young children.”
The two years of employment at the hotel have been very rewarding. DeDominicis was recently promoted to the position of front office manager at the Hilton Garden Inn. She previously held the positions of night auditor and front desk supervisor.
As front office manager at the busy hotel, she oversees the operations of the front office and the shuttle bus service to Logan Airport, the MBTA Station, and the car rental agencies.
“I really like working with the staff here,” said DeDominicis. “I like the fact that each day is different in that I get to meet people from all over the world who are visiting Boston. The company has been amazing to me. They treat us very well and were flexible when I had to take care of my daughter during a health situation. And [Director of Sales] Steve Haley is awesome. He has so much experience in the hospitality industry so you can seek him out for advice. Our GM [Kevin Buchanan] is a very good leader and mentor.”
DeDominicis is a former manager of hair salons. She is the mother of two children, Theron, 11, and Elizabeth, 4. Her mother, Lisa DeDominicis, is an East Boston resident, and several relatives still reside here.
DeDominicis is not surprised that the hotel has been a tremendous success. “We all pride ourselves on our excellent customer service,” she said. “Our customer service scores are fantastic. It takes a team effort, from the front desk, to housekeeping, to the food and beverage people, to sales, management, and the home office.”
DeDominicis encourages other Eastie residents to follow her path and apply for a position at the Hilton Garden Inn.
“We have several people from East Boston working at the hotel,” said DeDominicis. “The company has been very good about hiring local residents and their [East Boston residents] familiarity with the region is a benefit to our guests.”
Buchanan, who recently returned as general manager, said he was excited about DeDominicis’ new opportunity at the hotel.
“Jessica has been working at the hotel for two years and it’s been a great fit,” said Buchanan. “I’m so excited that she was born and raised in East Boston and we’re able to offer this opportunity for her. She deserves it and she earned it.”