Hilton’s Laura Fuentes Discusses Importance of Empathy in Allyship

Laura Fuentes, chief talent officer at Hilton (No. 2 on the 2020 Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list) said empathy is central to being an ally to those facing racial injustice. Fuentes is from Spain and spent much of her life living and traveling around the world, first with her parents and later for work. She said her desire to connect with other cultures born out of her life experience became an integral part of how she integrated allyship into her career.

(Courtesy of Hilton)

“What originally, I think, was born more out of personal experience around allyship, bridging cultures, and learning from other cultures then became a personal, dedicated interest that I would bring into work,” she said.

Hilton founder Conrad Hilton held the belief that people can achieve world peace through travel. Fuentes said allyship ties into Hilton’s mission because it is an important component of connecting with and appreciating other cultures. “I think that requires allyship, and it requires a deep sense of empathy with others who may have different backgrounds, look differently, work differently, but ultimately contribute to the richness that is humankind and that is the tapestry of our business in particular,” Fuentes explained.

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