Building Legacies: Roshani Arumendo’s Journey at Cinnamon Hotels & the Future of Women in Hospitality.

Roshani Arumendo’s journey in the hospitality industry reflects the growing strides women are making in traditionally male dominated fields. As the Front Office Manager at Cinnamon Wild Yala, Roshani’s career reflects the evolving inclusivity within the hospitality sector as well as Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts ongoing efforts to support and reward female talent.

For Roshani, stepping into the hospitality industry is not just a career; it’s a family legacy. Growing up, her mother and sister both worked in hospitality and naturally, Roshani was inspired to follow in their footsteps. Her motherset a strong example of professionalism while maintaining work-life balance—values Roshani strives to uphold in her own life. “Watching my mother seamlessly manage her career and family life taught me the importance of focus and balance, but it also meant that we weren’t aware of some of the challenges in the industry.”

While hospitality was a natural choice for her, Roshani initially started her career in healthcare as a trainee nurse at a leading hospital for over three years before an opportunity to join Jetwing Hotels as a trainee transitioned her to hospitality. Her journey with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts began as a Guest Relations Executive where within months, she was promoted to Front Office Executive. She then rapidly rose the ranks at different properties, eventually earning her present title as Front Office Manager at Cinnamon Wild Yala. “It’s been an incredible journey of growth,” she reflects, “every step taught me something new about myself and what I was capable of.”

Roshani’s career wasn’t without challenges, particularly in confronting societal biases about women working in the hotel industry. She recalls that early in her career, a woman working in the industry faced stigma and scepticism–“it wasn’t as respected as it is now, especially for women.” This perception, combined with the realities of working long hours in a public-facing roleposed hurdles she had to navigate with grit and resilience.

Over time, however, the hospitality sector has evolved significantly. Stronger laws addressing workplace harassment, coupled with organisations like Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts enforcing zero-tolerance policies have created safer and more inclusive work environments. Such policies are vital in attracting more women to the industry as it reassures them that they will be supported and protected in their roles. “These polices have made it easier for women to explore and develop their protentional,” she says. “It’s been rewarding to see women who started alongside me now thriving in leadership roles.”

Roshani too has flourished in the industry beyond her official role. She has been instrumental in Cinnamon’s EmpowerHerprogram, a gender empowerment initiative dedicated to improving working conditions for female colleagues in the industry, addressing health, safety and stigma concerns. One of her proudest achievements was the launch of the Breast Cancer Awareness program in collaboration with the Indira Cancer Trust which educated staff and local community about early detection and provided a safe space for open discussions on women’s’ health and wellness. “It wasn’t just about creating awareness; it was about empowering women to take charge of their health,” she explains.

Her efforts have also been directed towards team capacity building, particularly in empowering female staff. “I noticed a lot of hesitance in participation and self-presentation,” she shared. “I focused on fostering unity and encouraging leadership among them and demonstrated the power of confidence-building and unity.” These efforts have been deeply rewarding for Roshani, witnessing her team members overcome their initial shyness and transform into confident leaders in their own roles.

Roshani attributes her growth as a leader to the many development opportunities made available by Cinnamon Hotels& Resorts where initiatives like the Management Acceleration Program (MAP) played a significant role in shaping her approach to leadership as well as overseas training opportunities such as the fast-track training program at the Emirates Academy in Dubai which further sharpened her leadership style. “Leadership isn’t just about directing and managing people. It’s about creating an environment with trust and collaboration, where everyone can succeed.”

Roshani commends the culture at Cinnamon Hotels& Resortsfor keeping her grounded and motivated. The company’s commitment to fostering a friendly, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace has won the loyalty of Roshani for 7 years. “It’s a place where you feel valued. The kind of work environment that empowers you to continue growing in your role and inspire others while sharing the joys of hospitality with the next generation.”

For women considering a future in hospitality, Roshani offers advice grounded in her own experiences. “Hospitality offers robust opportunities for growth,” she says. “Take advantage of the resources available today; hotel schools, colleges, and training programs will give you a strong foundation. The industry has transformed, and women now have the tools and support to thrive.” She also adds that challenges are inevitable in any industry,what’s important is having a positive mindset and facing them head-on. “Every challenge is an opportunity to learn. Embrace your individuality and assertiveness without hesitation and face them with resilience.”

As the hospitality landscape continues to grow, women like Roshani Arumendoare shaping the future of inclusive work environments. Together with Cinnamon Hotels &Resorts, they create pathways for women in hospitality to aim for senior positions and succeed in their roles, setting new benchmarks for the industry as a whole.