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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: John Musso

Government Affairs Manager

advocacy@arlingtonchamber.org

(703) 525-2400 ext. 203

High Resolution Photos available upon request

Arlington Chamber of Commerce Honors Employees at Hospitality Awards

The 19th Annual Hospitality Award Winners

ARLINGTON, VA - This morning, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted the 19th Annual Hospitality Awards at the Hilton Arlington National Landing. The event, sponsored by Arlington Convention and Visitors Service, honored more than 70 front-line workers in Arlington's hospitality industry. These prestigious awards are presented to hospitality workers who deliver outstanding customer service, exhibit excellence in their roles, and continuously exceed their job descriptions. 


Flavia Sampaio, General Manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott - Rosslyn and Chair of the Arlington Chamber Hotel General Managers Committee, opened the program. "This event is our celebration of the people who make a difference in the Arlington hospitality industry. Thank you for joining us today for this special event to honor those who make Arlington a great place to live, work, and visit," said Sampaio.


Following the opening remarks, Kate Bates, Arlington Chamber President & CEO and Emily Cassell, Director of Arlington Convention and Visitors Service presented the Hospitality Superstar Awards. "These individuals truly are the heart of the Arlington hospitality industry and our community is lucky to have each and every one of them," said Bates.

Flavia Sampaio, General Manager of Residence Inn by Marriott - Rosslyn and Chair of the Arlington Chamber Hotel General Managers Committee (left); Superstar Award Winner Yaovi De Souza, Crystal Gateway Marriott (center); and Emily Cassell, Director of Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (right)

Bates, Cassell, and Sampaio read inspiring testimonials of how each Hospitality Superstar Award winner has displayed integrity and dedication in their work, along with examples of how they care for guests above and beyond their duties.


One award winner, Yaovi De Souza of the Crystal Gateway Marriott, went out of his way to assist a guest who arrived in a wheelchair after business hours. He not only brought their luggage to their room, but also went to the kitchen to bring water and tea bags for the guest to make sure that they were comfortable and looked after.


Another winner, Ekoue Assingbon of the Residence Inn by Marriott - Rosslyn, wears multiple hats as overnight security, houseman and laundry attendant. In addition to succeeding at those duties, he was willing to stay behind when the hotel lobby flooded to protect hotel equipment and ensure the safety of both his team members and his guests.

The ceremony also honored 22 individuals with the Bob Klein Legendary Service Award for their 25 or more years of service in the Arlington hospitality industry. This award was renamed a number of years ago in honor of Bob Klein, the late General Manager of the Holiday Inn National Airport, who was instrumental in creating the Hospitality Awards program and ensuring its success for the first five years. 

(From left to right): Steve Cooper, 2025 Arlington Chamber Board Chair; Legendary Service Award winner Sebastiana Lobo, Hilton Arlington National Landing; Emily Cassell, Director of Arlington Convention and Visitors Service; Flavia Sampaio, General Manager of Residence Inn by Marriott - Rosslyn and Chair of the Arlington Chamber Hotel General Managers Committee 

Among the Legendary Service Award winners was Sebastiana Lobo of the Hilton Arlington National Landing, who has served in the hospitality industry for 41 years. Her meticulous attention to detail and her warm, welcoming nature have earned her admiration from both her colleagues and from guests. She has also mentored many colleagues, sharing her wisdom and her passion for hospitality with countless others.

The 2025 Bob Klein Legendary Service Award winners include: 

Cecilia Amartey

DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC-Crystal City


Ana Aviles

The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City


Brenda Barnes

National Landing Hotel Crystal City


Maria Coreas

Westin Crystal City Reagan Airport


Juan Coronado

The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City


Pat Crawley

Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport


Marilu Flores

Hilton Arlington National Landing


Dino Hajrulahovic

The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City


Hilda Lazo

Residence Inn by Marriott - Rosslyn


Sebastiana Lobo

Hilton Arlington National Landing


Salaheddine Masrour

Hilton Arlington National Landing

Gloria Membreno

Westin Crystal City Reagan Airport


Martha Novoa

Westin Crystal City Reagan Airport


Hildalgo Palacios

Hilton Arlington National Landing


Lidia Sanchez

Crystal Gateway Marriott


Mabel Sanchez

Hilton Arlington National Landing


Gabrilla Sankow

Crystal Gateway Marriott


Robert Taylor

The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City


Lien To

Residence Inn by Marriott - Rosslyn


Emee Torrez

Hyatt Centric Arlington


Maria Ventura

Westin Crystal City Reagan Airport


Xin Zhu

The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City

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ABOUT THE CHAMBER

Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of approximately 650 businesses committed to strengthening businesses and the economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington. The Chamber supports our members through networking, advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. For more information or to become a member, visit www.arlingtonchamber.org.

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