Naval Support Activity Bethesda’s Navy Lodge general manager recently represented the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) at a ceremony in Arlington honoring companies that help Latinas with career growth and advancement.
“This is particularly impactful to me as a Latina,” said Anna Herrera-Ruiz, Navy Lodge Bethesda general manager. “I am honored that NEXCOM is being honored as an organization by Latina Style. This is a high achievement and I’m certain that many talented and skilled NEXCOM Latinas will feel a great sense of pride for this recognition and I am thrilled to represent them.”
NEXCOM was one of 50 companies recognized by Latina Style that promote growth opportunities for Latinas in their organization.
“It’s part of NEXCOM culture to create opportunities for growth and career advancement for all associates at all levels,” Herrera-Ruiz said.
She said she was grateful to represent NEXCOM which ranked 45th among major businesses that also made the magazine’s list.
“It’s given me a voice to speak for the thousands of Hispanics working for NEXCOM. I feel very proud,” Herrera-Ruiz said.
She has worked with the company for 16 years and became Navy Lodge Bethesda’s general manager in 2012. Previously, she worked as the general manager at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Navy Lodge and has managed Navy Lodges in Atsugi, Japan; Bangor, Washington; Memphis, Tennessee; San Diego and North Island, California.
“Having spent a great deal of time in the field at our Navy Lodges worldwide and having had the opportunity to meet and get to know so many talented Latinas, it is truly exciting to watch these wonderful women thrive in their careers over time and be recognized for their accomplishments,” she said.
Herrera-Ruiz said she is proud that NEXCOM encourages diversity.
“I know firsthand that women, including fellow Latinas, are given opportunities to develop skills and advance in senior leadership roles,” she said.
Herrera-Ruiz said she shares her experience with other Hispanic women so they can see that they have the same opportunities as others.
She promotes diversity at work through events that show how Latin culture embodies NEXCOM core values. Throughout her career, she’s organized 11 Navy Lodge Diversity events and developed performance requirement plans as well as housekeeping, guest services, and maintenance check lists in English, Spanish and Japanese.
She also said it is important to have a diverse workforce at the Navy Lodge.
“It’s the only way that we’re going to understand our guests, because they come from a diverse background as well,” she said. “It’s important for them to speak and to check-in at Navy Lodge and find people that can speak their languages and understand their backgrounds.”