We had the good fortune of connecting with Mai Lim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mai, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
In the heart of the Cebu City, Philippines, on August 2, 1976, I took my first breath, surrounded by a culture renowned for its warmth and compassion. In 1999, at 23, my family and I embarked on a transformative journey to the United States, landing in San Francisco on September 6th, which is also the 6th birthday of my son.

My relatives owned and operated care homes and as caretakers of the elderly in Sonoma County, California, we seamlessly embraced a role deeply ingrained in our Filipino Spanish Chinese heritage.

The transition wasn’t just geographic; it was a cultural odyssey that enriched my understanding of the world. Our caregiving duties were an extension of our cultural DNA, reflecting of our renowned nurturing spirit and hospitality. The elderly residents became an extended family, and our commitment mirrored the lessons of empathy learned in the Philippines.

Rooted in strong family ties and community spirit, Filipino culture became a guiding light as we navigated the challenges of adapting to a new land. The values of “bayanihan” (community) and “malasakit” (empathy) became our compass, steering us through opportunities and trials alike. The echoes of our traditions resonated in our home, fostering a sense of camaraderie with fellow migrants.

Today, as I reflect on the journey from the shores of the Philippines to the landscapes of the United States, I am grateful for the tapestry woven by my Filipino, Spanish and Chinese culture. It’s a narrative of love, sacrifice, hard work and the enduring spirit of “kapwa” which means humanity and inter connectedness of individuals, The story is a celebration of the unique blend of two worlds that shaped the person I am – a Filipino Spanish and Chinese at heart, embracing the US culture and intertwining both.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey in hospitality kicked off in the vibrant settings of the Philippines and Thailand, deeply influenced by my family’s involvement in the travel agency business. Growing up, I was privileged to explore various places, igniting my passion for the hospitality industry – little did I know that it held a dynamic world of meetings and events!

Upon moving to the US, I made a bold decision with my son to head to the heart of it all – Las Vegas, the epitome of hotels, resorts, entertainment and now, sports. Against the wishes of my parents, I, a single mom with my 8-year-old son in tow, dove into the unknown. Starting as a shuttle driver for a limited-service off-strip establishment, I embarked on my hospitality journey. From the front desk, I seized an opportunity to step into a sales coordinator role in the sales department and my career shifted from there as I took on different sales management roles for hotels & resorts in Las Vegas and San Diego.

Currently, as Director of Intermediary Sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, my responsibilities include setting and executing a sales strategy to maximize leads and room nights for meetings and conventions into Las Vegas and surrounding areas, as well as ensuring retention and growth from key intermediary accounts, while also creating business opportunities for our resort and mission partners.

I have also served on the Board of Directors for MPI Southern California Chapter for 12 years now, and as Chapter President, I am responsible for providing strategic direction to the board of directors, developing plans for member growth, and ensuring that the chapter’s business activities are consistent with MPI’s mission and values. Additionally, I oversee the chapter’s financial budget and annual business plan to continue to elevate MPI Southern California as a Top Performing Chapter.

Furthermore, I remain deeply involved with emerging leaders through guest speaking engagements in hospitality classes and offering mentorship to students and young professionals.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned deeper life lessons – to remain open to learning, listen with the intent to understand, and acknowledge that our network is indeed our net worth. Treating others as you wish to be treated, adapting like water to life’s ebb and flow, and refusing to let your profession define your essence are paramount.

My aspiration is to be remembered as a beacon of grit and grace – a woman, a mother, and a hospitality professional who not only excels in her career but also enriches lives through empathy, diverse knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Love weeklong itineraries because there’s always so much to see and explore!

Day 1 & 2 DTLA & LA Live experience
– Breakfast at Philippe The Original
– Check out The Last Bookstore and The Broad
– Lunch at Grand Central Market
– Shopping at The Fashion District
– Catch a show at Walt Disney Concert Hall and/or a game at Crypto Arena
– Dine in LA Live area and explore the nightlife
Day 3 & 4 – Cultural tours
– Explore Chinatown, Filipinotown, Japantown and Koreatown for shopping and culinary experiences
Day 5 – Museum tours
– Getty Center, LACMA, Petersen Automotive, Japanese American, Hollywood and Grammy Museum
Day 6 – Hop on a skyline tour and tour hollywood, shopping and dine at sunset blvd.
Day 7 – Beaches!! Santa Monica, Venice, end with a sunset dinner at Nobu Malibu

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve truly been blessed to be surrounded by an overflow of love and steadfast support, starting with my family, especially my son, Gil Geraldino. Our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary moments and experiences, navigating life hand in hand. His eagerness for adventures and resilience in the face of change has been my unwavering source of light and strength. He is not just my son but the very purpose that fuels my life.

My bond with my younger siblings, Gemenesse (Sister), and Gil Alfontoni (Brother), has stood the test of time. We’ve been each other’s rocks, extending not just emotional and mental support, but also financial backing when needed. The values of family, faith, and hard work instilled by my parents, Gil and Erma (deceased), have formed a foundation that has kept us tightly connected, particularly since our migration to the US in 1999.

The warm embrace of our relatives in Sonoma County played a crucial role as we adapted to life in the US, offering a sense of belonging and support that eased our transition. I’m also immensely grateful to friends and relatives in the Philippines and globally who, despite the distance, have continued to cheer me on through prayers and encouragement.

A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to my mentors, colleagues and peers in the hospitality industry. Their guidance, knowledge-sharing, and welcoming spirit have not just paved the way for me professionally but have also enriched my journey with invaluable insights and friendships.

These pillars in my life have been instrumental to my journey, and I am eternally thankful to those who, knowingly and unknowingly, have been a source of love and support

Website:  mpiscc.org; vegasmeansbusiness.com

Instagram: ms.mai.lim

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mailimhospitality/

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