Meet Kelly Valdez (BS ‘12, UH Mānoa), director of food and beverage at Four Seasons Hotel and Residence Seattle. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Travel Industry Management School.
“Originally, I was going to school at San Diego State studying business, and then I decided to move into hospitality and tourism there,” said Valdez. “But then I was thinking about what I really wanted to do and where I should be, and it was Hawaiʻi. Tourism is flourishing in Hawaiʻi.”
After graduating from UH, Valdez worked at the Four Seasons Hawaiʻi as an assistant restaurant manager. In 2015, she relocated to the Four Seasons Seattle to assist with the grand opening of Goldfinch Tavern. In 2024, Valdez became the director of food and beverage.
During her time at UH, she felt moments of doubt and uncertainty, but was lucky to have a strong support system.
“It’s really about being able to surround yourself with people that are impactful,” said Valdez. “Are there mentors that you can team up with? Are there professors you can use as a resource? I definitely encourage making those connections as you pursue your career.”
After more than a decade in the hospitality industry, Valdez said serving people is what gets her through the ups and downs.
“The greatest gift in life is the gift of giving, and in hospitality we can do that,” said Valdez. “In hospitality, we don’t expect anything. We don’t need the gold star or the trophies. I think that’s really what drives me.”
Learn more about Valdez and other outstanding UH Alumni.
