Hakikul Islam Khokan, Md.Nasir, America: From beginning her career as a housekeeper to becoming a Vice President of HTC Local 6, Marie Richard’s life and career represent a remarkable journey of determination, education, service and leadership in New York’s hotel and hospitality industry.
Born in Haiti, Marie Richard studied Architectural Engineering for two years in Haiti before coming to the United States. After arriving in New York, she continued her education at Brooklyn Technical High School for approximately one year but was unable to complete her studies because of financial difficulties.
Like many immigrants who come to America with dreams of building a better future, Richard entered the workforce and began working as a housekeeper at the Grand Hyatt New York. Her experience as a frontline hotel worker gave her firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by hospitality employees.
She later became involved with HTC Local 6, where her dedication to workers and her strong understanding of workplace issues helped shape her career as a union leader.
Richard also continued to develop her professional skills. She completed a tax-preparation course and obtained her certification and license, becoming a certified tax professional. She is also known for her strong ability with mathematics. In addition, she speaks three languages—Haitian Creole, French and English—which has helped her communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.
A Personal Connection With Marie Richard
For me, Marie Richard’s story is also personal.
Richard was my Business Agent at The Peninsula New York, where I worked as a Room Service Waiter. I had the opportunity to see firsthand how seriously she listened to workers and how willing she was to help.
When I later joined the InterContinental New York Times Square as a banquet server, Marie encouraged me to pursue banquet work and helped me understand the opportunities available in the department.
Following her encouragement, I spoke with former HTC Local 6 President Peter Ward, who referred me to HTC Vice President Michael Simo. Simo arranged an interview for me at the InterContinental Times Square. I was fortunate to receive a position as a B-list banquet server, beginning my work in the hotel’s banquet department.
When the InterContinental Times Square subsequently became a union hotel, former President Peter Ward and General Counsel Rich Maroko played an important role in my advancement. I was proud to become an A-list banquet server, along with my colleagues, including Rafelina Moreno.
At that time, I did not fully understand the complicated mathematics involved in banquet payments, including wages, sets, setup and cleanup calculations. Marie Richard was one of the people who taught me how to understand and calculate banquet pay.
She explained the mathematics behind banquet wages and helped me understand how different work assignments and responsibilities affected payment. That knowledge has been extremely valuable to me throughout my career.
A Leader Who Stands With Workers
Richard’s leadership goes beyond her title. Workers who know her describe her as approachable, polite, hardworking and willing to listen.
Her own experience as a hotel worker gives her a unique understanding of the concerns of hospitality employees. She knows the importance of fair treatment, workplace dignity, proper compensation and strong representation.
What stands out most to me is her willingness to help people. She has always been polite and kind to me, and she has continued to be willing to help me whenever I have needed guidance.
I am personally grateful to Marie Richard for the encouragement and knowledge she has given me over the years. Her guidance helped me better understand banquet work and the importance of knowing the details of our wages and working conditions.
From a young immigrant woman who began her American journey facing financial challenges, to a hotel housekeeper, union representative and eventually a Vice President of HTC Local 6, Marie Richard’s story demonstrates what determination, hard work, education and service can achieve.
For many hotel workers, Marie Richard is more than a union leader. She is someone who understands where workers come from, listens to their concerns and stands ready to help.
As one worker put it: “Marie Richard is not just a leader—she is someone who truly stands by the workers.”