Why did I choose Marriott? The answer to that question lies in the journey that began at home. Like many, I come from a family of two backgrounds. It was the influence of my Uruguayan-born mother and my U.S.-reared father that helped guide my success. I was fortunate to grow up in a household that embraced the traditions and languages of each. I could never have imagined how beneficial being fluent in two languages — and two cultures — would be later in life. The way my parents conducted their lives, set an early example for me, namely, that hard work and preparation yield rewards. I studied law because I loved the intellectual challenge and felt it would provide the most flexibility for future career choices. I also had a passion for travel, so I began to explore opportunities that would encompass both. Ultimately, I hoped to find a niche in the international arena and, in particular, Latin America. My professional path has taken several turns—each providing challenging and valuable professional experience. As a new prosecuting attorney in Seattle’s King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, I survived the daily ‘humble pie’ doled out by experienced defense attorneys and no-nonsense judges. Later I was recruited and sent to Germany by the U.S. Army’s JAG-Judge Advocate General-Corps to continue criminal trial work. When I wasn’t preparing for trial, I spent time in the field learning about my clients – officers and non-commissioned officers – and their objectives. At the same time, I was exposed to (and enjoyed) non-traditional legal experiences such as the challenges of tent living during Germany’s cold hard winter and the exhilaration of being seated in the doorway of a Black Hawk helicopter wearing night vision goggles during nighttime flight exercises. Upon returning to the United States, I turned to private practice, working as a litigation associate with a major national law firm, LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae (now, Dewey & LeBoeuf). While at LeBoeuf, I refocused on my early career goals and began searching for opportunities that would provide me with international exposure. I was intrigued by Marriott International because of its reputation as a business leader, its value of cultural diversity, and its growing international influence. I also learned that Marriott’s business units partner closely with Law Department attorneys thereby giving its lawyers the opportunity to influence business strategy and to develop broad and interesting legal practices. I joined the International Lodging Operations Group in Marriott’s Law Department supporting Latin America in 1999. Initially, the regional, area and hotel level clients I was assigned to support expressed skepticism as to whether a strawberry blond “Latina� attorney was the right choice for the position. To gain their confidence and develop credibility, I went to the “field� to obtain an understanding of their business objectives in order to effectively assist them to achieve those objectives. When I joined Marriott in 1999, the company had significant investment in Latin America through joint venture equity ownership, senior and mezzanine loans, and interest guarantees. Over the years and after many transactions, I have been fortunate to develop a comprehensive practice that includes (i) negotiating financial, equity, and management agreement transactions, (ii) hotel owner relationship development and dispute resolution, and (iii) oversight for Marriott’s global safety and security matters. When I review my early career goals and aspirations, it seems as if the journey that began at home so many years ago progressed naturally towards my role with Marriott. During that time, I have also gained an appreciation for the importance of cultural diversity and how it enhances Marriott’s success. I admire and am proud that Marriott encourages diversity across the broad spectrum of its programs. As I continue to grow in my professional role, I look forward to opportunities to further influence our cultural diversity throughout the company, and, in particular, Latin America. By Brenda Durham Vice President and Assistant General Counsel