From having a "front-row seat" view of the hotel industry during her childhood, Krishna Deva now oversees operations and finance at Charlotte, N.C.-based Maya Hotels, which commands 10 properties with more than 1,000 guest rooms across the Carolinas.
Born in Jackson, MS, to Indian-origin parents, Krishna grew up in a Days Inn motel in Gastonia, N.C., witnessing the hospitality industry's evolution firsthand. "We used to watch my dad clean the pool. We would help him fill the vending machine with soda cans," she tells the Women of Color Power List 2025.
Though immersed in the family business, there was no pressure to enter the hotel industry. "I've always liked numbers and math. So, I knew that business was something that I wanted to go into," she says.
Krishna credits her trailblazing parents for her success as a minority businesswoman. "My parents came here from India with nothing. And they worked so hard in order to make sure that we didn't face any barriers." They overcame criticism and doubt about their ability to successfully run a motel, dismantling obstacles through determination and self-belief.
Diversity stands as a cornerstone of Krishna's business philosophy. "We have diverse hiring practices. It starts with our people, they come from different backgrounds and perspectives. And that's very important to us." Maya Hotels employs people from all walks of life, which "enriches our organization" and "allows us to serve our guests better."
At Maya Hotels, Krishna spearheads technological integration and process improvement. Her leadership approach focuses on "the why of what we need to change, and making sure that they have a voice and also understand why that change is needed."
Her career's defining moment came about two years ago when Maya Hotels acquired three properties within 12 months—two on the same day. This marked a strategic shift from their traditional organic growth model. Rapidly escalating mortgage rates created urgency while posing significant challenges. "Everything we had underwritten for changed because the interest rates were going through the roof," she recalls.
Closing two hotels simultaneously stretched their lean team. "It was the biggest challenge I've definitely had in my career. And it was my proudest achievement for sure that our team was able to get that done." The hotels are now thriving.
When advising women of color in hospitality, Krishna emphasizes self-belief: "You got to always raise your hand, show people what you're capable of, and never stop trying. You don't know how many failures you will have to overcome in order to succeed."
She encourages building strong peer networks. "There's been so much power for me personally in meeting other women that are doing the same thing, having the same challenges and overcoming them," she shares.
Her message remains clear: stay involved, advocate for yourself, and "go after the opportunity."
