NIMISHA PATEL has been advocating for greater female representation and leadership in the hotel industry throughout her career.
Having navigated a male-dominated industry, she believes leadership is built through experience and resilience. "Whether you are a natural leader or thrown into the role, as hoteliers, we have been given a unique opportunity to lead others," she says.
Early in her career, Nimisha saw firsthand the barriers women face in hospitality, shaped by societal and cultural expectations. "As a woman in her early 20s, I felt my culture and society had already defined my role, one that did not involve working in my father's industry, let alone running businesses of my own," she says, adding she now sees these challenges as valuable lessons.
Nimisha entered hotel ownership through the industry and is a former managing partner of VUE Hotels, a San Antonio-based hotel management and development company. She started with a single property, an experience she calls challenging but formative. "When you're only running one property, your mindset is solely on that one," she notes, describing how it can create tunnel vision and limit growth.
Acquiring a second property was a turning point, requiring a new structure and broader vision. For Nimisha, the shift underscored the importance of diversification and scaling. "Expansion is an opportunity," she says. "It allows new perspectives and prevents stagnation."
Her company added its first Marriott-branded hotel, moving beyond its long-standing affiliation with Best Western. The transition required adapting to new standards and corporate culture. "We've always been hardcore Best Western," Nimisha acknowledges. She notes that blending best practices from both brands improved service, efficiency, and the company's vision. "It's been really nice to embrace both and take the best pieces to help us in our daily operations."
Nimisha has worked to drive change through Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), where she has been a member since 2004 and served as Western Division Female Director from 2018 to 2021. She credits the organization's events and resources for increasing female participation in hotel ownership and leadership. "During my time, I was able to get many women more involved in pertinent issues that affect our lives personally and professionally."
Recently completing an Executive Essentials workshop, Nimisha remains committed to professional development. "No matter what stage you are in your career, it is so important to remember to take some time to stay relevant, learn and network," she reflects.
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in industry leadership. Nimisha acknowledges ongoing hurdles, even amid greater awareness of gender equality. "Women's progress in the industry must be a team effort," she says. "It cannot be achieved by women alone."
Recognized with AAHOA's Outstanding Woman Hotelier of the Year Award in 2023, Nimisha views her success as part of a larger effort to support women in hospitality. "When everyone is on the same side, we all win."
