AN EMERGING influential figure in the world of American hospitality, Mexican-American hotelier Viviana Wilkins stands at the crossroads of investment, real estate and hospitality management, blending them seamlessly.
Viviana is a director at TLTsolutions, primarily focusing on asset management and investor relations.
Her journey into the financial realm of hospitality is rooted in a foundation in hospitality and tourism management, as well as participating in renowned investment competition that changed the course of her career and those who rise after her.
Hailing from San Diego, CA, Viviana attended San Diego State University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management, focusing on hotel operations, and a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management Leadership.
During her tenure at SDSU, she actively engaged with the Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, contributing to initiatives that bridged academic theories with industry practices.
In 2021, Viviana joined TLTsolutions as a project associate. She has held her current role for the past three years.
She has been a key player in creating the hotel management company for TLTsolutions, after which the company began to manage its hotels and implement systems and programs for all departments within the hotel.
Her current role encompasses developing and executing asset-management strategies, fostering investor relations and implementing risk-mitigation.
Viviana started her career as a front desk agent at The Westin Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. Even at the nascent stage of her career, she took the lead in the Make a Green Choice program for the Westin brand.
Transitioning to human resource management at W Hollywood Hotel and later at LAZ Parking, Viviana moved on to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and later to Sanará Hotels in December 2020.
These experiences honed her skills in operations, guest relations, and strategic management, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in managing high-profile hospitality assets.
A pivotal moment in her career was her participation in the "She Has a Deal" (SHaD), a hotel investment pitch competition in 2020 for women. The annual program is sponsored by major hotel corporations, including Hilton and Marriott International. Viviana’s team, Fernweh Partners, secured second place.
Created by Tracy L. Prigmore, a hotelier and founder of TLTsolutions, SHaD is a real estate investment project that carves new pathways for commercial real estate ownership and development for women and people of color.
This achievement not only showcased Viviana’s analytical prowess but also reflected her commitment to advancing women's roles in hotel ownership and development.
Through her SHaD experience, Viviana is deeply committed to mentorship and leadership development. She actively participates in industry forums, sharing insights on investment trends, risk assessment, and relationship management.
Her advocacy for women in finance and hospitality serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Driven by her passion to inspire Latina women toward hotel ownership and development, Viviana herself aspires to own a hotel in Mexico. With her strategic foresight, combined with a commitment to innovation and investor engagement, it seems that day is not very far away.
