For ten years she modeled the fashions of the world in New York City. For more than twenty years Iris Ann Cathell has been modeling the true heart of service at the Hilton Estate in Christiana, Delaware.
Is she for real? Could someone really be that nice and effervescent and sincere? What is up with this woman?”
“Oh…it’s Iris Ann.”
Enough said. Iris Ann is one-of-a-kind and totally real. What you see is what you get. And what you get is empathic kindness and altruistic love. Senator Biden named Iris Ann the “Best Server in Delaware” and then retired the award. It is possible he just couldn’t find another one to match up.
She was raised by a fantastic mother who loved unconditionally. Iris learned well. She continued to learn how to display that love when she entered the Hilton – Brandywine Valley’s Country Estate, and discovered The Journey culture. Within this culture she learned to accept change and speak openly and honestly. Her traits of compassion and a desire to serve flourished in this culture and today she is such a part of The Estate, customers visit just to see Iris Ann. She explains, “I see the world with soft, non-judgmental eyes. Each guest is a chance at discovery for me. I want to learn about them. I approach that discovery with compassion and encouragement in my heart.” When asked why she enjoys working in The Journey culture, her eyes smiled and she stood up straight to answer, “It is the way I live. I love to encourage people. I love to be on a path where I can walk through doorways that lead to one special moment after another.”
A special moment presented itself just the other day. A young woman entered the Estate in search of employment. She said the reason she wanted to work at this hotel was because she had sat next to a lady named Iris Ann on an airplane. She listened to her stories of this wonderful place and had to become a part of it. She had been waiting to apply for three years. She was 15 years old during that plane ride and she had to be 18 to work at the Estate. Iris Ann made an impression that lasted three years! Iris Ann touches people in that way every time she walks through a new doorway. |
