Happy Housekeepers Week: Celebrating the Faces Behind the Stay
Behind every clean, comfortable, and welcoming hotel room are the dedicated professionals who make it all possible. This Housekeepers Week, we are proud to celebrate the hardworking individuals who play an essential role in creating memorable guest experiences every day.
From preparing rooms with care to going the extra mile to make guests feel at home, housekeeping professionals are an integral part of the hospitality experience. Their attention to detail, dedication, and commitment to excellence often happen behind the scenes, but their impact is felt by every guest who walks through a hotel door.
This Housekeepers Week, we are pleased to recognize four remarkable hospitality professionals whose dedication and years of service embody the very best of the industry. We are proud to introduce Shalini Rajrishi, Paulette Williams, Shirley Crasto, and Norman Lee.
💫 Meet Shalini Rajrishi, The Westin Toronto Airport
For the past 26 years, Shalini Rajrishi has been a dedicated member of The Westin Toronto Airport team, building a career defined by hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.
Originally from India, Shalini began her hospitality journey shortly after moving to Canada. Inspired by her husband, who worked as a chef in the hotel industry, she joined The Westin and started working in the hotel cafeteria. Recognizing her exceptional attention to detail, a member of the housekeeping team encouraged her to pursue a Room Attendant position. That opportunity became the foundation of a career she has loved ever since.
What Shalini enjoys most about hospitality is the opportunity to make guests feel welcome and appreciated. She takes great pride in creating clean, comfortable spaces and approaches every room with the same care and attention she would give her own home. Over the years, she has also built lasting friendships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, many of whom she now considers family.
While Shalini enjoys travelling, Canada remains her favourite place. From visiting Niagara Falls to making memories with family at Canada’s Wonderland, she cherishes the opportunities, diversity, and strong sense of community she has found here. Looking ahead, Italy is at the top of her travel wish list, where she hopes to experience its beautiful landscapes, charming streets, and vibrant culture firsthand.
💫 Meet Paulette Williams, Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre
With more than 46 years in the hospitality industry, including 30 years as a Room Attendant at Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, Paulette has become a beloved member of the hotel team and a familiar face to countless guests.
Known for her warm smile, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Paulette consistently goes above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. Her dedication has earned her recognition from visitors around the world, making her one of the most frequently mentioned team members in guest reviews. Guests often praise her genuine kindness, professionalism, and ability to make every stay feel special.
For Paulette, the hotel is more than a workplace. It is a family. She treats every guest and colleague with warmth, respect, and care, and her passion for hospitality shines through in everything she does.
Outside of work, Paulette enjoys travelling, visiting her home in Jamaica, celebrating Toronto Caribbean Carnival, and spending quality time with her family. Her remarkable 30-year journey with the hotel is a testament to her dedication, loyalty, and love for the hospitality industry.
💫 Meet Shirley Crasto, Residence Inn Toronto Mississauga Southwest
With 6 years in the hospitality industry, including 4 years as a Housekeeper at Residence Inn Toronto Mississauga Southwest, Shirley Crasto is a dedicated and versatile member of the hotel team. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Shirley brings her positive attitude and willingness to support wherever she is needed, whether in housekeeping, the kitchen, laundry, or other areas of the hotel.
For Shirley, hospitality is about creating positive experiences for guests. She enjoys providing great service, making guests happy, and meeting new people along the way. Her flexibility and commitment to helping both guests and colleagues make her an important part of the team and a true example of the many ways hospitality professionals go above and beyond each day.
Outside of work, Shirley enjoys travelling and discovering new places. One of her favourite destinations has been Sri Lanka, and she is already looking forward to her next adventure in Vancouver. As someone who prefers cooler weather, she is even excited about Vancouver’s rainy days!
Shirley’s dedication, flexibility, and genuine passion for helping others embody the spirit of Housekeepers Week. We are proud to celebrate her contributions and the important role she plays in creating welcoming experiences for every guest.
💫 Norman Lee, Hilton Toronto
Norman Lee brings a genuine passion for people to his role as a Room Attendant at Hilton Toronto. With 5 years in the hospitality industry, including 4 years with Hilton Toronto, Norman’s favourite part of working in tourism and hospitality is simple: “I love people and serving people.”
His dedication to providing thoughtful service and creating positive experiences for guests reflects the care and commitment that room attendants bring to hospitality every day. Norman’s warm spirit and passion for helping others make him a valued member of the Hilton Toronto team.
Outside of work, Norman hopes to travel to Israel, a destination he has never had the opportunity to visit, as well as New York to spend time with his wife’s aunt.
Celebrating the People Behind Every Stay
Shalini, Paulette, Shirley, and Norman each have unique stories, but they share a common passion for service, dedication to their teams, and a commitment to making guests feel welcome. Through their hard work, flexibility, and genuine care for others, they embody the values that make the Greater Toronto Area’s hospitality industry so exceptional.
We are proud to recognize Shalini Rajrishi, Paulette Williams, Shirley Crasto, and Norman Lee as our Housekeepers Week features and thank them for the important contributions they make every day to create memorable guest experiences.