Souadou Niang’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her dreams. Originally from Dakar, Senegal, Niang moved to the U.S. at 18 with a goal to succeed, starting her career as a housekeeper at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton. During her decade-long tenure there, Niang worked tirelessly, progressing from housekeeping into management and gaining an invaluable understanding of the hotel industry from the ground up.
In 2017, Niang returned to Dakar to establish her own high-end establishment, the Palms Luxury Boutique Hotel. Despite her solid industry experience, Niang encountered numerous obstacles when applying for loans, facing rejection after rejection, often due to the bias of being a woman seeking financing in a traditionally male-dominated industry. However, her resilience paid off, and she eventually succeeded in building a five-star haven of luxury in the heart of Dakar.
Today, Palms Luxury Boutique Hotel is a testament to Niang’s vision, offering top-tier services and high-end experiences for its guests while providing employment for over 60 staff members. Her journey from housekeeping to owning a premier hotel is more than just a personal achievement; it serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women worldwide, showing that with perseverance, even the loftiest dreams can become reality.
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