Catania, with its Baroque soul and vibrant culinary tradition, provides the stage for the latest story in "UNA è femminile", the series dedicated to the more than 500 women professionals working at UNA Italian Hospitality.
Following Giusy Padovano, it is now time for Katia Vinciguerra, who has been with Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze for twenty years—first as Housekeeper, and now as Hotel Controller. Her dream? To work in a hotel. A dream that has become a reality through passion and determination. Let's find out how in her interview.
Welcome Katia! What is your current role at UNA Italian Hospitality?
I am a Hotel Controller. I manage the administrative side of purchasing and oversee deliveries. In simpler terms, you could say I organize the "grocery shopping" for all our guests and ensure everything is of the highest quality. My career with UNA Italian Hospitality began in 2005 as the sole Housekeeper at Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze. Today, my duties have changed, but I am still here in the same property on the very central Via Etnea.
What is the best part of your job?
Fortunately, I am never bored. I have the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with stimulating people, to the point that I never find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. On the contrary, time flies when I am working; it is almost as if I were at home. This hotel chain has allowed me to achieve my professional ambitions, enabling me to work in the hospitality industry in a role that I truly enjoy.
And the most complicated part?
Being able to manage unexpected issues while staying calm and remaining solution-oriented. It is a skill that can be complex, but one I have acquired through experience and thanks to the support of Massimiliano Torre, Director of Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze. He believed in me, supported me, and has always been available.
Outside of work, do you have any specific hobbies or passions?
I love being in contact with nature. It is no coincidence that when I have free time, I go to the countryside to tend to my small vegetable garden.
If you could describe yourself with three adjectives, what would they be?
I will choose four: creative, proactive, punctual, and helpful toward my colleagues.
And if you could describe your company in three adjectives?
In this case, I will also choose four! Stimulating, continuously improving, innovative, and attentive to the needs of its employees.
What advice would you give to a young woman approaching the hospitality sector for the first time?
I would advise her to always be proactive, hospitable, and ready to welcome any kind of request. Ours is a dynamic and stimulating sector where you are constantly dealing with different situations and people, each with their own culture and way of doing things.
In the workplace, have you ever had to face prejudices related to being a woman?
No, not at all. On the contrary, women have always been in the majority.
There is still a long way to go to reach gender equality in Italy. In your opinion, what measures could companies adopt to guarantee equality or to meet the needs of women professionals?
I believe measures should be implemented to better balance private and professional life for both women and men: making maternity and paternity leave more equitable, and encouraging flexible work and remote working options. Additionally, I think it is necessary to create a safe work environment for female staff, who are often more vulnerable to inappropriate behavior, by increasing protection systems against abuse and harassment.