Sam Innes loves working for Hilton. He’s proud to be a team member at The Waldorf Hilton in London, where he was the first food & beverage assistant with Down’s Syndrome to be hired by the hotel in partnership with the Down’s Syndrome Association’s (DSA) WorkFit program, which brings together employers and jobseekers who have Down’s Syndrome. It is a tailored service dedicated to training employers about the learning profile of people who have Down’s Syndrome so that they can be supported in the workplace.

For Sam, being part of the Hilton team has allowed him to build meaningful connections with people from around the world. As he says, “WorkFit and Hilton helps people with Down’s Syndrome feel valued. It helps us not be judged by stereotypes and it shows what we can be.”

Learn more about Sam’s story in this video:

As part of its commitment to helping team members from all different backgrounds to thrive, Hilton began its partnership with DSA WorkFit in 2018, and to date, has hosted 50 placements and currently employs 38 team members in work positions at Hilton’s corporate office and hotels across the United Kingdom. These remarkable team members are breaking down barriers as Hilton works to make hospitality a more supportive, inclusive, and accessible industry where people of all abilities can thrive.

Hilton is proud of its long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for individuals with Down’s Syndrome and all abilities through partnerships with organizations like the Down's Syndrome Association, SEDRA Foundation, and Türkiye Down Sendromu Derneği. To learn more about how Hilton and the Hilton Global Foundation are supporting organizations like these – and more – please visit hiltonglobalfoundation.hilton.com.