The Heart of Hospitality: Jena Salupo’s Path of Gratitude and Growth
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 22 hours ago
By Jena Salupo
For Jena Salupo, leadership has never been about titles or corner offices—it’s about connection. As the newly appointed Director of Sales at Cleveland’s Kimpton Schofield Hotel, she brings not only experience and drive, but also a deep-rooted belief in gratitude, empathy, and grace as the foundation of professional success.
Salupo’s rise within the hospitality world has been steady and intentional, built on curiosity, authenticity, and a genuine love for people. A Willoughby South graduate and Bowling Green State University alumna, she earned her degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management with a focus on Meeting and Event Planning. Even as a college student, she sought out opportunities to serve—volunteering with The Cocoon, a women’s shelter supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence and embracing her role in Alpha Chi Omega’s Beta Phi Chapter as Vice President of Membership Programming.
Her early passion for service soon evolved into a career dedicated to creating experiences that make people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. After joining Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in 2021, Salupo immersed herself in the company’s culture of care—learning every aspect of brand service and relationship management. Her time at Jones Day added a corporate perspective that refined her communication, strategic thinking, and client-focused approach. When she returned to Kimpton Schofield in 2023 as Group Sales Manager, she brought a renewed sense of purpose—ready to blend professionalism with humanity.
That approach quickly set her apart. Colleagues describe her as someone who leads with both confidence and compassion—a leader who celebrates small wins, builds trust through transparency, and finds gratitude in the details. Within two years, her commitment to excellence and her ability to elevate others helped position her for the Director of Sales role—an accomplishment that feels both earned and natural.
“Hospitality is about creating joy,” Salupo often says. “Every guest, every partner, every colleague deserves to feel appreciated. When people feel that energy, they carry it forward.” Her philosophy echoes throughout the Kimpton Schofield, a hotel known for blending modern warmth with Cleveland’s rich architectural history. From welcoming guests to nurturing her sales team, Salupo’s leadership is grounded in the idea that kindness and accountability can—and should—coexist.
Outside the office, her commitment to community shines just as brightly. She volunteers with Urban Kitty, supports the annual Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk, and lends her time to Saints Constantine & Helen’s Greek Festival. Each endeavor reflects her belief that leadership extends beyond work—it’s about contributing to something larger than oneself.
Under her direction, the Kimpton Schofield’s sales strategy continues to evolve, balancing business goals with meaningful guest relationships. Salupo’s leadership style encourages collaboration and creativity, empowering her team to bring new ideas forward while honoring the hotel’s legacy of local connection. “When people know their voice matters,” she says, “they don’t just perform—they thrive.”
Her story is a reminder that leadership doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. Gratitude fuels her focus; grace defines her movement. And together, they make her not only a rising star in Cleveland’s hospitality industry, but also an example of how purpose and heart can drive enduring success.
In a world where professionalism often overshadows authenticity, Jena Salupo stands as proof that the most impactful leaders are those who lead with both. Her journey—from a young hospitality student to Director of Sales at one of the city’s premier hotels—embodies a message that resonates far beyond the walls of the Schofield: that gratitude, integrity, and grace aren’t soft skills—they’re the strongest foundation of all.
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