Round & About
Summer 2026
Westin Grand Central
Andrew Markaj, a F&B Delegate at the Westin Grand Central, has welcomed his first child, Aria Markaj. Aria was born on July 2, 2026 at 10:38AM weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces. She is a curious baby who is full of smiles and is always paying attention to the world around her. Welcome to the union family, Aria!
Westchester Marriott
Our union celebrates the birth of Joseph Baltazar, who was born on September 24, 2025, weighing 5 pounds, 9 ounces. Joseph is the son of Westchester Marriott Houseman Joram Baltazar. Congratulations!
New York Hilton
On December 22, 2025, Noah David Sabino, the son of New York Hilton employee Christopher Sabino Lopez came into this world weighing 7.03 pounds. Congratulations from our union on the birth of your beautiful baby boy!
Levy Restaurants
On October 30, 2025, Vincenzo Anthony Esopi, the son of bartender Vincent Esopi at Levy Restaurants, was born weighing 5 pounds and 14 ounces. Vincenzo is a bright-eyed bundle of joy who is curious about everything around him. Congratulations!
Hilton Garden Inn Ridgefield Park
On December 29, 2025, Carlos Morales, a server at the Hilton Garden Inn Ridgefield Park, welcomed his son Carlos Iliam Morales weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces. We are overjoyed at the amazing news!
DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station
Room Attendant Daniuska Puello Alvarez welcomed her third child, Khloe Felder Puello, into the world on May 18, 2026. Khloe was born weighing 8 pounds. Our union celebrates this beautiful bundle of joy!
Hyatt Regency New Brunswick
Our union is excited to announce the birth of Josmairy Gomez on October 16, 2025, the daughter of Hyatt Regency New Brunswick Room Attendant Adalgisa del Carmen Gomez Rodriguez. Josmairy was born weighing 7 pounds. Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby girl!
Extended Stay America Meadowlands-East Rutherford
Gisell Maria Gonzalez de Maguina, a Room Attendant at Extended Stay America-Meadowlands East Rutherford, welcomed her daughter Gia Alondra to the world on November 11, 2025. Gia was born weighing 9 pounds and 5 ounces. Heartfelt congratulations!
HTC
Zoë Gllogu, the daughter of Senior HEAT Supervisor Njomza Dubovci, came into the world on March 9, 2026, weighing 8.5 pounds and measuring 20.05 inches long. Zoë is a happy, sweet, and curious little girl who loves watching the world around her and is always interested in new faces, sounds, and colors. Welcome to the union family, Zoë!
Doubletree Jersey City
On August 27, 2025, Axel Castillo, the son of Room Attendant Madeline Ramos came into this world weighing 8 pounds, 3 ounces. Axel is an active baby that loves to play. We are so excited to welcome you to our union family, Axel!
Loews Regency
Marleny Gomez Cepeda welcomed her son Ethan Martinez on September 13, 2025, weighing 6 pounds and 2 ounces. Ethan is a joyful baby who loves music, food, and being tickled. Congratulations from your union!
Dream Downtown
Allora Devi Baichu, the daughter of Houseperson Sebastian Baichu, was born weighing 7.4lbs on May 1, 2026. The fourth-born in a family of four daughters, Allora is loved deeply by her three older sisters and by her parents. Allora is a sweet, happy, and gentle baby who lights up when her family plays and talks to her.
Pearl
On July 23, 2026, Pedro Cepin, a Houseperson at the Pearl hotel, welcomed his beautiful baby girl, Paulette Cepin. Paulette was born weighing 9 pounds and 2 ounces. She is a calm, peaceful baby who loves cuddles and being cozy. Paulette is surrounded by love from her brothers, who have been so excited to play with her, and her mom and dad.
Gennie Tim
JW Marriott Essex House
Gennie Tim, a Telephone Operator/Guest Services Agent at JW Marriott Essex House and long-time union delegate, has retired after 33 years. Gennie is very grateful for the union as she was able to provide and support her family. The union provided security, support and community through events and activities like rallies, kids' day and trainings. She has made lifelong friends not only with colleagues but with other union members as well. Gennie is excited to spend time relaxing after many years of hard work. She plans to enjoy spending time with her grandchildren, exploring New York City.
The daughter of Balram Persaud, Steward at The Carlyle, has been elected as a Civil Court Judge and assigned to sit in Queens Criminal Court — a powerful example of the American Dream.
On November 4, 2025, Indira Khan won an election to become a Civil Court Judge in Queens County. Her journey represents not only personal excellence, but the promise of what union families can accomplish across generations.
Balram Persaud immigrated to the United States from Guyana nearly four decades ago. Like many immigrant parents, he worked multiple low-wage jobs to provide for his children. In 2012, his career took a transformative turn when he joined our union as a Steward at Resorts World Casino. Through union membership, he secured stronger wages, meaningful benefits, and workplace protections – the kind of stability that allows families to plan for the future and invest in their children’s success.
Judge Khan’s accomplishments are the product of years of dedication and perseverance. She attended the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law of Yeshiva University and Fordham University (College at Lincoln Center), practiced law for more than 15 years, and now serves the public as a member of the judiciary.
“I never imagined I would go to the polls to vote for my own daughter. As an immigrant and a union member, this is the American Dream.”
– BALRAM PERSAUD, reflecting on his daughter’s achievement
Union jobs build strong families. Strong families build strong communities. We are proud to celebrate Judge Indira Khan and the Persaud family – and proud to stand together in solidarity.