Women’s day exclusive interview with Mariyam Shafiyya Steinhilber
From Struggles to Success: The Inspiring Journey of Mariyam Shafiyya Steinhilber
Introduction
Mariyam Shafiyya Steinhilber’s story is one of resilience, independence, and empowerment. From growing up in a poor, single-parent household in Malè to becoming the Director of Sales and Marketing at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Shafiyya has proven that the power of perseverance can transform challenges into triumphs.
A Challenging Childhood and a Bold Decision
Shafiyya’s early years were shaped by hardships. Raised by her single mother in a society that judged her for being an illegitimate child, she faced bullying and loneliness. Despite excelling academically, her teenage years were difficult, and at 16, she made the life-changing decision to leave school and join the tourism industry as a waitress at a resort. “I felt out of place compared to my classmates,” she recalls. “I was always dreaming of something more exciting and challenging.”
Her decision to join the resort industry was driven by the promise of financial independence, and little did she know, it would shape her future. “I was one of only two Maldivian girls working there,” she remembers. “It was daunting, but it taught me the value of standing on my own two feet.”
A Successful Career with a Purpose
Today, Shafiyya is known not only for her leadership at Shangri-La but also for her unwavering commitment to empowering others. As the Director of Sales and Marketing, she oversees the hotel’s revenue growth, all while passionately advocating for women’s rights. “I’m deeply committed to supporting the growth of individuals,” she says, whether through mentoring colleagues or helping small businesses thrive.
Her passion for the hospitality industry and desire for personal growth inspired her to pursue this career path. “I wanted a career where I could challenge myself, make a real impact, and empower others,” she explains. Her background, shaped by the need for financial independence, made her more motivated to pursue opportunities that would allow her to grow both professionally and personally.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
One of the biggest challenges Shafiyya faced in her career was being one of the few Maldivian women working at a high-end resort. In her early days, she felt daunted by the unfamiliar environment, compounded by her young age and lack of confidence. However, she chose to rise above these challenges. “I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could and challenging myself to take on new responsibilities,” she says. “Over time, I gained confidence and realized that my unique perspective as a Maldivian woman was an asset in a global workplace.”
Her determination to push through barriers not only strengthened her position within the industry but also gave her a platform to inspire and empower other women. “I believed that my role could make a real difference, especially for young women who were held back by societal norms,” she adds.
A Powerful Message for Young Women
Shafiyya’s advice to young women striving to make a difference is simple yet powerful: “Always stay true to who you are and never doubt your ability to create change.” She emphasizes the importance of being bold and standing by your principles, even when it’s uncomfortable. “Change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires resilience and persistence,” she says. “Do not be afraid to take risks and embrace opportunities, even if they push you out of your comfort zone. Your voice and actions can make a huge impact—not just for yourself, but for others as well.”
Conclusion
Mariyam Shafiyya Steinhilber’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the ability to rise above societal challenges. From her difficult childhood to becoming a leader in a prestigious industry, Shafiyya continues to inspire those around her, especially young women, to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Her story proves that with resilience, courage, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities, anything is possible.
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Full Interview:
1- What's you name?
Mariyam Shafiyya Steinhilber
2- Which island are you from?
K. Malé
3- What was your upbringing like?
I grew up in a very poor family and was raised by my single mother. Being an illegitimate child, I faced a lot of societal challenges, including constant bullying due to the nature of my birth. It was a difficult and lonely childhood. Although I was a bright student in school, the hardships I faced made my teenage years tough.
At the age of 16, I decided to leave school and join the tourism industry as a waitress at a resort. I felt out of place compared to my classmates, I was always dreaming of something more exciting and challenging, as studying felt like a necessity rather than a passion. I was drawn to the opportunities the tourism industry offered, especially the potential for financial independence.
In 2002, I joined a resort as waitress. It was a huge change, and I was one of only two Maldivian girls working at the resort at the time. I remember feeling daunted by the new environment, but it quickly taught me the value of standing on my own two feet. I was finally earning money and supporting my family, and for the first time, I truly felt independent
4- What do you do and what do most people know you for?
I currently work as the Director of Sales and Marketing at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, where I manage the overall revenue growth of the hotel. Most people know me as a passionate women's rights advocate, someone who is outspoken, daring, and unwavering in following my principles. I am deeply committed to supporting the growth of individuals, whether that is mentoring colleagues or empowering those around me. Additionally, I take pride in giving back to the community by helping small businesses thrive and grow.
5- What inspired you to pursue your current path or career?
What inspired me to pursue my current career in sales and marketing was a combination of my passion for the hospitality industry and my desire to challenge myself. Growing up in a family where financial independence was important, I was always motivated to find opportunities that would allow me to grow professionally while making a real impact in this society. I have always been drawn to dynamic environments where every day presents new challenges, and I realized that the hospitality industry offered that excitement.
Additionally, my interest in empowering others and supporting the growth of people around me played a big role. I wanted a career where I could not only lead but also mentor and inspire others, helping them to reach their full potential.
6- What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced early in my career was being one of the only Maldivian women working at a high-end resort. I felt out of place and daunted by the expectations and the unfamiliar environment. On top of that, I was very young and lacked the confidence to fully believe in my abilities.
To overcome this, I dedicated myself to learning as much as possible about the industry and the resort’s operations. I challenged myself to step outside of my comfort zone and take on new responsibilities. Over time, I gained more confidence and became more outspoken. Overtime I realize that my unique perspective as a Maldivian woman was an asset in a global workplace, allowing me to contribute in ways that were meaningful. Additionally, I believed-in that my role could make a real difference in the society around me, where many young women had the desire to work in the industry but were held back by societal norms at the time.
7- What is one piece of advice you’d give to young woman striving to make a difference?
My advice to young women striving to make a difference is to always stay true to who you are and never doubt your ability to create change. My biggest lesson was to speak up, be bold, and stand by your principles, especially when it feels uncomfortable. Change does not happen overnight, and it often requires resilience and persistence. Do not be afraid to take risks and embrace opportunities, even if they push you out of your comfort zone. Your voice and actions can make a huge impact, not just for yourself, but for others as well.