Gold Standards

Communication alumna enjoys island living, working for one of the world’s most-recognizable brands

Megan Licata, ’08 | Communications Manager, Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

By Angie Lewis, ’03

Thanks to her introduction to marketing communications and “unbelievable” internship experiences at UCF, Megan Licata, ’08, finds herself stranded on an island — on purpose!

As communications manager for the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Megan oversees, creates and implements all marketing communications for the luxury hotel brand, from its website and onsite collateral, to local and international advertisements, and media relations and social media.

Most days, she’s writing advertising copy, working with graphic designers and evaluating marketing opportunities. She also tries to take time to “shop” the resort and communication channels from a guest’s perspective, to ensure accuracy and find innovative new ways to drive revenue.

Megan describes her fellow “Ladies and Gentlemen” as the world’s finest service professionals. (And, if you’ve ever been to a Ritz-Carlton, you’re surely familiar with the brand’s high service standards.)

“I come to work excited and motivated to work with such exceptional talent,” she says. “It’s like a family. We push each other to be as creative and successful as we can be, but we also support each other and understand that we are at the resort for one reason: to create indelible memories for our guests.”

As she anticipates her career growth, Megan would like to take on more responsibilities in the region as she becomes more experienced with the Ritz-Carlton brand in the Caribbean and Latin America. Down the line, she also would like the chance to oversee marketing communications for multiple resorts and, eventually, she would love to join the company’s corporate office and drive strategies for the entire brand.

So, what’s it like working in Grand Cayman? “I never imagined I would live and work in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations!” she says. “And, there are still more than 80 hotels and destinations to explore! The opportunities with this brand are limitless.”

Ritzy Q&A

Q. What’s been your most memorable day at work so far?
A. I was able to experience our signature event, Cayman Cookout, which brings together world-famous chefs, wine and mixology experts for a weekend of demonstrations, tastings and events. It was a whirlwind of activity, and I was there to just absorb it all and learn. It was such a cool opportunity and really demonstrated the resort’s commitment to me as a new employee. Not many organizations would take the time to provide such a dynamic learning opportunity.

Q. What inspired/interested you about the field of communications?
A. I’m an extrovert, and I love to write, so I felt drawn to communications when I started at UCF. But, it was all the extracurricular activities and internships that nurtured those natural abilities and allowed me to find a career. Now that I’ve been in the workforce for a while, I value so much the experiences I had at UCF.

Q. What’s it like living in Grand Cayman? How do you spend your free time?
A. Awesome! I can walk to the beach and swim in the Caribbean Sea after work! Grand Cayman is a vibrant international community, and there’s no shortage of activities on the island. We have great restaurants and entertainment, amazing white sand beaches, watersports, etc. The weather is so great most of the time that I want to be outdoors and active as much as I can. Next, I want to learn to dive and check out the underwater world.

Q. Last thing you Googled?
A. Indemnification. Exciting stuff around here. 🙂

Q. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A. Construction worker. I was all about it — hard hat and everything.

Q. Most embarrassing moment?
A. I once participated in a pickle-eating contest, because one of the “professional eaters” booked for the event bailed and we needed a seat-filler. It was awful.

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A. Sheryl Sandberg shared a quote in her book: “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on.” Have a sense of adventure in your career and life.