From banquet attendant to Marriott Award of Excellence

Tim Acton went to high school in Silver Spring, Maryland — where he still lives today. His teacher introduced him to the Bridges program during his junior year. Tim wanted to work in hospitality or the airline industry: "I love to travel."

"My disability doesn't have a name and it's extremely hard to describe," Tim says. "I struggle with reading and math, but through Bridges I was able to start my career at Bethesda North Marriott nine years ago as a busboy."

Tim attended every training opportunity Bridges offered. When a position opened at the Bethesda North Marriott and Conference Center, he made the most of it. Within a month he received a pay raise, and shortly after, he moved to full-time with benefits.

His exceptional performance led to promotions and a Bridges Youth Achievement Award. He went on to become the first-ever Bridges participant to win the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence — an award given in recognition of exemplary service to the best of the best at Marriott International, the company's highest honor.

Tim is now a lead banquet server. His mentors are lead servers Laura and Ofelia. As Tim describes the role: "I keep everyone on track and make sure our guests are happy." His five-year goal: become a banquet manager and run all the events at the hotel.

Outside of work, Tim follows the stock market and sports — baseball and football. He visits his two sisters in Seattle a few times a year. He gives back to Bridges through monthly payroll deductions.