Meet Marcia Davisson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcia Davisson. Them and their team share their story with us below:

The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa | Celebrating our 130th anniversary with the first female-led Food & Beverage team. Aprised of Chef Kim Moyle and F&B Director Marcia Davisson, the F&B Department encompasses 2 hotels, 7 outlets, including our legendary Lobby Tea & Cocktails. It is an honor to be making history at this historic “Grand Dame” of Denver with 2 distinguished women leaders. Marcia is a Denver native, a lifelong hospitality professional- from bartending in swanky martini bars, singing in cigar lounges, to International Director of Training & Development for several Fortune 500 companies. Marcia is deeply rooted in her community, finds the greatest joy in leadership development and supporting the fulfillment of others’ dreams and passions. Her career has taken her all over the world but finds her coming home to her dream job, at her favorite hotel in the world. Chef Kim, started as a music student and found it unfulfilling- so she started working in culinary and found her purpose and passion. She’s helmed restaurants from her native Pittsburgh to Nashville, Utah, a stint in the Colorado Mountains until finding her home with The Brown Palace. While hotel life means cooking many flavors, her joy in cooking comes from exploring many styles- being a “culinary chameleon”. 

Coming out of a global pandemic, in an industry that was devastated, Kim and Marcia are excited to bring new energy and ideas to The Brown Palace. Honoring time-honored traditions, and infusing new techniques and menus. Keep an eye on all the amazing events, wine dinners and celebrations in 2022 for the anniversary. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, it was a struggle! As women; smart, highly capable, strong women- the road has been bumpy and uphill. Continually having to prove ourselves in a male-dominated industry, particularly in culinary, it’s a ‘boys club’ where women were relegated to non-leadership positions. Hot kitchens, sexual harassment, belittlement & demeaning behavior was the culture for many years- but as companies began to increase Human Resource presence, laws changed and women started taking more of a stand, we were finally seen as viable, contributing badasses. Being silent wasn’t good enough for Kim & Marcia- we challenged the status quo, often with negative effects- but we believed in our talents, skills, and passions. We worked harder & smarter- and it paid off. Through our different paths, we found our way to this amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity- where we can be positive leaders, opening doors for all hospitality professionals. We strive to create a culture of inclusion, empowerment, and education. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Chef Kim: known for being fair, training and developing individuals- taking on big challenges and “fixing” situations. She’s most proud of all of the people she’s developed and guided and seeing where they are in their career. Many still reach out for guidance and mentorship. 

Marcia is known for being curious and courageous. Finding unique solutions for challenging situations- maintaining a sense of humor and self- and with her own style & flair. Developing and training is her passion, she continues to teach and mentor entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses. 

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Marcia: Gardening with my grandmother. I have some of her peony plants in my North Denver Garden. Always grounds me and reminds me of where I’ve come- and how important our roots are. 

Chef Kim: Cooking with my grandmother. She taught me comfort food recipes. It was the only time I could cook growing up- I’m sure it planted a seed. 

Interesting we both would choose our grandmothers. Strong women who helped define us. 

Contact Info:

• Email: mdavisson@brownpalace.com
• Website: www.brownpalace.com

Image Credits
Jilliandra Watkins