Ivelliss Alvarez, this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Housekeeping Employee of the Year, embodies the heart of service in a way that cannot be taught—only lived. With more than two decades of dedication, she brings care, pride, and passion to every guest experience, ensuring each stay feels warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.

Ivelliss has fostered a culture of excellence and created a family-like environment on property. She is a steady and trusted presence, earning the respect of her coworkers and serving as a source of comfort and leadership for the entire team.

What truly sets Ivelliss apart is the way she steps in when a guest’s experience is at risk. On what seemed like a typical Saturday, she was called to clean up a food spill in the lobby—only to discover a heartbreaking scene: a custom Little Mermaid birthday cake, meant to celebrate a child’s first trip to Disney, had fallen to the floor. The family was devastated, believing the special moment had been lost.

That evening, after completing a full shift, Ivelliss went home and spent hours of her personal time baking and decorating a replacement cake, carefully recreating every detail—from the shimmering ocean colors to Ariel’s flowing red hair and seashell accents.

The next day, on her day off, she returned to the resort carrying the cake. When the child saw it, her face lit up with pure joy. Ivelliss didn’t just replace a cake—she restored the magic of the trip and created a memory that family will cherish forever.

Affectionately known as the “mom” of the housekeeping team, Ivelliss also goes above and beyond for her colleagues, personally baking cakes for birthdays and celebrations and creating a caring, inclusive culture. She has a rare gift for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary—and she uses that gift to make both guests and teammates feel truly special.