“I’m just a girl from the Philippines who dreamed of something better - and found it.”
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- Evelyn Legsanan Svendsen
Imagine moving to a new country without knowing the language and leaving your daughter and extended family behind. For Evelyn Legsanan Svendsen, this was reality when she first came to Denmark as an au pair in 2008 to support her family back home.
When she later joined Bellagroup in 2010 as a substitute in the restaurant and bar at Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers, Evelyn took her first steps into hospitality. Without a 9th grade diploma from the Philippines, she had to complete Danish education courses alongside her work to qualify for further advancement. Her determination paid off: she moved from bar shifts to daytime service and was later offered the chance to train as a receptionist; her big dream.
“I’ve been lucky to have people who believed in me, gave me a gentle push, and who still take the time to teach me new things and help me grow.”
“People often assume I work as a cleaner when I tell them I work at a hotel,” Evelyn says with a smile: “I have great respect for those who do that work, but I’m proud to say I manage conferences and events and help create unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Her greatest lessons have come from handling challenges, building trust, and nurturing relationships with both colleagues and customers. She credits her development to supportive leaders and colleagues who saw potential in her, sometimes before she saw it herself.
“Sometimes others give you the confidence you need,” she says: “I’ve been lucky to have people who believed in me, gave me a gentle push, and who still take the time to teach me new things and help me grow.”
“I’ve been lucky to have people who believed in me, gave me a gentle push, and who still take the time to teach me new things and help me grow.”
"I am grateful for what Denmark has given me. It’s my home now.”
“I talk a lot with my manager about where I want to go. We have a clear plan for my development, and I’m already getting the chance to try new things and learn. That support means everything. It makes me believe I can reach my dream.”
Evelyn’s story is also one of sacrifice and love. For almost a decade, her eldest daughter remained in the Philippines with Evelyn’s parents while Evelyn built a life in Denmark. Along the way, she didn’t just find her passion for hospitality - she also found true love with her Danish husband. Reunification with her daughter came later, but the years apart were hard.
“It’s very tough to be away from your own child,” she admits: “But I am grateful for what Denmark has given me. It’s my home now.”
Today, Evelyn has her family together and has welcomed two younger siblings into the fold.
After 15 years at Bellagroup, Evelyn’s journey is far from over. Looking ahead, she dreams of growing her skills further in a sales role: “I want to be the one talking to customers, planning their meetings or parties, and making sure everything is perfect.”
And when Evelyn sets her mind on something, she goes for it: “I talk a lot with my manager about where I want to go,” she says: “We have a clear plan for my development, and I’m already getting the chance to try new things and learn. That support means everything. It makes me believe I can reach my dream.”
Luckily, Evelyn has learned that dreams can in fact come true.
“I never imagined I’d be here,” she says: “I’m just a girl from the Philippines who dreamed of something better – and found it.”
