Sleep In, Rise Up: Building Brotherhood and Exploring New Career Pathways
On the evening of March 28th, sixteen of our young men gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Downtown Jersey City for one of Kismet of Kings' most cherished annual traditions — our Spring Sleep In. This overnight event isn’t just about rest and relaxation; it’s designed to create safe space, spark real conversations, strengthen brotherhood, and expose our Kings to new professional pathways.
Thanks to the generous partnership and hospitality of the DoubleTree team, this year’s experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment our young men arrived — greeted with warm cookies and warm smiles — the hotel staff went above and beyond to make them feel welcomed and valued.
A Backstage Pass to Hospitality Careers
Led by HR Director Carmen Churrango, with support from Quetzalli De La Cruz and other dedicated team members, our group was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel’s daily operations. From housekeeping and engineering to food service and guest experience, the tour opened their eyes to the diverse career opportunities within the hospitality industry.
The team also shared a dynamic video and presentation on the Hilton brand’s origin, mission, and core values — helping our Kings connect the dots between personal development, customer service, and building a meaningful career. The young men asked insightful questions about their hosts' career journeys, showing genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for the field.
Fueling Big Dreams
After the presentation, the group enjoyed a private dinner in one of the hotel’s meeting rooms — a generous and delicious spread that kept the energy high. Later that evening, the young men broke into small groups to work on their presentations for our upcoming Entrepreneurial Event. Focused and fired up, they practiced articulating their business ideas and supporting one another’s growth — a powerful reflection of the leadership and confidence they’re building through the program.
Of course, no Sleep In would be complete without some fun. The gym saw a little friendly competition before the boys retreated to their rooms for hours of bonding, laughter, and late-night video games.
Starting the Day Like Kings
The next morning, the group returned to the hotel’s restaurant in two waves for a private breakfast buffet that sent them off full of gratitude and purpose. By 11:00am, the boys were checked out — but their minds were full of new ideas, inspiration, and a deeper sense of connection with each other and their futures.
Why the Sleep In Matters
At Kismet of Kings, we believe mentorship is more than just advice — it's about exposure, access, and opportunity. Events like our Sleep In offer all three. This experience gave our young men not only a look at potential careers, but also a reminder that their dreams are valid and achievable — and that they don’t have to pursue them alone.
Special thanks to Carmen Churrango, Quetzalli De La Cruz, Austin Pruett, and the entire DoubleTree staff for their generosity, leadership, and commitment to our mission. Your hospitality went far beyond accommodations — you made an impact.
