Saraya Oconnell

Background

About Saraya Oconnell

I am the Chief Operating Officer of Hotel Etico Australia, Australia’s first not-for-profit social enterprise hotel dedicated to training and employing people with disability. With a background in both the disability sector and hospitality, I am passionate about scaling impact, driving systemic change in disability employment, and building workplaces where inclusion is embedded at every level. As COO, I oversee hotel operations and the expansion of our programs and sites, ensuring our “One Etico Culture” grows sustainably while delivering excellence in both guest experience and social impact. I lead strategic initiatives that empower trainees to transition into open employment, while also shaping industry partnerships that prove inclusive employment is not only possible, but essential. I work closely with employers and community partners to create genuine pathways into meaningful careers for people with disability. I also co-host Room for All, the Hotel Etico podcast, where Andrea Comastri and I dive into the realities of inclusive leadership, challenge stereotypes around disability employment, and showcase stories from trainees, industry leaders, and changemakers. The podcast is both a platform for advocacy and a practical resource for organisations looking to build more inclusive cultures. My mission is clear: to challenge outdated perceptions of disability employment, set new benchmarks for inclusion, and scale a model that has the potential to reshape Australia’s hospitality industry.