Gallup, NM — June 7, 2025 — Hilton Garden Inn Gallup, part of the Total Management Systems (TMS) family, proudly celebrated the 2025 Project SEARCH Graduation last Friday night, marking a historic milestone that embodies TMS’s unwavering commitment to community empowerment and philanthropy.

The Hilton Garden Inn has had the privilege of being the host business of Project Search for the past 10 years.  This year’s Project SEARCH class delivered a record-breaking outcome: Hilton Garden Inn Gallup extended permanent job offers to 6 of the 8 graduating interns—a testament to the transformative power of inclusive hiring and the enduring impact of TMS’s dedication to giving back.  Hilton Garden Inn now has a total of 12 employees who started out in the program. 

The graduates who now join the Hilton Garden Inn Gallup team include:

• 3 dishwashers
• 1 front desk agent
• 1 housekeeper
• 1 houseman

The significance of this success cannot be overstated. The hotel’s dishwashing department is now 100% staffed by Project SEARCH alumni—a living example of how inclusive employment transforms lives and strengthens communities.

“These graduates have shown us what true perseverance, heart, and dedication look like,” said Celina Palacios, General Manager at Hilton Garden Inn Gallup. “Their success stories inspire every one of us to keep investing in programs that foster opportunity and growth. This partnership with Project SEARCH is a shining example of how hospitality and philanthropy come together to make a real difference.”

Project SEARCH is a nationwide internship program designed to empower young adults with disabilities by providing them with critical work skills and pathways to competitive employment. For Hilton Garden Inn Gallup—and TMS Hotels—this partnership is about more than filling positions; it’s about building community, nurturing potential, and celebrating every individual’s journey.

“Project Search is my favorite example of our hotels giving back to their community.” said Prakash Sundaram, CEO/President of Total Management Systems. “Watching these kids walk into the Hilton Garden as scared kids and walking out as young adults with a newfound confidence in themselves, has been a rewarding and humbling experience.  Visiting our hotel in Gallup and meeting with these excited young people is the best part of my trip.”

About Hilton Garden Inn Gallup
Hilton Garden Inn Gallup, proudly part of the TMS Hotels family, is a 105-room property that has been serving the Gallup community since 2014. Conveniently located just off I-40, the hotel features modern amenities tailored to both business and leisure travelers, including an indoor pool, a fitness center, and complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy locally inspired cuisine at The Garden Grille & Bar, the hotel’s full-service restaurant, which offers breakfast and dinner daily with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Beyond hospitality, Hilton Garden Inn Gallup is deeply committed to community service. The hotel regularly supports local charities, sponsors educational programs, and partners with organizations like Project SEARCH to create inclusive employment opportunities. As a pillar of the community, Hilton Garden Inn Gallup stands for more than just a comfortable stay—it’s a place where guests and locals alike experience the spirit of community, compassion, and genuine hospitality.

About Project SEARCH:
Project SEARCH is a business-led, one-year internship program that provides meaningful, real-world work experience for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program’s goal is to prepare interns for competitive employment by combining classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training within a host business setting. By partnering with local organizations and businesses, Project SEARCH builds pathways to independence, empowering participants to gain valuable skills and achieve their fullest potential.

About Total Management Systems Inc.

Total Management Systems Inc. (TMS) is a New Mexico-based hotel management company driven by a deep commitment to operational excellence, community impact, and philanthropy. Through partnerships like Project SEARCH, TMS invests in people—helping them find meaningful employment, develop essential skills, and build brighter futures. TMS is proud to manage a portfolio of hotels that reflect the unique character of their communities, all while fostering partnerships and supporting local economies. For more information, visit www.tmsnm.com or call Joesolie Ramos at (505) 831-4200 ext. 2.