Chief Development Officer for Drive Change

I spent 10 years at Gramercy Tavern and have never encountered a more dedicated, smart, caring and invested group of people in hospitality. I was able to grow my career because I had many leaders who did not just promote me, but they mentored me and gave me the tools to succeed at each level of the restaurant. I know from personal experience that mentorship has the power to unlock someone’s gifts and full potential. It is why I now work at Drive Change. I want that same thing for our fellows.

When I was coming up in the industry, we didn’t see a lot of women in leadership. I often found myself in a room full of men, especially when I worked in kitchens. I am happy to see that has changed and to see women being featured as the incredible food professionals they have always been. I was the first female General Manager at Gramercy Tavern (but not the last) and also became a mom while I was there. It meant a lot to me to have support from my leaders/mentors as a female leader and more importantly, as a parent, because my peers saw that it was possible. Many friends and colleagues have told me over the years that it reinforced for them that it is possible to be a GM or a Chef and also a mom.

Know your team as individuals; where they come from, who they are, what is important to them, how they communicate and like to receive feedback, and what they want to do professionally.

Ask for feedback regularly. It is the only way to keep growing and getting better at what you do.

You can miss really important details if you are not actively listening or watching people’s body language. At USHG, we were taught to lead with care and it started with listening and paying attention to each other and our guests. You can make magic happen if you catch that small detail.