Regional Director of Operations at KNEAD HOSPITALITY + DESIGN

Diversity is our greatest strength. Every voice, every background, every perspective makes us better. In my career, I’ve seen how diverse teams are more innovative, more empathetic, and more resilient. All people are welcome.

Perspective and not being afraid to lean on those around me helps me avoid burnout. Sometimes, we all just need to take a breath and tune out the world.

Balance is about boundaries. This is still something that I continue to work on. My goal is to always be fully present. When I am at work, I give my team and guests everything I have. When I am at home, my family deserves the same.

My calendar is vital to my job. Organization is extremely important.

Coming out of COVID, we were short-staffed like everyone else. There were nights it felt like three people were doing the work of ten. Instead of letting it break us, we turned it into a rallying point. We laughed, we hustled, we folded napkins, we washed dishes, and we bussed tables. Titles do not matter. Teamwork does. Some of the best laughs of my career happened on those nights when we were all in the weeds together.

I listen. Without interruption. I make it a priority to create a space where everyone feels safe and they are encouraged to share their ideas, concerns, and dreams.

When I received the RAMMY Manager of the Year award, it was really a team accomplishment. My name may be on the award, but the truth is, it belonged to every single teammate and every member of my family. Culture is never created alone.

I cannot live without my sense of humor. In this industry, stress can run high. Sometimes, the only thing you can do is laugh. I truly believe that laughter is contagious and if I can lighten the mood with a well-timed dad joke or pun, suddenly everyone else breathes easier.

I am very curious. I read, I listen, I ask questions. I learn from my team. I will always be a student.

I'm inspired by the impact we have on people’s lives, both guests and team members. We are a part of their stories. What we do matters.

The skills I value the most are emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Someone with emotional intelligence and self-awareness can pivot under pressure, calm down an upset a guest or employee, celebrate a teammate’s win, and lead with passion and kindness.

The most important skills for my line of work are emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience. In our industry, nothing ever goes as planned. Success in hospitality comes from leaders who can read a room, adapt with grace, and turn challenges into opportunities.

I look for heart, humility, and hustle. Technical skills can be taught. Passion for people and the ability to lead others are what makes someone truly shine.

Since the beginning of my career, I have made 2 commitments to myself. First and foremost, to lead with heart and secondly with strategy. The people will always come first. Building teams, inspiring them, and creating unforgettable experiences for guests are the building blocks of any successful business. I have also learned that leadership is also about results. The balance of inspiration and business acumen shaped my leadership path. While a leader can inspire, we also have a responsibility to ensure the business thrives so that the inspiration can continue to live on. I make decisions on a daily basis looking through both of those lenses.

Every step I have taken has been intentional. I say yes to challenges, lean into learning, and I’ve never been afraid to do the hard work right alongside my team. I also made it a point to invest in relationships with mentors, colleagues, and guests.

I went to school for massage therapy after high school and became a Certified Massage Therapist. I kept a massage table in the trunk of my car and had a handful of regular clients. When I moved to Northern Virginia, I began working at a spa. I loved being able to make people feel great through the power of touch but it wasn’t enough for me. I found myself craving a deeper connection. That is when I knew that hospitality was my calling.

My very first job was dressing as a bumblebee mascot for a buffet restaurant - wings, fuzzy suit, stinger, and all. It taught me that sometimes you have to put yourself out there, even when it feels a little silly. This showed me the power of energy and joy. No one could see my face or hear my voice but I was able to create excitement and enthusiasm.

I believe people are inspired when they feel seen, heard, and valued. I try to celebrate small wins as much as big ones, create a safe space for learning, and always remind the team of the “why” behind what we do. Education does not just mean training. It means giving people the tools and the confidence to grow into the best version of themselves.

I am constantly searching for resources that challenge me to improve. I’m especially drawn to articles and talks on emotional intelligence and self-growth for those are the skills that spill over into every part of hospitality and leadership.

For me, self-care is about presence. When I’m able to sit down to dinner with my family, we all make a commitment: phones off, no distractions, just us. That time together fills my heart in a way that nothing else can. It grounds me and reminds me that the heart of hospitality is creating space where people feel seen, valued, and connected. My family deserves that from me just as much as my guests and team do.

I find inspiration in people. The teams I work alongside, the guests who trust us with their celebrations, and my family who reminds me daily what true hospitality looks like at home. Inspiration is everywhere when you are willing to pause and notice the human moments. We rise by lifting others.

The number one skill is reading the room and knowing your audience. Whether it is a guest celebrating an anniversary, a team member struggling through a rough shift, or a dining room that needs a little more energy. Great hospitality is about tuning in and responding.

When hiring, I look for sparkle - the kind of sparkle that happens when someone lights up talking about making people happy. I can teach someone how to carry a tray or balance a schedule, but I can’t teach heart. Heart, humility, and hustle comprise the perfect trifecta.

A mentor once told me to be serious about the work but don’t take yourself too seriously. That advice has given me permission to lead with humility, keep things light when stress is heavy, and create an environment where people feel free to be themselves. At the end of the day, hospitality is about glee. If we are not having fun, neither are our guests.

I’ve learned that failure can be a powerful teacher. I have also learned to laugh at myself along the way. Hospitality is unpredictable and if you can’t find the fun in chaos, you’ll miss the joy.