Hannah Khoury

Hannah’s passion for hospitality and people has shaped her career across both operations and human resources. She began in the restaurant industry, where she spent four years developing a strong foundation in hospitality before transitioning into HR. Originally from Yonkers, Hannah earned her bachelor’s in media and communications and completed her master’s in hospitality management at Cornell. She gained early HR experience as an intern with Omni Hotels in Nashville and advanced her career in HR at PepsiCo, supporting teams across upstate New York while based in Boston. Now at Empowered, Hannah brings together her industry insight and HR expertise to help hospitality businesses build strong, people-centered cultures that support both employees and organizational growth.

What is your ideal restaurant experience?

My ideal restaurant experience strikes the perfect balance between feeling cared for and feeling at home. While I appreciate an elegant, thoughtfully curated menu, I often find the most memorable meals happen in more casual spots—places where the staff knows your name and your usual order is already in the works. That kind of genuine hospitality, where service feels personal and effortless, always stands out to me.

What does “creating workplaces where people thrive” mean to you?

Creating workplaces where people thrive means fostering an environment where individuals are not only supported and cared for, but also challenged and encouraged to grow. It’s about helping people develop both personally and professionally, while giving them the tools and trust to make a real impact. When people feel valued, capable, and empowered, they’re able to bring their best to the table—and the entire organization benefits.