Born and raised in Ecuador, Vianka’s earliest memories of hospitality were shaped in her grandmother’s kitchen—where meals, especially her signature ceviche, were more than food; they were moments of connection, care, and culture. That sense of warmth, service, and attention to detail continues to influence Vianka’s approach to HR today.
Vianka most recently held HR leadership positions at Nobu Restaurant Group, overseeing operations across 14 U.S. locations. As Corporate HR Manager and earlier as an HR Associate at Nobu Downtown, she led people-centric initiatives including onboarding, compliance, employee relations, benefits administration, and talent acquisition.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she honed her strategic thinking and decision-making skills. With a leadership style rooted in empathy, professionalism, and cultural awareness, Vianka partners closely with operations teams to build strong, people-first environments that support retention, engagement, and performance. She brings not only technical HR expertise, but a true passion for the hospitality industry—where every detail, and every person, matters.
What is your ideal restaurant experience?
My ideal restaurant experience is one where the service is genuinely attentive and welcoming, with servers who are not only knowledgeable but excited to recommend their favorite dishes. I truly enjoy dining with my family and sharing meals together, so a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages connection is important to me. Most of all, I love being in a place where it feels like the staff genuinely care about the food they’re serving—it adds a sense of passion and authenticity that makes the entire experience more memorable.
What does “creating workplaces where people thrive” mean to you?
For me, fostering a thriving workplace means cultivating a culture rooted in support, encouragement, and open communication—where every voice is heard and every individual feels genuinely valued. Above all, it’s about creating an environment where people are accepted and celebrated for who they are, empowering them to grow personally and professionally while making meaningful contributions to the organization.
