HR Associate

Chris's passion for hospitality began while studying communications and business at Oglethorpe University, while working as a barback at a local Atlanta bar. He loved the hectic pace of a dinner rush and learned the importance of working with a team that provided a place to learn. This early experience sparked passion for the fast-paced nature of the industry, which has carried through over 20 years in HR and Operations. Chris has since owned a beloved neighborhood bar in Atlanta, managed operations for major concert venues and festivals, and developed deep HR expertise within the luxury fitness industry. With a strong belief in creating a supportive and engaging workplace, Chris focuses on employee experience and fostering a well-rounded work environment where people can have fun and feel confident in the team around them.

What is your ideal restaurant experience?

My ideal restaurant experience is a local bar where it’s evident that the patrons and staff know each other. No matter where it is, I want it to feel like I'm walking into a place where people have sat in the same seats for years and always welcome a new face. The food is simple but good, and great music is playing. The service is casual and friendly, with an engaged and attentive staff.

What does "creating workplaces where people thrive" mean to you?

Creating a workplace where people thrive means establishing a supportive structure, allowing room for feedback in every direction, and providing opportunities for growth. It’s essential to create a balance that allows people to live fulfilling lives outside of work. When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to thrive in their roles.

Since working in hospitality in high school, Samin has had a profound appreciation for workers in the service industry and is happy to support them through her role at Empowered. Samin began her human resources career as a college intern with a Swedish construction company, where an initial three-month internship turned into a two-year HR journey that inspired her to focus her career there. Later earning a master’s in human resource management from Rutgers, she then began a people operations role at Unilever, finding her passion in HR technology, operations, and employee experience. While working in corporate environment was a tremendous learning experience, Samin's compulsion to rejoin the hospitality industry was strong (and fortunate). Samin’s strengths lie not only in HR generalist expertise, but also in HR technology, process improvement and making HR operations simple, automated, and efficient.

What is your ideal restaurant experience?

My ideal restaurant experience is a place where the lights are dimmed, the noise level is low with a bit of light background music, and the atmosphere is warm and cozy; almost as if the restaurant wants to romance you while you dine. The more intimate the experience, the more I can focus my attention on my meal and my company.

What does "creating workplaces where people thrive" mean to you?

Creating a workplace where people can thrive means building a place of trust, support and safety. We spend majority of our time at work, and I believe it should be a place where you can be your authentic self. Where you can rely on your team and where you feel safe, physically, and psychologically. A place where you feel safe and supported to be your true self is the best place for you to be challenged, expressive and successful.