Client Services Director

E|H's first full-time employee, Ashley shares over 15 years of HR experience and 4 years of hospitality experience with her clients and teammates. Prior to joining E|H, Ashley progressed from an administrative assistant to an HR leader at The Catholic University of America while earning her master's degree. A former D1 gymnast, Ashley's strengths lie in forging strong relationships, quickly adapting to new situations, and excelling as a team player. Ashley has her bachelor’s in communications from the University of Maryland, a master's in HR management from the Catholic University of America, and her PHR certification.

Ideal Restaurant Experience

Food has the amazing ability to bring people together in so many unique ways. Whether it's hosting a dinner party with close friends, celebrating a milestone at an intimate meal for two, or the memories created by cooking with friends and loved ones over the years, a good meal always seems to be at the center. What stands out the most when dining out (not just in NYC, but anywhere) is authentic hospitality -- making a guest feel warm and welcome as soon as they enter the establishment.

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

Providing a space where people can feel confident, and turning mistakes into a learning opportunities. An environment where people feel mentally and physically strong, supported, positive, and ready to tackle challenges in a meaningful way.

Clidney’s career in HR is what she likes to call a 'really good accident'. While pursuing her undergraduate degree in finance and accounting from CUNY Brooklyn, she worked as a benefits coordinator for a global advertising agency - a job she intended to be temporary. It turned out, however, that working in HR fulfilled not only her love of numbers, but also her passion for people. This experience led her to pursue the intersection of HR and business, driving her to complete her MBA and become an HR generalist. She currently brings her analytical skills, strategic business sense, and love of people to her clients at Empowered Hospitality.

Ideal Restaurant Experience

My ideal restaurant experience would have to be one where I feel happiness and comfort. Some of my favorite memories include family and food, so any establishment that has a family style vibe, serves flavorful food (I'm partial to Afro-Caribbean and Asian cuisines), plays great music, and has an attentive, knowledgeable and professional staff gets an A+ in my book. Extra points if I feel compelled to do a happy dance while I eat!

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

To me, creating workspaces where people thrive means to foster an environment where people feel seen, heard, empowered and supported. There is a no greater feeling than working alongside people that you feel you can lean on and learn from, and for a company that is fully invested in your professional and personal development and growth.