Senior HR Director

Ann has held a deep appreciation for hospitality since working at a brewery-restaurant during her college years. Ann expanded her hospitality experience into the retail and fitness industries, where she pivoted her focus to cultivating positive work cultures and developing her skills in HR management and operations. Ann's passion is food, which she believes she inherited from her mom (but unfortunately, did not inherit her cooking skills!). As a forever foodie, Ann schedules her life around food, seeking out new venues, frequenting old staples, and enjoying delicious home cooked meals as often as possible. Ann has a bachelor’s degree in communication and psychology and an HR Management Essentials Certification from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

What is your ideal restaurant experience?

Thought I do appreciate a great ambiance with dimly lit vibe, my focus is always the food. Trying all the different delicious options, sharing every item from the menu that piques the interest with my family and friends.

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

It means creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive work culture where people feel a sense of belonging. An environment that supports the growth and success of its people. A place where people can trust to be their whole self.

Originally from New Orleans, Laura comes to Empowered Hospitality after fifteen years in NYC's renowned theatre industry. Her wide range of experiences — from the front lines of customer service at a Broadway theatre to building a brand-new human resources department at an established licensing company — has given her unique insights into what helps people thrive in every stage of their career. Laura's passion for building community and making local cultures feel invigorating to the people who live in them - and like home to the people who don’t - make her an incredible teammate and resource at Empowered. Laura earned a BA in theatre from City College of New York, an MFA in creative writing from Hunter College, and a PHR certificate from HRCI.

What is your ideal restaurant experience?

New Orleans is famous for its cuisine, and more importantly, its people and culture! My ideal restaurant experience involves a place that has a story: somewhere that has survived storms and setbacks, where the same locals have been sitting at the same tables for decades, and where the bartender has both a drink and an outrageous story ready when you walk in the door. Food is almost secondary to a place where there is always a seat waiting for you.

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

Creating workplaces where people thrive means making space for people to feel confident and grow — both inside and outside of work! Since we spend a lot of time at work, the workplace should be supportive, engaging, and interesting, and still leave space for your other interests, friends, and family.