Laboom

Kaeleigh's hospitality career began at a young age, working for a mom-and-pop establishment in her hometown in Connecticut. A high school field trip to The Culinary Institute of America significantly impacted her, driving her to graduate early from Fordham University and pursue a second degree at CIA. During her time at CIA and since graduating, she has accumulated nearly fifteen years of operations and human resources experience at esteemed restaurant groups including Myriad, Patina, USHG, and Make It Nice. Her love of the industry and respect for hospitality professionals drove her to focus her full attention on human resources, where she most recently supported the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group and Elior North America. In addition to earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics and economics from Fordham University and a degree in culinary arts from The Culinary Institute of America, Kaeleigh also earned an MBA from Pace University and holds an SPHR designation from HRCI.

Ideal Restaurant Experience

My love of the industry started with comforting environments that feel genuine and authentic. This essential element of making people happy through hospitality, paired with my deep respect the perseverance it takes, brings me home every time. That’s always at the heart of what I look for in a dining experience.

What does creating workplaces where people thrive mean to you?

It means everything. I’ve been very fortunate to work at companies with cultures I’m proud of. One core value that has always resonated above others is integrity: “perform your work selflessly, honestly, and caringly.” I believe that doing so humbly and with awareness fosters the type of work environment that makes our industry better every day.

After studying fashion design at FIT, Michelle worked as a designer for renowned clients such as Givenchy, Ralph Lauren, and Ranjana Khan before pivoting her artistic talents to food. Michelle earned a certificate in pastry arts from the French Culinary Institute and joined an artisanal candy company, where she wore many hats. Upon realizing her strengths -- leading with empathy and compassion, the ability to navigate employee relations issues, and a fearless approach to 'tough conversations' -- Michelle shifted her focus to HR and worked alongside E|H founder Sarah Diehl at the Wythe Hotel. Michelle honed her HR skills at the Wythe Hotel and Troutbeck Resort for nearly four years before joining E|H full-time. Michelle has her bachelor's from FIT, a certificate in pastry arts from the French Culinary Institute (now International Culinary Center), and her SHRM-CP.

Ideal Restaurant Experience

My ideal restaurant experience should feel like being a guest in someone's home. You feel welcomed, the food is comforting yet exciting, and the service is genuine and kind. Your needs are taken care of and you leave feeling replenished.

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

To create a workplace where people thrive means you have created an environment of trust, respect, collaboration and creativity. You've put in the effort to get to know your team and their unique talents and challenges. From there, you've developed systems and strategies to meet those needs, and provided the tools to succeed.