OTG

Melissa’s love for HR has grown over the past 10 years as she's worked in generalist roles across the quick service retail and hospitality industries in Australia and the US. Prior to joining E|H, Melissa implemented HR processes and systems for a fast-growing café & coffee shop concept with over 40 locations nationwide. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Melissa has always had a passion for travel and food, which has led her to visit over 40 countries and influenced her decision to move to New York City in 2017. Melissa has her bachelor's in psychology from Monash University and a graduate diploma in psychology from Deakin University. She is also a SHRM certified professional (SHRM-CP).

Ideal Restaurant Experience

The most special part about living in New York is having so many different cuisines at our fingertips. I love being able to experience the food of the world without leaving New York. My favorite places to eat are authentic, approachable and, most importantly, delicious! If I had to pick one food to eat forever it would no doubt be fried chicken!

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

“Thriving” to me means being the best version of myself in all aspects of life -- at work and in my personal life, both mentally and physically.

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.