OTG

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.

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.

Brittany grew up in her family’s breakfast and lunch restaurant, eventually running the business with her family until its sale, after 38 years in business! Through her early experience at the restaurant, she grew to love the ideas of entrepreneurship, hard work, and hustle, but also wanted to explore other interests. This prompted her to study fashion merchandising in college and later join Elite Model Management NYC as a communications manager, all while supporting the family business as a server on weekends. After a few years in fashion, however, she returned full time to the restaurant as a people operations manager and also established a fashion consulting business, where she would coach women from all walks of life on personal branding and confidence. At this point in her career, Brittany realized that talent development, coaching, and fostering inclusive workspaces were very meaningful to her. This prompted her to pursue a master's in HR management and to join Empowered Hospitality.

Ideal Restaurant Experience

Hotel Ma’Xanab in Tulum, Mexico on the beach, eating freshly caught ceviche for lunch. Or any unique, homey dining experiences with real, fresh ingredients. Being connected to a local culture or family makes it even better!

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

To me, it means establishing a psychologically safe environment where people are recognized and appreciated for their humanity, and where their contributions are respected and valued. It's a place where people can authentically be themselves and find fulfillment in both their personal lives and their work. When individuals can bring their complete selves to work, it fosters mutual growth for both the people and the business.