About Us

We create workplaces where people thrive

Hospitality HR Consulting for Restaurants and Hospitality Businesses

At Empowered Hospitality, we provide specialized hospitality HR consulting to help restaurants and hospitality businesses build healthy, inclusive, and high-performing workplaces. Our team partners with hospitality leaders to strengthen workplace culture, support employees, and develop HR strategies that help teams grow and succeed.

Supporting Restaurants and Hospitality Businesses with HR Expertise

Our HR consulting services for restaurants and hospitality businesses help leaders navigate complex HR challenges while maintaining positive workplace cultures. From employee relations and compliance to HR strategy and leadership support, we help hospitality teams build systems that support both people and business growth.

Service

Rise by lifting others

Integrity

Follow your true north

Adaptability

Embrace change

Courage

Be bold and brave

Core values

Our values guide how we support restaurants and hospitality businesses, helping leaders create workplaces where teams can thrive.

Meet Our Team

Each member of our team brings deep expertise in hospitality HR consulting and restaurant HR services. With diverse professional backgrounds and industry experience, we partner with hospitality leaders to build strong teams and create workplaces where people can succeed.

Sarah Diehl

Founder & Principal

Learn More

Joe Rollin

Partner & Strategic Advisor

Learn More

Jessica Carnam

Senior Client Services Director

Learn More

Kaeleigh Chow

Senior HR Director

Learn More

Laura Magali

Senior Client Services Director

Learn More

HR Systems

We specialize in HR technologies such as ADP, Paycom, Paylocity, Toast, JustWorks, Harri, BambooHR, Wisetail, ApplicantStack & more!

Emily Helms

Senior HR Director

Learn More

Melissa Kokai

HR Director

Learn More

Kelly Gladstone Izumi

HR Director

Learn More

Aurora Polanco

HR Director

Learn More

Sameer Vashisht

Client Services Director

Learn More

Kerry Garber

Client Services Director

Learn More

Raven Ford

HR Director

Learn More

Michelle Miller

Senior HR Consultant

Learn More

​Credentials

We have SHRM-CP, SCP, and PHR certifications, masters’ in HR and I/O psychology, and unsurpassed HR and hospitality experience.

Languages

We offer trainings and support in English, Spanish, French, and other languages, and often work with non-US based companies.

Keenan Cronyn

Senior HR Consultant

Learn More

Michel Lukas

Senior HR Consultant

Learn More

Heather Harbach

Senior Marketing Manager

Learn More

Whitney Sanchez

HR Consultant

Learn More

Joe Song

Talent Consultant

Learn More

Surije Zaineh

HR Consultant

Learn More

Amanda Davis

HR Consultant

Learn More

Tim Wolcott

HR Operations Consultant

Learn More

Locations

We are based in the NYC metro area and support clients in major markets across the U.S.

Hospitality Expertise

Our team's firsthand hospitality experience helps us understand our industry's unique operational, compliance, and people challenges.

Laura Marshall

HR Consultant

Learn More

Hannah Khoury

HR Consultant

Learn More

Kami Frota

Finance Manager

Learn More

Ann Nguyen

Senior HR Associate

Learn More

Kevin Conroy

Senior Talent Associate

Learn More

Elizabeth Mosbaek

Senior HR Operations Associate

Learn More

Billy Berces

HR Associate

Learn More

Syrus Scott

HR Associate

Learn More

One-Size-Fits-One

We build practical and efficient strategies tailored for each unique restaurant and hospitality team we partner with.

People-First Growth

We help hospitality businesses create strong people foundations that support sustainable growth, retention, and long-term success.

Amaar Clemente

HR Associate

Learn More

Camille Pavelko

HR Associate

Learn More

Angel Butron

Talent Associate

Learn More

Devon Stein

HR Associate

Learn More

Brandon McCollum

Talent Associate

Learn More

Vianka Sanchez

HR Associate

Learn More

Richard Gan

HR Associate

Learn More

Build Your Career in Hospitality HR

YOU thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and love learning new things. You’re gritty, adaptable, and resourceful—a source of positive energy for the people around you. You’re an HR enthusiast (yes, we said it) who’s passionate about supporting teams and building great workplaces in the hospitality industry.

WE empower our team to learn, grow, and lead. At Empowered Hospitality, we’re a group of hospitality HR consultants who care deeply about helping restaurants and hospitality businesses create stronger teams and better workplaces. We encourage creativity, collaboration, and inclusive thinking in everything we do.

Learn about E|H careers

Let’s Build a Smarter People Strategy

If you’re looking for outsourced hospitality HR support, restaurant executive search, payroll support, fractional HR leadership, hourly recruiting help, or anything in between, we’re ready to help. Let’s talk about your people!