Brenda’s experience spans restaurant kitchens, hotel operations, and summer camp food service, where she has managed teams, developed menus, trained staff, and helped create memorable dining experiences.
What Brenda enjoys most about her work is connecting with people. Whether teaching martial arts, working with middle school students, or leading a kitchen team, she finds joy in helping others learn, grow, and succeed. Making the decision to change careers and pursue the culinary field was challenging but ultimately rewarding. She loves the creativity that cooking allows and finds peace in bringing her ideas to life through food. Seeing guests and her “kiddos” enjoy her creations is one of the most fulfilling parts of her work.
What first interested you in your area of the hospitality industry?
Food has always brought people together, and I loved being part of that. When I started working in kitchens, I was drawn to energy, teamwork, and creativity. I enjoyed seeing how something as simple as a good meal could make someone’s day better, and that inspired me to stay in the industry.
Who are a few of the people that have encouraged your career?
I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing chefs and managers, and mentors who not only believed in me and encouraged me to take on more responsibility. They taught me the importance of leadership, consistency, and never being afraid to learn something new. My family and friends have also been one of my biggest supporters throughout my career.
What challenges do you think people face in your industry?
Hospitality moves fast, and every day is different. One of the biggest challenges is balancing quality, service, and teamwork while ensuring guests have the best experience possible. Another challenge is dealing with changing market conditions, rising costs of food, supplies, and labor, as well as increasing prices that can affect both businesses and customers. Staying competitive while maintaining high standards and customer satisfaction can be difficult, but it is also what makes the industry exciting and rewarding.
Can you cite a few accomplishments that have given you great pride and elevated your work?
One accomplishment I’m especially proud of is working my way from line cook to Kitchen Manager. I’ve had the opportunity to help open a few restaurants in NYC developed menu ideas or concepts. I’m also proud of the work I did at Farm & Wilderness in Vermont, where I helped feed hundreds of campers and staff each day while teaching young people basic cooking skills. But also learn what it takes for farmers to produce and care for the land and animals all around while also doing conservation work.
What piece of advice can you lend to others who are considering your career?
Be willing to learn every part of the job and don’t be afraid to start at the bottom. Every station, every shift, and every challenge teach es you something valuable. Work hard, stay humble, and always be open to learning from the people around you.
Everyone who works in hospitality has a story to tell about something incredible that happened on the job. What’s one that you often tell?
One of my favorite memories comes from working at a summer camp in Vermont. There are these milestone moments that get to be celebrated when everyone is feeling tired and homesick. The spirit of creativity gets called and everyone gets excited the spaces get chosen they get transformed into something magical and the food get planed and production starts moving thing and you see your work coming out evolving and eventually seen and eaten. You see everyone in the community coming together for the last hoora it’s truly incredible.
What do you hope people understand about those who work in your area of hospitality?
I hope people understand how much teamwork goes behind the scenes. There are a lot of moving parts that guests don’t always see. Everyone in the kitchen is working hard to make sure meals are prepared safely, efficiently, and with care.
Is there anything else you want Woman Around Town readers to know?
Teaching and Hospitality has taught me the value of teamwork, patience, and connecting with people from all walks of life. It’s not always easy, but it’s a career that allows you to make a positive impact every day. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and excited to continue growing in this industry.
Photo Credit: Michael Black
