Gracious Hospitality Management, New York, NY
July 2023 – January 2024
Executive and Personal Assistant to Founder/CEO
- Orchestrated and optimized daily schedules, ensuring seamless coordination of meetings, personal appointments, family events, dinners, and galas for peak efficiency.
- Coordinated flawless travel arrangements and accommodations for the Founder and Directors, guaranteeing smooth logistical execution.
- Maintained an elevated standard of organization and efficiency in overseeing residential homes, corporate housing, and vehicles.
- Demonstrated precision in managing the Founder's email inboxes, handling responses, follow-ups, and RSVPs with meticulous attention to detail.
- Strategically scheduled and actively participated in meetings alongside the Founder, recording minutes to enhance effective communication.
- Managed the Founder's board participation and events, ensuring impeccable execution to meet organizational objectives.
- Spearheaded the organization of fundraising and social events, significantly contributing to the success of key initiatives.
- Provided invaluable support to the Director of Marketing and Communications by adeptly managing the Founder's social media accounts.
- Executed a diverse range of administrative tasks, including drafting letters, emails, thank-you notes, talking points, bios, fee proposals, letters of agreements, reports, studies, and contracts.
- Processed incoming communication and memos on behalf of senior staff, exercising discernment in handling confidential information.
SmartFlyer, New York, NY
June 2019 – July 2023
Luxury Travel Advisor Assistant
- Collaborated with a high-revenue travel advisor, contributing to meticulous planning and execution of luxury travel arrangements.
- Orchestrated and maintained detailed daily calendars, coordinating meetings and events with hotels and DMC vendors.
- Directly communicated with High Net Worth (HNW) clients, ensuring seamless organization of both business and leisure travel.
- Crafted comprehensive proposals with location-specific details and quotes, sourced from online research and hotel partners.
- Efficiently booked and confirmed domestic and international travel, covering airfare, hotel accommodations, and car rentals.
- Curated white-glove itineraries, enhancing the overall client experience with detailed flight and transfer information, hotel reservations, and pre-arranged activities.
- Demonstrated discretion and maintained data integrity while invoicing commissionable reservations in the CRM.
- Tracked and meticulously recorded due and paid commissions, proactively ensuring vendor reconciliation.
- Collaborated with clients to curate personalized travel experiences, integrating individual preferences and requirements.
- Resolved client concerns promptly, ensuring a high level of satisfaction and fostering long-term client relationships.
Café Boulud, New York, NY
Apr 2018 – May 2019
Private Dining and Banquet Sales Manager
- Achieved and exceeded a $1M+ annual sales target for private events at Michelin-starred CafeÃÅ Boulud and Bar Pleiades.
- Developed and implemented strategic sales plans and marketing strategies targeting high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients to elevate revenue from private and corporate events.
- Orchestrated the successful planning and execution of a sold-out 20th Anniversary Dinner in collaboration with the NYC Food & Wine Festival and renowned Chef Emeril Lagasse.
- Established direct communication channels with The Surrey Hotel, ensuring seamless coordination for hotel buyouts, corporate guest meetings, and private events.
- Coordinated all facets of events and meetings, managing rentals, flower arrangements, and audio-visual equipment to guarantee a flawless client experience.
- Led comprehensive educational meetings with the service team, providing detailed addendums to maintain top-tier quality standards.
- Surpassed fine dining industry benchmarks by consistently delivering exceptional service and exceeding client expectations.
- Assisted clients in navigating seasonal event menus and collaborated with the sommelier for optimal wine pairings.
- Provided the kitchen with prompt and accurate Banquet Event Order forms weekly, ensuring efficient event execution.
- Managed inventory administrative supplies, optimizing resources for seamless restaurant operations.
Parlor Steak & Fish / The Writing Room, New York, NY
May 2008 – Dec 2015
Private Events and Banquet Sales Coordinator / Maître D
- Directed the Private Events and Large Parties department for upscale sister restaurants, Parlor Steak & Fish and The Writing Room, on the Upper East Side.
- Played an instrumental role of Maître D in the successful opening of both Parlor Steak & Fish and The Writing Room.
- Spearheaded the implementation and formalization of the events program at The Writing Room in 2014.
- Orchestrated the seamless management of two Private Dining Rooms, Main Dining Rooms, and Bars across both establishments to strategically maximize profitability.
- Maintained meticulous records of event financials, providing daily reports to the CFO and Owner for informed decision-making.
- Initiated proactive discussions with clients to discern their initial requirements, ensuring the seamless success of each event.
- Customized and personalized menus and on-site event activities, aligning them precisely with clientele’s discerning preferences and expectations.
- Facilitated direct and efficient communication between the Chef and Owner to consistently surpass client expectations.
- Provided comprehensive and adept support to the Owner, Management, and Front Desk teams in various administrative tasks.
- Achieved a record revenue in the events department during my inaugural year, surpassing previous years' sales benchmarks.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Seamore's - Brookfield Place, New York, NY
Feb 2022 to Jul 2023 Server
- Provided exceptional service at Seamore's in Brookfield Place, delivering a high-quality dining experience to patrons.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth restaurant operations and customer satisfaction.
The Milling Room, New York, NY
Aug 2021 to Apr 2022 Server
- Contributed to The Milling Room's service team, ensuring patrons received excellent service in a high-end dining environment.
- Managed customer inquiries and requests, enhancing overall dining experiences.
Rotisserie Georgette, New York, NY
Jan 2018 to Apr 2018 Maître D
- Served as Maître D at Rotisserie Georgette, overseeing front-of-house operations and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
- Managed reservations, seating arrangements, and customer inquiries.
Elli Travel Group, Larchmont, NY
Apr 2017 - Jan 2018 Luxury Travel Advisor Assistant
- Supported travel advisors at Elli Travel Group, contributing to the planning and execution of luxury travel arrangements.
- Engaged with High Net Worth clients, assisting with travel logistics and ensuring a seamless experience.
The Ribbon, New York, NY
Apr 2016 - Apr 2017 Server
- Delivered exceptional service at The Ribbon, a high-profile restaurant on the Upper West Side.
- Collaborated with the service team to maintain a positive dining atmosphere.
