Karen Pointer

I started my career in hospitality as a hostess for a major brand and worked my way up through every level - server, assistant manager, general manager, and finally area manager overseeing 5 stores. I worked as many hours as possible and took every opportunity to advance. When I saw different positions become open with my company or other brands, I would apply and get the jobs because of my background, experience, and my love of people. Originally, I wanted to become a nurse, but that wasn't possible for me, so hospitality and working with people was just as beautiful and worked well with me. I worked 120 hours a week, often only coming home long enough to get my kids to and from school, take a shower, change clothes, put food in the crock pot, and go right back to work. My husband was military and deployed during this time. I did this for many years - it was hard and took its toll on my body, but I really loved the job. After a traumatic brain injury, I am now disabled and retired, but I still love to do as much as I can to help my community.