Her Story
About Kristin
Kristin Roark is a seasoned hospitality and food and beverage professional whose career has been shaped by a lifelong connection to the restaurant industry. Inspired by her mother, who served as a General Manager with Marriott and helped open new properties for a local family-owned business in Dayton, Ohio, Kristin developed an early appreciation for hospitality and leadership. She began her own career as a hostess before advancing into serving, bartending, and management roles while attending college. Today, she serves as a Restaurant Supervisor with Marriott Hotels, bringing extensive experience in food and beverage operations, guest service, and team leadership.
Kristin studied International Business and Foreign Languages and Literatures at Wright State University, where she studied French, Spanish, and German, and later earned an A.A. in Culinary Arts/Chef Training from The Art Institutes. Her professional journey includes leadership positions as a Food and Beverage Manager at Sycamore Creek Country Club, Operations Manager at Jaqua’s American Bistro at The Greene, Kitchen Manager at Bar Louie, and Master Mixologist and Manager at Dayton Barrel Works. Alongside her full-time career in hospitality, Kristin is pursuing her own small business interests, with a focus on leadership, team development, mentorship, and inspiring others to reach their potential.
Kristin believes that effective leadership is rooted in helping others become better and creating opportunities for people to grow. She encourages young women entering the hospitality industry to remain authentic, confidently hold space in any room, and never compromise their morals, character, or integrity. She also recognizes that women in hospitality continue to face stereotypes within a historically male-dominated industry, but views these challenges as opportunities to demonstrate the value of women's perspectives, capabilities, and leadership. Through her commitment to developing others and leading with integrity, Kristin strives not only to make a meaningful impact in her industry but also to help pave the way for the next generation of women leaders.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristin
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from one of my mentors during my kitchen management training: if I’m not making the person next to me better than I am, then I’m not truly doing my job. That principle has stayed with me throughout my career. Whenever I have the opportunity to train, mentor, or share knowledge with someone, I view it as an honor and make a commitment to give them my very best. I believe that investing in others not only helps them grow but also creates a lasting impact that will ultimately be reinvested in others.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to never be afraid to be yourself, take up space, and confidently bring your authentic perspective to every room. Stay true to your values, and never compromise your morals, character, or integrity to fit someone else’s expectations. Your authenticity and principles will guide you through challenges, build trust with others, and help you create a career you can be proud of. If you remain grounded in who you are and what you stand for, you will never regret the person you become along the way.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is overcoming long-standing stereotypes in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. Women are sometimes unfairly perceived as less stable or a greater risk during the hiring process, despite being equally, if not more, capable of delivering exceptional results. I see this challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate the unique perspectives, strengths, and approaches women bring to the industry. As women continue to break barriers, we are not only proving our capabilities but also creating new opportunities and paving the way for the next generation of women to enter, grow, and succeed in the field.
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