Her Story
About Rose-Marie
Rose-Marie B. Tarawali serves as Chef de Cuisine at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland, bringing more than twelve years of hospitality and culinary experience to her role. Throughout her career, she has developed a diverse skill set in fine dining, comfort cuisine, banquets, catering, and food and beverage operations. Prior to joining Woodmont Country Club, Rose-Marie gained valuable experience at The Little Beet Table in Bethesda, where she strengthened her expertise in culinary execution, kitchen operations, and creating memorable dining experiences for guests. A dedicated and driven culinary professional, Rose-Marie earned her degree in Hospitality from Prince George’s Community College, graduating on May 16. She continues to advance her knowledge and leadership skills by pursuing her Executive Chef Certificate through the American Culinary Federation (ACF), where she is an active member. Her commitment to professional development, culinary excellence, and team collaboration has helped her thrive in demanding hospitality environments while maintaining high standards of quality, creativity, and service. Originally from Sierra Leone, Rose-Marie attributes her success to her strong personality, positive attitude, resilience, and passion for the culinary arts. She is committed to continuous growth and believes in the importance of teamwork, discipline, and dedication in achieving success. Outside of her professional career, Rose-Marie enjoys gym workouts, fitness, and cooking, activities that reflect her focus on wellness, creativity, and personal growth. Whether developing new culinary techniques or maintaining an active lifestyle, she continues to pursue excellence both inside and outside the kitchen.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rose-Marie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my strong personality, positive attitude, and genuine passion for what I do. I believe that loving your work makes a significant difference, as it brings purpose, dedication, and motivation to every challenge. I am a highly self-driven individual who has always approached my goals with determination, resilience, and a strong work ethic. My grit and commitment to continuous growth have empowered me to pursue opportunities, overcome obstacles, and achieve the success I have built throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I have always believed in the importance of working hard, staying committed, and never giving up. The best career advice I have received is to work hard and embrace the rewards that come from dedication and perseverance. Success requires consistency, resilience, and the determination to keep moving forward, even when challenges arise. By maintaining a strong work ethic and refusing to quit, I have been able to continue growing both personally and professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the culinary and hospitality industry is to be confident, resilient, and committed to continuous growth. This industry requires strength, determination, and the mindset to always strive for excellence. As a traditionally male-dominated field, women must be prepared to work hard, believe in their abilities, and consistently demonstrate their value through dedication, skill, and professionalism. Never underestimate your potential, continue learning, and let your passion and work ethic speak for themselves.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in the culinary industry today revolve around creating more space, support, and advancement opportunities for women. As there are still fewer women represented in leadership roles within the industry, it is important to build environments where women feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. One of the greatest challenges is preventing burnout, as the demands of the profession require long hours, resilience, and dedication. Learning how to maintain balance, pace yourself, and prioritize well-being while continuing to pursue excellence is essential for long-term success. At the same time, this creates an opportunity to inspire future generations of women to pursue leadership roles and make a lasting impact in the culinary field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, and dedication. I believe in having a strong moral compass and treating others with respect, kindness, and genuine care. Hospitality is at the heart of who I am, and I love creating experiences where people feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated. I strive to be someone others can depend on by consistently demonstrating reliability, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to giving my very best in everything I do. Whether serving guests, supporting my team, or building relationships, I approach every opportunity with passion, accountability, and 100% dedication.
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