Her Story
About Zeel
I have been working in the food service industry for approximately 18 years, and it has truly been a blessing. My main areas of expertise include leadership development and client management. In my role, I ensure that all operations are meeting brand standards and health regulation standards, and I oversee the day-to-day operations to make sure all the directors have everything they need to successfully operate these restaurants. Our company goes inside hospitals, government buildings, colleges, and airports and operates their food service departments for them. Throughout the East Coast, we have Chick-fil-A locations in several hospitals, and we're also a Starbucks licensee. Our newest venture is inside Dulles Airport, where we're bringing Honor Brewery. I'm particularly proud of winning the bid at Dulles Airport because Honor Brewery's mission is to honor American heroes and they do a lot of work with veterans, giving back through jobs and charity. To bring Honor Brewery to a place like Dulles Airport at the nation's capital has really meant a lot to me and has been a big achievement. I studied public health at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, graduating in 2009.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Zeel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my support system, which has been huge. My family has been incredibly important to me throughout my career. I also credit all the leaders and mentors who gave me the opportunities that have helped me grow and achieve what I have in this industry.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was that it's not leadership, it's servantship. This perspective has really shaped how I approach my role and how I work with my team.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say don't give up at the first no that you hear. Have grit and keep showing up in as many rooms as you can show up in. Persistence and presence are so important in this industry, and you have to be willing to push through challenges and keep putting yourself out there.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think every challenge or every opportunity comes with a learning experience and with an opportunity to open our eyes and do something different, and try a different way. As we all know, every single industry is evolving or changing, so every challenge or opportunity brings about a new idea and a new way to grow. I really look at those opportunities from that lens. COVID taught us so much, and now this new digital world that we're in is teaching us so much in every single industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in my professional life are integrity, transparency, and commitment. These principles guide how I approach my work and how I lead my team every day.
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