How This Pastry Chef Is Elevating Women in Food & Beverage

Name: Heidi K.
Position: Pastry Chef
Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Dream destination: I just returned from a fantastic vacation in South America. I toured the wine valley regions near Santiago, Chile and Mendoza, Argentina before spending a few days in Buenos Aires. The experience was amazing. It was a trip of a lifetime!
Drink or treat of choice: My drink of choice is a light-bodied red wine like a Malbec or Camenere. Currently, all the wine I have is from vineyards in the South American regions I recently visited.

A three-month pastry internship with The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island was all it took to solidify Heidi’s career aspirations.

“During those quick three months, I realized The Ritz-Carlton was a great fit for my career goals. I couldn’t wait to be a part of a company that not only produced the same quality of food that I was learning in school,” says Heidi, adding: “Being able to work in a dynamic, global environment with the opportunity to learn from masters, grow and advance within the company was also a huge draw for me.”

After finishing her bachelor’s degree at Johnson & Wales University, Heidi returned to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island as a full-time pastry cook, where she began to build a foundation for years to come. She later accepted pastry positions at The Ritz-Carlton properties in Charlotte and Tysons Corner before returning to Amelia Island, where she currently oversees a team of 15 pastry chefs.

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“The Ritz-Carlton’s reputation for excellence and their commitment to employee satisfaction made it an easy choice for me to pursue a career with them. Working at The Ritz-Carlton has not only allowed me to continue to develop my culinary skills, but it has also opened up a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth.”

Heidi is now a proud steward of the luxury hotel brand and continues to enliven the culture of excellence in her own career, all while acting as a mentor to other Ritz-Carlton team members (referred to as “Ladies and Gentlemen”) who are seeking to grow within the company.

“The culture inspires continuous learning for its Ladies and Gentlemen to further our career goals and invites us to create relationships with the guests we interact with — learning their preferences and creating a home-like environment for them where we can anticipate their needs. This culture of genuine care and attention to detail creates a sense of belonging and loyalty among both the staff and the guests.”

This commitment to genuine care extends beyond simple guest service — Heidi spearheaded the inaugural Women of F&B conference in late 2023, designed to inspire, connect, and elevate 150+ women in Marriott Food & Beverage careers.

“Being a leader of others is already challenging, being a female leader comes with its own additional set of challenges, and there are not enough spaces to explore solutions to these unique experiences we have as women. I wanted to create an event that develops the attendee personally to have more confidence and power that will radiate out to their employees,” says Heidi. “Women take on so many responsibilities in life and as leaders; I wanted to create a day that was educational and also spoil the attendees, so they felt truly valued in their roles.”

The conference incorporated topics such as finding your voice, leadership excellence, and burnout, balanced them with lighter topics like upcoming Food & Beverage trends and a professional-wear fashion show with retail partners. Attendees also enjoyed bespoke menus for five food and beverage presentations throughout the day.

During the event, Heidi was presented the inaugural Women of F&B achievement award. She will have the opportunity to present the award to the 2024 winner at this year’s conference.

“The best part about being a member of the Women of F&B network is the support and appreciation I’ve received from the amazing women with whom I get to interact. We have the opportunity to create something that doesn’t exist and meet the need for personalized development that will grow our professional careers.”

Learn more about Heidi’s career and involvement in the Women of F&B initiative.

How would you describe Marriott’s culture?

Intentionally curious. Marriott’s culture is built on the foundation of respect, integrity, and excellence, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. It is a culture that encourages innovation and embraces diversity, allowing for a dynamic and vibrant workplace that continuously strives for excellence in hospitality. I always get to create something new. The company also values giving back to the community through various social responsibility initiatives, which adds a sense of purpose and fulfillment to our work. Overall, Marriott’s culture is one of empowerment, growth, and genuine care, making it a truly exceptional place to work.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is that each day is different. The hospitality industry is constantly changing, and no two days are alike. My favorite days are surprisingly when we have a big obstacle to overcome, like an ingredient not being available and needing to adapt a recipe to create the needed desserts or the power being out and finding creative ways to accomplish our normal day to day tasks. That’s when you innovate and grow the most, creating vivid memories and turning unforeseen circumstances into legendary stories.

What does a good day at work look like for you?

Organized chaos seems to seep into my everyday work world. A great day has a specific rhythm and energy that’s hard to define. Everyone is focused on the same goals with a heightened sense of urgency to create one-of-a-kind events that are truly memorable for the guests. The satisfaction of seeing guests enjoying themselves and being part of creating those moments is what makes it all worth it.

How has Marriott supported you as an artisan?

I’ve had the opportunity to attend master classes through the tuition reimbursement program, which continues my exposure to the most current trends in the industry. Additionally, I’m encouraged to step outside of the hotel and experience the hospitality and food and beverage industry to seek new inspiration for desserts and pastries. Marriott also provides a platform for me to showcase my creations at various events and gatherings, allowing me to gain recognition and build my reputation as an artisan. The company’s commitment to supporting and nurturing its employees in the culinary arts has been instrumental in my growth and success as a pastry chef.

What advice do you have for those interested in working at Marriott?

The hospitality industry is fast-paced and can be high-stress, especially in a kitchen. However, there are so many different divisions in Marriott that there is something for everyone. As your life priorities evolve, there are job opportunities that fit your needs. It’s important to have a passion for customer service and a willingness to go above and beyond for guests. It’s also crucial to be a team player and be able to work well under pressure. Marriott values its employees and provides great opportunities for growth and development.

Could you tell us about your involvement in the Associate Resource Group?

I’ve been involved with the Women of F&B initiative for a couple of years now, so joining the Women’s ARG was an obvious choice. As a female in a predominately male industry, it’s important to bond and network with others who understand the challenges I commonly face. It’s been a great experience being part of the Women’s ARG and having the opportunity to connect with other women in the industry. I believe that by sharing our experiences and supporting each other, we can make a positive impact and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

How has the ARG enriched your experience at Marriott?

Joining this ARG has made me feel valued and that the culture of the company is forward-thinking, constantly working towards a more inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and grow their career. Through this resource group, I have been able to participate in meaningful discussions, networking opportunities, and educational events that have expanded my perspective and deepened my understanding of diversity and inclusion issues.

In what ways has the Associate Resource Group contributed to your personal and professional growth?

The ARG has provided several resources I would have otherwise not had easy access to. I enjoy the panels featuring top female executives in the company and hearing from them directly about their challenges and successes. I have also benefited from the mentorship opportunities and networking events organized by the Associate Resource Group. The connections I have made through these events have been invaluable in helping me navigate my career path and develop new skills.

What has been your favorite part of being a member of the Women of F&B network?

It’s fulfilling to be part of a community that ensures its members feel valued and seen. I’m moved by the graciousness of every woman I interacted with during the planning and executing of the conference and how eager they are to continue to be part of this community. I have also loved the opportunity to learn from the experiences and expertise of other members, as well as sharing my own knowledge and skills with them. The connections I have made through this network have not only enriched my professional life but have also resulted in meaningful friendships.

How have you used the Marriott Explore Rate?

I use the Marriott Explore rate most often to visit family. My family is spread out across the United States. Having a discount on hotel rooms allows me to visit my family and explore other areas of the country.

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