7 Women You Should Read About this International Women's Day
The hospitality sector, like others, can grapple with gender imbalance for various reasons. The alternative working times of hospitality often deter individuals, especially women, from considering a career in hospitality. At Café en Seine, we acknowledge this challenge and are dedicated to transforming the narrative.
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, Café en Seine are proudly spotlighting our inspiring female trail blazers to continue transforming the perception of female hospitality careers with #InspireInclusion.
To gather insights, we interviewed 7 of our many remarkable women about their perspectives on #IWD2024, #InspireInclusion and their advice for those embarking on a hospitality career. Our mission is to advocate for an inclusive hospitality industry, positioning it as an appealing and rewarding career choice, especially for women.
Bróna Ryan – Sales & Reservations Executive
Bróna Ryan started working in Café en Seine in 2022 as Front of House after completing her degree in Business Management from TUD, where as host, she welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the world through the doors of 39/40 Dawson Street. After becoming a valuable part of the venue team, Bróna took a keen interest in the organising of larger groups & events. In 2023 Bróna joined the Sales team as Sales & Reservations Executive.
What does International Women’s Day 2024 and #InspireInclusion mean to you personally? “To me, International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the achievements and contributions of women, as well as raising awareness about gender equality and women’s rights. It is an opportunity to reflect on progress made and to call for continued action toward achieving gender parity in all aspects of life. I am lucky to be surrounded by many women that constantly strive for more and have a powerful and influential effect on my life.”
What advice would you give to a younger you starting their hospitality career? “Have belief and confidence in my abilities to succeed.”
Who is your female career role model or someone that has inspired you? “Vogue Williams is a young Irish and successful entrepreneur, presenter & media personality. She launched her own podcast, tan company and has been a hot topic with the Irish media for her success. She has grown from strength to strength over the last few years and shows young women that hard work and innovation pays off. Vogue has a strong business presence in the Irish market and inspires me and many young women to pursue their passions.
Lauren Ryan – Duty Manager
Lauren Ryan began working within hospitality over fifteen years ago at The George Bar as a Bartender, where she became Bar Supervisor in 2017. Lauren joined the Café en Seine team in 2020 as a supervisor and now fulfils the role of Duty Manager. She is currently completing an LVA Diploma in Bar & Food Management supported by our employee education programme.
What does International Women’s Day 2024 and #InspireInclusion mean to you personally? “This is a day to celebrate equality, acceptance, and contribution. It is so important to me that everyone has the same opportunities to progress, develop and be the best versions of themselves, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or anything else outside of our control, although we haven’t met this goal yet, the progress is there, and we will continue the fight for it.”
What advice would you give to a younger you starting their hospitality career? “I’d tell myself that there will always be bumps in the road but not to take them to heart and just learn from them and grow. I’d tell myself to know my worth and use my voice as often as I need too. Never be afraid to ask for help or more opportunities, and more importantly don’t be so hard on yourself and enjoy the journey.”
Who is your female career role model or someone that has inspired you?
“My mother is my female role model. Her drive always inspired me. She put herself through nursing school and is now also a qualified physical therapist/ acupuncturist running her own practice. My mother dedicated summers of her life to help orphans in Romania with her qualifications. She is also not just my heroine but a heroine (Angel was the word quoted) to a well-known famous Donegal football player, who wrote an article in the Irish times who explained that she saved his life by simply staying and talking to him one night in Romania when he was down by the river and thinking of doing the worst. My mother is my rock, best friend, my inspiration to work hard in every aspect of life and overall, just to be a good person. I work hard because that is what was shown to me every day of my life to date.”
Charlotte Favre - Bartender
Originally from France, Charlotte, also known as Charlie, has been bringing her creativity and enthusiasm to the bar team since 2023. After working as both a bartender, and security personnel in The George Bar, Charlie found that bartending was a great way for her to gain confidence and is now pursuing the World Class Cocktail competition this year.
What does International Women’s Day 2024 and #InspireInclusion mean to you personally? “I think days such as International Women’s Day, similar to Pride, are when we remind groups in our society that they do matter, and they are heard. It’s a day to give women a voice for many important issues. While it’s not perfect, in European countries like Ireland there are so many more advantages for women to succeed than in other places in the world and we need to use days like International Women’s Day to set an example for little girls looking up to us, not just here but all over the world.”
What advice would you give to a younger you starting their hospitality career? “Keep going, keep creating, keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Don’t give up and don’t listen to anyone telling you otherwise.”
Who is your female career role model or someone that has inspired you? “Other than my mother, who succeeded in her teaching career and is now a Headmaster, someone I look up to is the artist and chronic illness advocate, Halsey. I have followed Halsey as an artist since their initial rise to popularity in 2015, however in 2017 Halsey announced they had undergone several surgeries for endometrioses. Since being diagnosed, Halsey has been a strong advocate for those with endometriosis by being open about the struggles of reproductive illnesses and talking candidly. They bring awareness on this illness and inspire many women and people like me with their openness and strength.”
Katie Moore - Trainee Accountant
Katie Moore completed her studies in Business at TUD and joined Café en Seine as Trainee Account in 2021. Katie is currently completing her ACCA qualifications alongside her role as part of our employee education programme. Behind the scenes every beverage sold at one of the five bars in Café en Seine goes through Katie’s desk in one way or another.
What does International Women’s Day 2024 and #InspireInclusion mean to you personally? “I think it showcases how far the world has come in terms of treating women equally. It highlights the importance of and places value on a woman’s role in society.”
What advice would you give to a younger you starting their hospitality career? “Don’t stress – you are more capable than you think!”
Who is your female career role model or someone that has inspired you?“Aimee Connolly, founder of sculpted by Aimee. It’s inspiring to see an Irish woman creating such a successful brand. She shows that success isn’t too far out of reach if you work hard and really believe in yourself and your brand.”
Flavia Bittencourt - Venue Host
Flavia Bittencourt, originally from Brazil, is a face most Café en Seine customers are likely to remember. This is not only because Flavia has been the venue’s warm and welcoming host for over three years now, but also because she is often involved in creating and starring in the engaging and entertaining social media content for all the Café en Seine channels. Flavia’s knowledge is invaluable in managing the floor of a venue with a capacity of up to 1,000 on the busiest nights of the year.
What does International Women’s Day 2024 and #InspireInclusion mean to you personally? “Concepts like #InspireInclusion are important because it reminds women that while sometimes, we must fight to be heard in male dominant situations, we shouldn’t be afraid to use our voice. Not all of us are born in life with equal say or opportunities, but I am proud that we use days like IWD to talk about how we are demanding an equal voice at the table all year round.”
What advice would you give to a younger you starting their hospitality career? “Don’t be afraid to use your voice and stand up for what you believe is right whether it’s for you or for someone else. Everyone who works in hospitality knows it can be tough sometimes as you are in a customer facing industry. Even on stressful days, stop and remember to never lose that smile inside and out.”
Who is your female career role model or someone that has inspired you? “I don’t have any one specific role model as I don’t believe you can really see every side to a person in the public that you don’t know personally. However, I am constantly inspired by the women in my life. Real women with hard unexciting days and real struggles that never disrespect others in persuing their own dreams. I know so many women who have stayed true to themselves and their ideals despite what comes their way. I am proud of them.”
Magdalena Szetela - Daytime Restaurant Manager
Magdalena Szetela, or Magda as she is affectionately known by her team, has been part of the Café en Seine family for five years joining the venue as Assistant Restaurant Manager in 2018. Originally from Poland, Magdalena has now lived in Dublin for eighteen years, previously working in The Green Hen for ten of those years. In 2022 Magda won ‘Café en Seine Employee of the Year’ which was a trip for her and one other to New York City.
What does International Women’s Day 2024 and #InspireInclusion mean to you personally? “As a woman, International Women’s Day means celebrating our achievements, acknowledging progress, and advocating for continued gender equality.”
What advice would you give to a younger you starting their hospitality career? “Trust yourself, seek growth opportunities, build relationships, and prioritize self-care in the fast-paced world of hospitality.”
Who is your female career role model or someone that has inspired you? “Marie Curie-Sklodowska’s groundbreaking achievements in science and her perseverance in the face of adversity inspired me to push boundaries and pursue my passions fearlessly. Her legacy reminds me of the importance of resilience and determination in achieving success. Let’s not forget she was also Polish and the first woman that got the Nobel Prize!”
Annie Dempsey - Group Marketing Manager
Annie Dempsey joined the Mercantile Group as Group Marketing Manager in 2022 where she oversees the marketing for Café en Seine along with eight other hospitality venues. Annie has a keen interest in PR & Communications and brings experience from honing her skills in several industry’s such as Retail, Hospitality, Health Care, Fashion and Finance.
What does International Women’s Day 2024 and #InspireInclusion mean to you personally?
“To me, International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women and raises awareness of the issues women face today. IWD also shows younger women how they can overcome the barriers the world places on them and achieve anything they want to.”
What advice would you give to a younger you starting their hospitality career?
“Resilience is key. You must be able to successfully adapt to challenges and have the flexibility to adjust to the demands of hospitality – but you will have a LOT of fun in doing so.”
Who is your female career role model or someone that has inspired you? “An Irish female career role model would have to be Mary Robinson as she was the first female president of the Republic of Ireland and a fantastic advocate for human rights and the fair treatment of all people.”
We take pride in the diverse representation of women in every facet of our business who come from all over the world. Let’s use this valuable time to celebrate our female colleagues, to elevate them and inspire future generations of women to choose hospitality as a career.
