Celebrating Women in Hospitality: Meet Melanie & The Team at The Leinster Hotel

Today, we not only celebrate Melanie’s leadership but also the exceptional women who play vital roles behind the scenes, ensuring that every guest has an unforgettable experience when staying at The Leinster.

Accommodation Manager, Justyna Szmigielska has been a key figure in the management team since the very early days, transforming the hotel from a construction site to a fully operational space. Her dedication and hard work have been instrumental in establishing the standards of service that define The Leinster. Known for her unwavering support and leadership, Justyna handles one of the most challenging roles in the hotel with grace and resilience—truly accelerating action to turn vision into reality.

At the front of house, Assistant Front Office Manager, Mara Rodriguez leads the Front Office team with a people-first approach, ensuring both staff and guests feel welcomed and valued. Her commitment to training and development has been crucial in creating a warm and professional atmosphere from the moment guests step through the door. Mara’s focus on nurturing talent and enhancing guest experiences embodies the theme of accelerating positive action.

In the heart of the kitchen, Nara Cayres, our Sous Chef at The Collins Club, has proven herself as a capable and inspiring leader. Balancing a demanding role with exceptional skill, Nara played a key part in the hotel’s opening, managing a significant share of the kitchen’s administrative tasks while delivering outstanding culinary experiences. Nara’s ability to lead and innovate in a traditionally male-dominated space is a powerful example of accelerating action for gender equality.

Our pastry kitchen is led by the talented Sofia Ogkanesian, our Head Pastry Chef, who, alongside her small team, creates every dessert, bread, and pastry served at the hotel. From intricate celebration cakes to exquisite dessert plates, Sofia’s attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction are second to none.

Silvana Gotardi, who joined The Leinster team in August as Breakfast Manager, has brought a fresh perspective and impressive efficiency to our breakfast service. Her professionalism and commitment have significantly enhanced morning offerings, setting the tone for an exceptional start to each guest’s day.

Finally, Reservations Executive Ruth Blaney has been with the team since opening in March 2024, managing all reservations for The Collins Club and Jean-Georges, and supporting the operations team during service. Her organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks seamlessly have been invaluable to our smooth operations.