Antonietta Alfano
Rochester,NY
Summary
Ambitious Hospitality and business Director with proven track record of creating successful food service operations, managing staff and increasing profits. Extensive experience in menu design, ordering supplies and creating innovative solutions to food service challenges. Well-versed in hospitality standards and natural knack for building relationships with customers. Possesses outstanding written and verbal communication skills able to relate to all populations, levels within an organization, vendor negotiation and all administrative/hospitality functions. Additionally, a seasoned culinary arts chef with over 7 years of experience providing extensive knowledge of food handling and sanitation standards who excels in leadership skills with ability to maintain an enthusiastic and productive staff.
While Experienced in kitchen direction, work delegation, performance evaluation, training and budgeting, also has a strong ability to prioritize, be detailed, complete multiple tasks, works well under pressure and successfully achieves project goals.
Extensive knowledge in nutrition and dietetics, adapting food choices for healthier eating, special diets, and allergies. Maintains outstanding work ethic, conscientious, team player and motivator. Zealous in achieving consumer and resident satisfaction through data, communication and research.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RIT/NTID Admissions Counselor
Rochester Institute of Technology
11.2022 - Current
- Communicate values of RIT education through presentations, booth activities, open houses, and other recruitment efforts on behalf of RIT/NTID to prospective deaf and hard of hearing students, parents, secondary school counselors, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and other education professionals or organizations involved in college recruitment and selection process.
- Review application materials to facilitate admission decisions
- Identify regional travel plans and strategies for travel coordinator to schedule recruitment visits
- Make travel arrangements and travel within allocated budget and university travel policy and procedures
- Maintain collaborative efforts towards working knowledge of resources within regions to communicate current and
relevant information related to application process (i.e., vocational rehabilitation, financial aid programs, admissions
professional organizations) - Work with RIT/NTID pre-college outreach programs to create many pipelines of students
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned and commensurate with experience
- Excellent interpersonal, presentation skills and communication skills, written and sign language skills to communicate across communication modes
- Confidentiality and clear boundaries in dealing with diverse populations
Founder
Come Fly With Me Healing
10.2018 - Current
- Built business from ground up providing spiritual life coaching, reiki healing and oracle card readings
- Selected location, designed safe, welcoming, appealing healing room and assembled/decorated all room fixtures
- Perform all business, financial, entrepreneur and customer service functions
- Keep sales and session records, balance register, scheduling assistant set up and function, perform all accounting and
financial forecasting functions - Secured funding for company growth through investor relations and networking activities.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to improve overall business performance.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
- Designed website, set up social media and updates as needed
Founder
Alfano Speaking Ventures
10.2018 - Current
- Motivational speaker with expertise in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility: “Rochester’s Accessibility Guru”
- Accessibility Coach/Consultant - contract with hearing businesses to make their business accessibility for people with disabilities
- ASL Teacher/ Tutor
- Admin and Moderator for ASL Deaf Coffee Chat on Social Media and host zoom events with participants averaging 15 to 45 people per event.
- Developed strong partnerships with key industry players, contributing to increased market presence.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
Founder
Ballerina Goddess Entertainment
01.2018 - Current
- Professional dancer, performer, entertainer, aerialist
- Adaptive dance teacher for children and adults with disabilities
- Built business from ground up providing unique entertainment to circus, LGBTQIA+ and dance communities
- Travel nationally for contracted gigs
- Enhanced audience engagement by incorporating unique choreography and dynamic movements in performances.
- Developed strong stage presence through consistent practice and dedication, resulting in exceptional performance quality.
- Participated in rigorous dance training sessions to improve technique, flexibility, and strength for optimal performance outcomes.
- Performed in various dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop, showcasing versatility as a professional dancer.
- Consistently received positive feedback from directors and peers for exceptional work ethic and commitment to art of dance.
- Performed at high-profile events such as Deaf events, festivals, award shows, and fundraisers, representing organizations with professionalism and talent.
- Established lasting connections with fellow dancers, choreographers, and industry professionals, contributing to supportive networks within the competitive field of performing arts.
- Created and implemented creative dance routines for different projects.
- Perform all business, financial, entrepreneur and customer service functions
Dietetic Technician
Arc of Monroe County
02.2016 - Current
- Strong knowledge of physiology and impact of nutrition on health
- Familiarity with medical terminology and diagnostic procedures
- Knowledge of different types of tube feeding methods and their administration
- Conduct patient assessments to determine their dietary needs and restrictions
- Develop individualized meal plans based on patients' health conditions and dietary goals
- Provide health coaching and education to patients on proper nutrition and dietary habits
- Monitor patients' progress and make adjustments to their meal plans as needed
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure patients' nutritional needs are met
- Assist with implementation of therapeutic diets, such as tube feeding or specialized feeding regimens
- Conduct diagnostic evaluations to assess patients' nutritional status
- Conduct meal observations to ensure staff at houses are following patients’ diet orders
- Document patient information, progress, and interventions accurately and timely
Nutrition Assistant
St. Ann's Community
02.2014 - 02.2015
- Assisted individuals with limitations on menu completion, insured collection of all menus, and accurate entry into DFM (now Seaboard) software
- Motivated residents to stay on specified diet plans, offered healthy alternatives, and enlisted support of family members.
- Location at Cherry Ridge: prepared and cook breakfast meals for residents and families.
Dietary Care Partner/Menu Management
St. John's Home
04.2013 - 11.2014
- Researched and collaborated with various establishments to create visually appealing and palate satisfying food to be incorporated into regular geriatric menu planning
- Assisted individuals with limitations on menu completion, insured collection of all menus, and accurate entry into
SureQuest software - Motivated residents to stay on specified diet plans, offered healthy alternatives, and enlisted support of family members
- Awarded a Merit Gram for demonstrating exceptional customer service.
Executive Chef
Aspen Camp School for the Deaf
05.2014 - 08.2014
- Directed overall food service operation of camp including purchasing, preparation, nutrition, service, sanitation, security, personnel management, customer service, and record keeping
- Managed daily operations of camp food and dining service including coordinating activities between kitchen
and dining room. - Oversaw inventory and food ordering and equipment and supplies for routine maintenance, sanitation and upkeep
of kitchen. - Governed all administrative and human resource functions involving kitchen and dining room employees.
- Coordinated and taught culinary week camp program for 10 children ranging from 11 - 14 years.
- Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
- Maintained safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective inventory management and cost controls.
- Implemented staff training programs to improve culinary skills, teamwork, and overall productivity.
- Implemented special events promotions such as theme nights or cooking demonstrations to attract new clientele and boost sales revenues.
- Developed custom menus for clients with specific dietary restrictions or preferences, ensuring their utmost satisfaction during their dining experience.
- Interacted with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
- Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
Prep Cook/Garde Manger/Pastry Chef De Partie
Black & Blue Steak & Crab
11.2010 - 08.2012
- Supervised pastry and substitute Garde Manger station following portion control and presentation standards
- Executed all production and preparation of food for all stations of service.
- Created special dessert ideas resulting in increased "dessert only" fan base to try daily specials
- Collaborated with chef on menu planning and pairing of desserts
- Prepared all pastry items within time and cost restraints.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace during busy shifts.
- Expedited food preparation for timely service by closely following chef''s instructions and prioritizing tasks.
- Reduced food waste by properly storing ingredients and monitoring expiration dates.
- Maintained optimal food quality by adhering to strict guidelines for food safety and sanitation.
- Assisted with menu planning, incorporating seasonal ingredients for fresh and innovative dishes.
- Ensured customer satisfaction by paying close attention to dietary restrictions and special requests.
- Collaborated with kitchen team, effectively communicating to streamline processes and optimize workflow.
- Sharpened knife skills, resulting in precise cuts and reduced preparation time.
- Contributed to positive work atmosphere through effective communication and teamwork among staff members.
- Supported success of daily operations by assisting chefs with ingredient prep work as needed.
- Cultivated safe working environment by consistently wearing appropriate protective gear and practicing safe handling techniques during food preparation tasks.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
Education
Master of Science - Hospitality Business Management
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY05.2027
Bachelor of Science - International Hospitality and Service Management, Psychology
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY05.2014
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
The International Culinary Schools At The Art Institute of Washington
Arlington, VA06.2010
Skills
- Nutrition/Dietetics
- Total Kitchen Management/Trainer
- Business Administration
- Geriatric & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Population Performance
- Food & Beverage Management
- College counseling
- Recruitment
- Educational process knowledge
- Task Prioritization
- Lectures and Discussions
- Budget Administration/Purchasing
- Relationship Building including Active Listening & Team Building
- People-Orientated Leadership
- Enrollment Management
- Consulting
- Client Engagement
- Customer Focus
- Visionary leadership
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Slate, Peoplesoft, OnBase, Starfish and Prezi
Certification
- Certified ServSafe Professional, National Restaurant Association, 05/2015
- Certified ServSafe Alcohol, National Restaurant Association, 05/2014
- Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT), American Red Cross, 11/2012
- First aid and CPR Certified, American Red Cross, 05/2025
Affiliations
- Interfusion, Advisory Board Member, 2024
- A Circus Congre ss, Advisory Board Member,2022 - 2024
- TEDx Speaker, Removing Interference: The Power of Direct Connection, 2019
- BOSSY Rochester - Network of Women's Rochester Entrepreneurs
- Rochester Professional Consultants Network, 2018 - 2019
- City of Rochester Mayor, Arts & Creative Collaboration Committee Member, 2021 - present
- Rochester Fusion Dance, Leader, 2023 - present
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
American Sign Langauge
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
RIT/NTID Admissions Counselor
Rochester Institute of Technology
11.2022 - Current
Founder
Alfano Speaking Ventures
10.2018 - Current
Founder
Come Fly With Me Healing
10.2018 - Current
Founder
Ballerina Goddess Entertainment
01.2018 - Current
Dietetic Technician
Arc of Monroe County
02.2016 - Current
Executive Chef
Aspen Camp School for the Deaf
05.2014 - 08.2014
Nutrition Assistant
St. Ann's Community
02.2014 - 02.2015
Dietary Care Partner/Menu Management
St. John's Home
04.2013 - 11.2014
Prep Cook/Garde Manger/Pastry Chef De Partie
Black & Blue Steak & Crab
11.2010 - 08.2012
Master of Science - Hospitality Business Management
Rochester Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science - International Hospitality and Service Management, Psychology
Rochester Institute of Technology
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
The International Culinary Schools At The Art Institute of Washington