Hannah Forlenzo
Milford
Summary
Dynamic leader with experience training and mentoring staff in fast-paced hospitality and instructional environments. Proven ability to implement operational improvements, enhance team performance, and support high-quality service and learning outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food & Beverage, Hazell Nut Cafe, & Special Events
University of New Haven
08.2024 - Current
- Facilitated collaboration among team members while excelling in independent tasks to achieve project goals.
- Articulated ideas clearly and concisely in both verbal and written formats to enhance collaboration.
- Contributed to team success by offering support and mentorship to enhance overall performance.
- Coordinated day-to-day activities, ensuring seamless collaboration among all team members.
- Executed efficient time allocation techniques to meet all project deadlines.
- Exhibited strong organizational capabilities and meticulous attention to detail, driving consistent performance and reliability.
- Coordinated sourcing and acquisition of all necessary materials and supplies to ensure seamless operation of Hazell Nut Café.
- Oversaw curriculum development for courses on cultural understanding of food and cuisine. Led instructional efforts in applied culinary techniques and cafe management. Guided students in mastering mixology skills to enhance their culinary expertise.
- Supervised staff and processes in food and beverage labs and Hazell Nut Café, maintaining high standards of service and product quality.
- Analyzed current operations and implemented policies and procedures to enhance overall efficiency.
- Maintained effective communication with food vendors to support operational needs and service excellence.
- Oversaw scheduling and implementation of training and certification programs for comprehensive lab course offerings.
- Achieved effective recruitment and training of food and beverage teaching assistants, enhancing team performance. Drove successful hiring of Hazell Nut Cafe staff, contributing to operational excellence.
- Oversaw budgetary constraints and aligned financial goals with organizational objectives.
- Oversaw monitoring of sales expenses and profitability metrics.
Lead Bartender
Milford Yacht Club
05.2019 - Current
- Supervised daily bar operations, ensuring exceptional customer service and efficient workflow.
- Trained and mentored junior bartenders, enhancing team performance and service quality.
- Developed innovative cocktail menus, incorporating seasonal ingredients to elevate guest experience.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing stock turnover while minimizing waste and loss.
- Delivered high-volume food and beverage service to 100–200+ guests per shift, including wine, draft beer, and custom cocktails.
- Built extensive product knowledge by mastering 60+ classic and specialty cocktail recipes and a broad selection of local beers and wines to provide tailored guest recommendations.
- Trained and mentored five new bartenders, providing instruction on drink preparation, service standards, POS systems, and customer engagement.
- Operated POS systems to accurately process orders, manage cash and credit transactions, and balance multiple tables simultaneously.
- Supported private events such as weddings, birthdays, and showers, including food preparation and passed hors d’oeuvres service.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, organization, and safety while delivering a consistently positive guest experience in a fast-paced environment.
Hospitality Graduate Assistant
University of New Haven
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Supported the Program Coordinator in curriculum development and continuous improvement of undergraduate hospitality courses.
- Assisted instruction for Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism Management, International Tourism, and Business & Entrepreneurship courses.
- Developed instructional workshops to enhance student understanding of course concepts and applied projects.
- Created and graded undergraduate assignments using Canvas, ensuring timely and constructive feedback.
- Collaborated with external tourism organizations (e.g., Mohegan Sun) to design experiential projects and pitch competitions.
- Managed departmental social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook), creating engaging content and promoting academic and professional opportunities for students.
Head Teaching Assistant & Beverage Manager
University of New Haven
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Supported instructional delivery for 13 food and beverage courses, including mixology, wine appreciation, cultural food studies, and spirits education.
- Managed inventory tracking and rotation for liquor, mixers, and kitchen supplies to align with course schedules and laboratory needs.
- Coordinated closely with faculty to ensure instructional materials and lab spaces were prepared, organized, and compliant.
- Supervised and scheduled eight teaching assistants across nine courses, ensuring efficient staffing and smooth course operations.
- Assisted with semester budgeting, procurement, and deliveries to support instructional and operational goals.
- Demonstrated strong organizational, problem-solving, and operational planning skills in a fast-paced academic environment.
Education
MBA - General
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality And Tourism Management
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT05-2023
Certification
- ServSafe Manager Certification (Certified Proctor)
- Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) Alcohol Certification (Certified Educator & Proctor)
Timeline
Food & Beverage, Hazell Nut Cafe, & Special Events
University of New Haven
08.2024 - Current
Hospitality Graduate Assistant
University of New Haven
08.2023 - 05.2024
Head Teaching Assistant & Beverage Manager
University of New Haven
08.2021 - 05.2023
Lead Bartender
Milford Yacht Club
05.2019 - Current
MBA - General
University of New Haven
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality And Tourism Management
University of New Haven