March Is Women's History Month
Honoring The Hospitality Industry’s Revolutionary Women

From the legendary Alice Waters, who pioneered the farm-to-table movement, to industry powerhouses like Arne Sorenson, who championed diversity in leadership, women have transformed the way we dine, travel, and experience hospitality. Yet, their contributions often go unrecognized. This month, we celebrate the chefs, hoteliers, entrepreneurs, and innovators whose passion and perseverance continue to redefine the industry. Whether it’s Dominique Crenn earning her place as the first female chef in the U.S. with three Michelin stars, or visionary hotel executives paving the way for a more inclusive future, their stories inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders. Join us as we honor four extraordinary Miami women, spotlight their achievements, and recognize their undeniable influence on an industry built on warmth, service, and innovation. Because when women rise, so does hospitality.

Eileen Andrade, Amelia’s 1931, Miami:

Eileen Andrade, a renowned Miami chef, traces her culinary roots to Islas Canarias, her family’s iconic Cuban restaurant. From a young age, she immersed herself in the kitchen, cultivating a passion for gastronomy. Venturing out with her brother, she launched the Cuban Cube food truck which gained rapid popularity. A transformative trip to South Korea in 2013 exposed Andrade to new flavors, reshaping her approach to cooking. This journey laid the foundation for her restaurant, Finka Table & Tap, which opened in 2014, blending Korean and Cuban influences. The restaurant quickly became a hit, marking the beginning of Andrade’s ascent in Miami’s culinary scene. In 2017, Andrade introduced Amelia’s 1931, a cozy diner paying homage to her grandmother. Media acclaim prompted further expansion, leading to Barbakoa by Finka in Doral, blending Cuban, Korean and Peruvian cuisines. In 2023, Andrade transformed Amelia’s 1931, expanding its footprint and reinventing its concept. The redesigned space, with a speakeasy vibe and chic aesthetic, features a new menu and signature cocktails. The restaurant’s success reinforces Andrade’s status as a rising star in Miami’s culinary landscape.

Andrea Moreno, Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One:

A Miami native, Andrea Moreno, PR and Marketing Director of South Beach Wine and Food Festival is a graduate of FIU School of Hospitality and Management and a driving force behind that Festival’s well-earned reputation as one of the most popular, largest and most successful food & wine fundraisers in the country. Her role as a Director at the Festival seemed preordained as she started her career as a Public Relations intern at Brustman Carrino Public Relations, which oversees the public relations for the Festival. The diehard Panther (FIU alumnus) and talented publicist quickly rose up the ranks not just becoming an Account Executive at the agency, overseeing all manner of food & beverage-centric accounts but taking lead on the Festival account. Her blend of genuine enthusiasm, strategic smarts, positive attitude and drive for success made her both a valuable member of the BCPR team but the ideal candidate to head such a challenging and multi-layered campaign. In 2020, as the Festival – and the world at large – prepared for its post-COVID-19 incarnation Andrea was able to transition seamlessly in house at the Festival and make it her complete professional focus. During her time the Festival has not just survived but thrived, enjoying record-breaking attendance, ticket sales and most importantly, raised millions of dollars for its beneficiary, the FIU School of Hospitality Management.

Luciana Giangrandi, Boia De and Walrus Rodeo, Miami:

Luciana, Co-Chef and Owner of Miami Michelin Award One Star restaurant Boia De and Chef/Partner in Walrus Rodeo, is a Miami native who earned her culinary stripes elsewhere before returning to the Magic City to open a restaurant in her hometown. Bringing her career full circle, Luciana returned to Miami with now husband Alex Meyer and together they opened La Pollita; a beloved Mexican food truck formerly stationed in Miami Midtown Garden Center before its final outpost in the Design District. In June 2019, the two closed up the taco shop and opened Boia De, a 24-seat restaurant and bar in a strip mall in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood. From day one, Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi set out to create a welcoming and inclusive environment; more than 50 percent of the restaurant staff identifies as female, 35% BIPOC, and top-level management is 70% female. Creating a safe, positive space has attracted talented minorities, members of the LGBTQ+ Community and allies of these communities. Luci works hard to create a positive environment based on respect where staff is encouraged to excel, share ideas and subsequently develop a sense of ownership in the restaurants. At the root of it all is passion; that is what is responsible for turning a 900-square-foot space with no storage, or room for a “real” kitchen into a Michelin-starred, nationally renowned restaurant. But it’s the passion for the team and their well-being that inspires everyone on staff to excel that translates into an incredible restaurant experience. Boia De has held its Michelin Star for two years now and has been a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award.

Gina Genna, InterContinental Miami:

A consummate hospitality professional with dedication to service and attention to detail as her north stars, Gina Genna is the marketing and communications powerhouse at the iconic InterContinental Miami Hotel. With the property for close to five years, her overarching goal as its Director of Marketing is to both further cement its well-earned reputation as a conference and business property but also as a premier destination for lifestyle travel. In short, helping redefine the hotel’s image as both a commercial, luxury and urban lifestyle resort. Her day to day revolves around building and executing the branding, communications and marketing for the hotel while overseeing Social Media, public relations, web, digital and reputation management channels. As she prepares for a new season and new opportunities at the hotel, she looks ahead to her 22nd Anniversary in the marketing and communications field.