For the Women Who Make It All Happen
When I started in this business, I didn’t spend much time thinking about what it meant to be a woman in PR, a woman in business, or that even it mattered I had lady parts. I was too busy trying to get the work done, pay my bills, and figure out where I fit in a city and an industry that were both moving fast.
In spite of the sheer terror and uncertainty that defines so many seasons in our lives, I loved every minute of it. The truth is, I got to where I am today because there was a league of women quietly shaping the path in front of me. They saw something in me that I didn’t always see in myself. They opened doors, made introductions, passed along wisdom, and sometimes simply gave me a chance to prove myself.
Some were mentors who shared hard-earned lessons. Some were collaborators who pushed ideas further than I thought possible. Others were simply examples: women building businesses, leading teams, creating culture, and doing it all with grit, humor, and a sense of purpose that made the rest of us pay attention.
Looking back, I realize how lucky I’ve been. Truthfully, I knew it then, too, and I promised myself I would pay it forward. I have, and I always will.
This career has given me the opportunity to work alongside incredibly dynamic women across so many industries—creative thinkers, founders, operators, journalists, producers, artists, and leaders who show up every day with resilience, intelligence, and a deep sense of purpose.
The women who champion us matter. The ones who challenge us matter just as much. They shape how we lead, how we solve problems, and how we move through the world.
International Women’s Day feels like a good moment to pause and acknowledge that. Not in a performative way, but in a real one.
Because none of us builds anything worthwhile alone.
Every career, every company, every big idea is shaped by people who believe in it enough to stand beside you along the way. I’ve been fortunate to have many remarkable women—and men—in my corner throughout my career. Today, I also have the privilege of working with a new generation who continue to raise the bar in ways that inspire me daily.
Today feels like the right day to celebrate them.
And while I could go on endlessly about the women who have influenced my life and career, I want to give a special shoutout to a few of our CWPR’s current hospitality client partners who make this work so meaningful every day.
xo,
Caren
Just a few of our favorite tastemakers leading the way:
Mama Gale Parker | Amore e Amore
Affectionately known as “Mama Gale,” Gale Parker is the creative heart behind Amore e Amore, where immersive dining and imaginative design turn every meal into a celebration. Alongside her husband Giovanni Ferro, she helped shape one of Atlanta’s most beloved dining experiences—leading with warmth, creativity, and an instinct for reinvention. @eatamoreatl
Anita Hsu | Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Tio Lucho’s & Lazy Betty
Anita Hsu is a driving force behind several celebrated Georgia restaurants, including Sweet Auburn Barbecue and Tio Lucho’s. Raised in a family of Chinese-American restaurateurs, she leads with resilience, partnership, and a deep commitment to community. @sweetauburnbbq | @tioluchos I @lazybetty
Chef Katiuscia Rinaldi | Y Hospitality
Born and raised in Rimini, Chef Katiuscia Rinaldi brings her love of Italian tradition to Yeppa Studios, sharing handmade pasta, family stories, and a philosophy that guides everything she does: food is love. @YeppaCoATL
Sarah Young | Wild Heaven Beer
Executive Vice President Sarah Young has helped shape Wild Heaven Beer’s growth for more than a decade, blending strategy, storytelling, and a passion for craft brewing into a brand known for creativity and culture. @beerwildheaven
Crystal Spang | Nine Dot
A pioneer in the Southeast’s cannabis space, Crystal Spang continues to push the industry forward with Nine Dot THC beverages—thoughtfully crafted drinks designed for connection, quality, and a new generation of consumers. @drinkninedot
Nancy Chacon | Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
With a global career spanning more than three decades, General Manager Nancy Chacon leads Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta with warmth, precision, and a belief that true hospitality begins in the heart. @fsatlanta
Maureen Meulen | Pullman Yards
Alongside her husband Adam Rosenfelt, Maureen Meulen helped reimagine Atlanta’s historic Pullman Yards into a vibrant cultural destination where art, music, film, and immersive experiences collide—proving that thoughtful development can celebrate history while pushing culture forward. @pullmanyards
Julia “Jules” Rosado | Kitty Dare
As Business Manager of Atlanta’s beloved Kitty Dare, Julia “Jules” Rosado helps keep the heart of the restaurant beating strong. Working alongside owner and chef Jaamy Zarnergar, she brings steady leadership, warmth, and a deep understanding of what makes neighborhood hospitality special. @kittydareatl
