Beyond the Job Title: Career Pivots, Workforce Development, and Creating Opportunities for Others with Dina Altieri

What if building a successful career in hospitality isn't about climbing the ladder, but finding where your experience, passion, and purpose can make the greatest impact?

In this episode of 86 the Stigma, Colleen Silk sits down with Dina Altieri, chef educator and hospitality workforce development leader, to explore career evolution, mentorship, and why staying in the industry doesn't have to mean staying in the same role.

From starting in a bakery at 16 to building a career spanning nearly four decades in restaurant kitchens, catering, culinary education, and nonprofit leadership, Dina shares how unexpected opportunities, meaningful mentorship, and a willingness to learn helped shape her professional journey.

But growing in hospitality doesn't always mean moving up.

Dina opens up about navigating career transitions, separating personal identity from professional titles, and recognizing that sometimes moving sideways or changing direction can lead to greater fulfillment.

Together, Colleen and Dina explore the importance of mentorship, being open to feedback, and creating workplaces where people feel valued for more than their job descriptions. They also discuss why strong culinary skills don't automatically translate into strong leadership and why management training, flexibility, and compassion matter.

They also get into Dina's work with Catalyst Kitchens, a network supporting more than 100 nonprofit organizations using culinary training, social enterprise, and hunger relief to create employment opportunities for people facing barriers to the workforce.

At its heart, this conversation is about recognizing that hospitality careers don't have to follow one path. Our experiences, skills, and perspectives can continue opening doors for ourselves and others throughout our careers.

Because sometimes the most meaningful career move isn't about earning a bigger title. It's about finding where you belong and helping others find their place, too.

ABOUT 86 THE STIGMA

86 the Stigma is a CHOW podcast powered by Hospitality Bites Media, hosted by Colleen Silk. This season brings together voices from across food, beverage, and hospitality for honest conversations about mental health, burnout, recovery, leadership, workplace culture, and the human experiences behind the industry.

This season is made possible with support from Hoshizaki America and US Foods® — We Help You Make It®.

CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness) provides peer support, community, and mental health resources for people working in hospitality.

Visit https://www.chowco.org/ to learn more and access resources.

Hosted by: Colleen Silk
Produced by: Hospitality Bites Media

Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHOW, Hospitality Bites Media, our sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Conversations are intended for education and awareness and should not replace professional medical or mental health advice.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis in the U.S., call or text 988 for immediate support.