E15 | "Investing In People" - Hassel Aviles

This week we check in with Hassel Aviles, co-founder and Executive Director of the non-profit organization Not 9 to 5. She walks us through her unique path, with early culinary influences from her family and culture to discovering her own desire to work in the hospitality industry.  She shares how her work experiences steered her deeper understanding of what care and compassion for people, communities and workplace culture means, but also helped identify the voids and lack of resources to support and care for the people within the tourism and hospitality industry, and ultimately led her to create an initiative focused on raising awareness about mental health in the workplace, providing education and resources to support community. Join our conversation as we uncover the stigmas surrounding mental health and psychological safety in the workplace.  From exploring the evolution of hospitality as an industry founded on the care of people to exposing how toxic work environments can impact mental health and well-being, we discuss the importance of offering resources and encouraging vulnerability and courage to seek support, and consider why investing in the next generation is critical for creating safe spaces focused on supporting and recognizing what people are feeling. Tune in and find out why Hassel has no reservation.