Honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month: Joel Reynoso

Join Compass Group in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, as we honor the cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors come from the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico, Central America, and South America – some 33 countries and territories. Across the month, associates from our family of businesses share their heritage traditions, including Maria Fuentes of ESFM, Joel Ramirez of Wolfgang Puck, and Carolina Pulido who supports Compass One Healthcare.

First up is Joel Reynoso of Restaurant Associates (R/A). He is from the Dominican Republic and his journey is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the strength derived from his family. Despite the language barrier he faced upon joining R/A as a part-time catering attendant in 2006, his resilience, underpinned by the support of his sisters, enabled him to seamlessly integrate within the company.

In Joel’s current role as foodservice director at KPMG in New Jersey, he is deeply invested in mentoring his team and guiding them toward their professional and personal aspirations. This dedication not only propels R/A’s mission forward, but also strengthens its “Culture of CARE,” highlighting how individual growth is integral to collective success.

Joel’s leadership extends beyond his department. As co-chair of R/A’s Diversity & Inclusion Action Council (DIAC), he plays a pivotal role in championing belonging and inclusivity, transforming challenges into opportunities for development and understanding, creating a workspace where every associate feels valued and heard, and fostering a strong sense of community.

“When I first joined our DIAC a few years ago, it helped me take a deeper dive into fully embracing who I am instead of trying to adapt to what the job needed me to be, and it has helped me grow as a person and as a leader,” Joel said. “Now, as a DIAC co-chair, I’m supporting our efforts to keep embracing and celebrating our cultures, which is what makes us unique as individuals and as a company.”

 One of Joel’s most commendable qualities is his commitment to serving as a role model within R/A. Drawing motivation from his family and the desire to be the representation he lacked when he started, Joel’s influence has been profound, especially evident in the feedback from Associates who feel represented by his presence within the DIAC.

Looking ahead, Joel aspires to continue his advocacy work through the DIAC, empowering his colleagues and cultivating an inclusive environment. His journey and actions encapsulate the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the rich diversity that strengthens our communities and workplaces. Through his story, Joel exemplifies leadership that is about uplifting others and embracing the unique backgrounds that enrich our collective experiences.