Hotel Rising Star

Helen has worked as group head of sustainability & engagement since March 2022. She started with the group in 2016 as project manager and executive assistant to the brand director, Judi Blakeburn. Before this, Helen worked in the communications industry with clients including purpose-driven brands, helping them create inspiring and impactful campaigns. She has a degree in Politics and International Relations and a masters in Sustainable Development. 

In her current role, Helen is responsible for overseeing all positive impact initiatives for the group. This includes its impact journey, which focuses on three key themes – circular, conservation and community – as well as spearheading the group’s journey to B Corp accreditation. Helen has always had a good understanding of what it’s like working in hospitality, having worked in a number of hospitality jobs herself from a young age, including to fund her university studies. This, combined with her passion for impactful and meaningful work, has helped improved the group's operations in a sustainable and community-focused way, with the team at its heart.

Outside of work, Helen loves being creative with her printmaking, woodworking, painting and photography. She's also a keen gardener and allotmenteer, and has an RHS Level 2 in practical horticulture.

Ineska Dabrowski is a multi-talented, international professional with a rich background in education, musical theatre, and hospitality. Fluent in five languages and holding degrees in Primary Education and Musical Theatre, Ineska has experience teaching children and acting in Italian cinema. She entered the hospitality industry upon moving to London in 2022, joining The Birch Cheshunt as Events Team Leader before becoming the Creative & Cultural Engineer at Hart Shoreditch in January 2024. 

At Hart Shoreditch, Ineska has been pivotal in shaping the hotel's brand culture and creating an inviting environment. She curates unique experiences for guests, oversees cultural onboarding for staff, and leads morale-boosting monthly team meetings. Her efforts have forged strong connections with local artists, resulting in exhibitions and workshops that highlight the local culture and heritage. 

Ineska's innovative approach has elevated the customer experience, contributing to Hart Shoreditch being a finalist in the 2024 Best Local Community Marketing Awards (HMA). She has also developed a series of creative workshops with local artists and entrepreneurs, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to the community. Additionally, she collaborates with local DJs to create a vibrant atmosphere, enhancing the hotel’s appeal and driving food and beverage success. 

Jasmine joined the LEVEN Manchester team as Duty Manager during pre-opening in November 2021. 

Joining the team following a decade’s experience in hospitality, Jasmine started her journey working in a family-run restaurant, before moving on to gain experience in an arthouse cinema bar in Oxford during her university years. She moved straight into busy bars in Oxford, before going on to hospitality event work and a role as Assistant Bar Manager at Aynhoe Park, a 17th century country estate.

She then took her years of expertise and moved to Manchester where she worked in bar management, eventually finding herself part of the opening team as Duty Manager at LEVEN Manchester, her first hotel job. She was recently promoted from Duty Manager to Assistant Hotel Manager as the natural next step for her in her hotel career journey. 

As part of her role, she leads LEVEN’s people and culture, implementing a new onboarding staff programme, driving ongoing training and development of new and existing colleagues. Alongside her role at LEVEN, Jasmine has been a founding member of Queer as Day, a group for LGBTQIA women to network and socialise in safe spaces.

Katie Tilson, with seven years in hospitality, joined Buxton Crescent Hotel’s Management Trainee program in May 2023. During the program, she excelled in various departments including Reception, Housekeeping, Spa, HR, Accounts, and Sales. Starting in the food and beverage department, Katie adapted seamlessly to the 5-star standards of Buxton, quickly excelling across all areas. Her effective and accountable work style, coupled with her selfless attitude, made her a standout employee. She offered invaluable guidance to younger team members, fostering a strong team spirit and community.

Katie attended numerous development workshops, applying new management skills immediately. She set personal development goals, always thinking ahead to enhance the hotel's service, operations, and relationships. Her dedication was evident when she created a business project to improve training and standards in the Food and Beverage department. Her impressive presentation on service standards is being considered for implementation across all 27 Ensana hotels in Europe. Katie's commitment to her role, passion for improving standards, and mentorship have made her a highly esteemed team member at Buxton Crescent Hotel.

Nikola Mazurek has been a rising star at South Place Hotel for over three years, showcasing remarkable talent and dedication in the hospitality industry. Beginning her career in event operations, Nikola quickly advanced to the role of head waitress, where her passion for events truly blossomed. This foundational experience ignited her desire to delve deeper into event management, leading her to transition into the role of Event Sales Coordinator. 

In this position, Nikola gained invaluable knowledge and skills, thanks to the guidance of exceptional mentors. Her hard work and enthusiasm did not go unnoticed, and she was soon promoted to Event Sales Executive. In this capacity, Nikola excelled in planning and executing corporate events, consistently demonstrating her organizational acumen and creative flair. 

Currently, Nikola holds the incredible responsibility of managing all weddings at South Place Hotel, in addition to her work with corporate events. This role allows her to blend her meticulous attention to detail with her passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Nikola’s journey from event operations to head waitress, and now to a key role in event sales, reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and professionalism.