Women's History Month Difference Maker 1

Bettina (Betty) Fireall

RIT Catering Event Supervisor

How long have you been at RIT?

I actually started as a temp in August of 2022 and was highly encouraged to apply for the open full-time position later that year.

Describe your responsibilities at RIT.

I’d be happy to give the traditional answer as one would expect. I ensure that my tasks are included in all events running smoothly between the sales office, our kitchen, students, and my immediate peers within the Catering Office. The favorite answer for me to provide is to be present and an asset to everyone involved with a need for coordination and support on all fronts. If you see you me, please know I either have the answer or I can figure it out.

What is it about your job that keeps you here?

One hundred percent my students and my teammates. It’s so cliché to say “we’re a family” … but I can honestly say if you see one of my students they know me by name, and they know if they need me, they can find me. The Catering Department is very close. We’re together more than we see our actual family, so our respect for each other is very key in our productivity and passion for food and service not only here at RIT but in our actual life.

Please briefly share some of your professional journey.

This is the question I always find hard to answer. It really depends on what version of my life you look at. I’ve been very blessed to freely and openly learn a lot. I started in the aesthetics (Salon, Spa, and Boutique) in my early 20’s in Dallas, and moved to NYC to use that as my tool to follow my passion as a writer. My aesthetics in my 30’s became the beauty of activism part of my life that I knew was there and was doing anyway, thank to my literature. It continues to thrive in the purpose of women always being at the forefront of every step I make and ensuring that I’m an advocate for them for our community. It’s sort of a nonnegotiable for me. 

What advice would you give to others who hope to pursue a career in the hospitality field?

Have yourself saved up. I say that because things can take you anywhere with this industry, and you’d have to hang up a phone call out of fear. Hospitality and all the other variations of it are very exciting and encouraging. However, if that’s where you’d like to stay, you have to make sure you’ve done the interpersonal work before you find yourself surrounded by 300 people with no answers for them.

It takes a lot to pull off a great event. From your perspective as Catering Event Supervisor, what are some of the small details diners may not even realize you and your professional crew are doing while they are enjoying their meals? What does it take to pull off a great event?

Walk in knowing that there will be something you can answer immediately. It’s a good thing. Outside perspective is what builds a business. Patrons only see service typically. It’s human nature. People don’t know that we spend the week making sure that your dietary restrictors aren’t a day of concern. Your color preferences and décor were already discussed. Our route to you, and how we’re going to time set up all in advance. Nothing in catering is “day off,” except execution. Mistakes can make or break the event. The small details are huge. So always know that we work really hard to make sure those small mistakes don’t happen. 

We are celebrating Women’s History Month. Who are some women you admire and why? 

They’re going to kill me for this, but my big sister Sabrina (Behavioral Therapist) and our Mother Phoebe (Retired Marine (MP) and Dispatcher). I can’t really say enough. I think it explains itself with those two. They encouraged me to go out into the world and learn for myself, and because of that I just keep doing what I was taught for others. I really don’t know any other version of life. My best girlfriends would tell you the same. I can add them. If you give well, you’ll get it back. I’m over blessed with the women in my life. Me included. 

Fun Facts 

What character trait are you most proud of in yourself?

I can be compassionate to a fault sometimes. However, I think the strength within, being aware of what that gives others, is one of my favorite things about myself. I’m a pretty no-nonsense person day to day so I would say that my compassion is where you can always meet me.

Favorite spot on the RIT campus?

My office. The kids come and visit us between classes, some will randomly come eat with us and tell us about their day/week. It reminds us of our ages. (ha-ha). I would also like to argue that I have the best coworker team on campus, but I digress.

It’s the weekend. You have absolutely no obligations. What would we find you doing?

Napping. Without a doubt. I’m cooking for friends, hosting a dinner party at my house, going out to dinner, friends planning a community thing to go to or curate. If I’m not doing that, I’m out of town dancing somewhere. The questions says I can’t say writing up a storm but know that was my second answer.

What family memory always makes you smile?

Anything regarding my sister’s kids. My niece and nephew continue to grow and change my life. I’m fortunate enough to not just have one memory. I have so many.

Best time of the year and why?

September – January. I’m a Fall baby and I adore that time of year. Winter for me is also a joy for my senses. I prefer the cooler activities versus the stress of the heat and the immediacy of that time of year.

Do you have a pet? If so please tell us about your pet.

I had a dog in high school named Duke who passed away a couple of years ago back home in Texas. We now have my baby sister Destiny that my mother has, so yes. We have pets. More like family members, but yes, we have pets. However, none in my immediate home.

What song always makes you want to dance?

Evelyn “Champagne” King – Love Come Down. I’ve been dancing to this song with my sister for more years than we’d both life to admit.

What would your friends or colleagues be surprised to learn about you? 

I can only speak for new people because my personal life… my friends are aware. I’m a BIG kid. I’m only an adult by default. You’ll probably see me in the hallways or behind the curtain hitting a dance move or hiding a laugh. My shoulder shimmy goes crazy.