Molly Matelski

About Molly Matelski

As the Director of Buyer Relations, Programming & Partnerships for Vinitaly USA, I oversee our buyer and programming teams, working with trade organizations, government agencies, on and off-premise buyers and media to develop engaging, inclusive programming that stimulates the industry. I also oversee buyer solicitation and meetings. Finally, I work with media, brands and organizations to develop strategic partnerships that benefit all stakeholders. As Co-founder & President of Premium Italian Wines, Without Pretension, I help anyone feel confident walking down the wine aisle and grabbing a bottle of Premium Italian Wine with:*No Unnatural Additives *Low Sugar *Vegan-Friendly *Gluten-Free *Chicago, Women-Owned Prosecco, Prosecco Rosé, Pinot Grigio, Rosé As a Hospitality Consultant, I support businesses in the restaurant, event, retail and import markets, specializing in Italian companies launching, emerging and growing in the U.S. I have also worked on various projects for the Italian American Chamber of Commerce - Midwest in Italy and the US. During my career, I have effectively led and developed top performing teams in 21 hotels nationwide and have played an integral role in multiple hotel and restaurant openings across flagship, luxury and lifestyle brands. On a personal level. I am highly passionate about equal rights, diversity and supporting local communities. I have been a Rape Crisis Advocate Volunteer for the YWCA, a \"Big\" for Big Brothers Big Sisters and volunteered with Inspiration Corporations & Inspiration Kitchens. My commitment to develop future hospitality leaders extends to universities, as I have acted as a guest instructor at the Illinois Institute of Art and have been a guest alumni speaker for Johnson & Wales University. I am involved in a number of international organizations including the IACC and host delegations at international trade shows.

Experience

1. Chicago Co-host

   Let\'s Talk Womxn

   Aug 2024 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Molly Matelski is a proud *volunteer* Chicago Co-host of Let\'s Talk Womxn.Let’s Talk Womxn empowers womxn Food and Beverage entrepreneurs to thrive by fostering collaboration, amplifying voices, and driving economic impact. Through a collective network, LTW inspires innovation, builds strong partnerships, and champions womxn-owned businesses to create a more equitable and prosperous future.​Started with 15 restaurateurs in Chicago in 2020, LTW has grown to 900+ women entrepreneurs in 15 cities in the US and Toronto, Canada, with three additional city offshoots. Many more US and international cities are in the LTW waitlist and pipeline.Monthly sessions hosted by each city\'s Co-Hosts include \"Deep Dives\" into business issues to learn from each other, share counsel and referrals, plus get to know and help each other. Complete candor & confidentiality underlie these business sessions.Each Let\'s Talk city is cohosted, nourished and led by leading city women restaurateurs. Founder, Rohini Dey, cross-pollinates learnings across all LTW cities nationally, founds new cities, runs the sessions, seeds initiatives and builds sponsors & external national forums for LTW.LTW is recognized as a leading force in bringing together impactful women across government and private sectors. Whether it is a US Senator, Lieutenant Governor, IL States Attorney, Former First Lady Michelle Obama, the Managing Director of BMO Family Office, Executives with BCG and McKinsey, the President & CEO of YMCA Chicago, CEO of Feeding America, CEOs and Presidents of Women’s Organizations and Business Centers or Women’s Banks – we understand the necessity of building collaboration across sectors to impact progress.Key sponsorship partners have included: Sysco, United, NHL, Harvard Business School, First Women\'s Bank and many more.

Education

• Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS)

  Mathematics and Science

  2005 — 2006

• Johnson & Wales University

  Associate in Science

  2007 — 2010

• Johnson & Wales University

  Bachelor of Science

  2009 — 2010

Skills

• Leadership
• Food & Beverage
• Micros
• Fine Dining
• Hospitality
• Food
• Culinary Skills
• Restaurants
• Open Table
• Restaurant Management
• Pre-Opening
• Catering
• Hospitality Management
• Bartending
• Banquets
• Hospitality Industry
• Training
• Servsafe
• Menu Development