Spotlight on Marissa: Manager of HR Operations
We are excited to spotlight Marissa, our Manager of HR Operations, for her exceptional dedication and support in helping grow restaurant profit using Botrista’s full-scale boba tea and craft beverage program.
Marissa oversees critical human resources functions, including employee onboarding and off-boarding processes, as well as comprehensive reporting, HR systems, and beyond. She serves as a key point of contact for team members, addressing inquiries, facilitating requests, and collaborating cross-functionally with teams to develop and implement processes that enhance overall organizational efficiency and teamwork.
Joining Botrista: Inspired by Technology and Culture
“I was recruited to join Botrista in November 2023 by our Vice President of People & Culture, Anne Taylor. Initially, I was intrigued by the BotristaPro drink machine technology, however, it was the company’s strong team culture and the caliber of its employees that ultimately convinced me to join.”
Reflecting on her eight months here, she adds, “Every day has been rewarding. The level of camaraderie among colleagues is exceptional, and there’s a collective commitment to achieving our organizational objectives!”
A Background in Technology and Business
“While my background isn’t specifically in food and beverage, I bring valuable experience from the technology sector,” Marissa elaborates.
“My career foundation was built in the software industry, followed by a role at Waymo, where I gained expertise in hardware technology. These experiences have equipped me well for my current position at Botrista, where we’re revolutionizing the industry with our boba tea and strawberry lemonade offerings.”
Marissa holds a degree in accounting, something she credits with her fascination for a smooth-running business.
“During my academic years, I participated in a business fraternity, which exposed me to various aspects of corporate operations,” Marissa recalls.
“A colleague’s mention of Human Resources piqued my interest. The prospect of facilitating efficient work experiences for others resonated with me, ultimately steering me towards this career path.”
Driving Continuous Improvement
Marissa is committed to continuous improvement in her professional role.
“Leveraging data to inform business decisions is crucial for achieving our objectives, including helping our clients grow restaurant profit. I also place great value on feedback from both internal team members and client-facing staff. Their insights provide valuable perspectives on our processes and help me tailor support to enhance their job performance,” Marissa says.
Favorite Moments at Botrista
“My favorite memory at Botrista so far was the opening event at our San Francisco headquarters! We hosted an on-site reception where we connected with team members from across the nation. It was an excellent opportunity to meet many of my coworkers in person, outside of our usual virtual interactions.”
Moments like these, where Marissa can connect with her coworkers, continue to fuel her motivation.
Life Outside Work
Outside of work, Marissa has recently developed a passion for pickleball.
“I’ve become quite enthusiastic about the sport since I began playing four months ago, now playing almost daily!” she shares.
When she’s not on the court, Marissa enjoys surfing, culinary experimentation, and creating digital illustrations.
When asked about personal preferences, Marissa mentioned her fondness for salt.
“It may seem trivial, but I’m quite liberal with salt in my cooking. Even when dining out, if a dish lacks seasoning, I don’t hesitate to request additional salt!”
“One of my most significant contributions has been developing a comprehensive onboarding program,” Marissa states proudly.
“This initiative aims to enhance the experience for new hires by immersing them in our company culture, facilitating their integration into the team, and equipping them for success in their roles. It’s gratifying to apply my passion for supporting others in achieving their goals, especially as we work together to grow restaurant profit through our innovative drink machine solutions!”
Favorite Botrista Drink
Marissa’s favorite Botrista craft beverage is the orange dream smoothie!
“Upon first tasting it recently, I was immediately impressed. While it’s particularly refreshing as a summer beverage, I think I’ll enjoy it year-round, just like our classic boba tea and strawberry lemonade!”
About Botrista
Botrista provides automated beverage solutions that allow foodservice operators to increase average check size and beverage attachment through high-quality craft drinks.
Operating across restaurants, convenience stores, higher education campuses, hospitals, and virtual kitchens, Botrista’s cloud-connected BotristaPro system pairs algorithmic dispensing with world-class ingredients to deliver barista-quality beverages in seconds.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Botrista serves partners across North America and select international markets.
To learn more, visit botrista.com.
