Celebrating Women’s History Month with the Women of Truluck’s

Truluck’s women leaders share what it means to work at Truluck’s.

At Truluck’s, every day is a reason to celebrate—especially in March, when we honor Women’s History Month.

In the hospitality industry, women make up 51.2% of the workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We appreciate the women of Truluck’s, whose dedication and talent ensure that every day is filled with delightful and unforgettable experiences for our guests. Whether they’re chefs, managers, servers, hosts, sales & events managers, or working behind the scenes, their contributions are invaluable to us.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked five women of Truluck’s about their path in the hospitality industry and what it means to work at Truluck’s. Here’s what they said.

1. Chef Partner Paigton Wilson (Southlake, TX)

Chef Paigton Wilson is a Chef Partner at Truluck’s Southlake, Texas, location.  With a background in culinary school on the East Coast, she developed a deep appreciation for fresh seafood, a passion that has defined her career in every restaurant she’s worked at.  This commitment to fresh seafood, particularly the trap-to-table story behind Truluck’s Florida stone crab, is one of the key reasons she chose to join Truluck’s. She loves the culture, the people, and, of course, the food.

“During high school, I started taking a culinary class, that ran a restaurant, and fell in love with every aspect, from the kitchen to the dining room,” she says. “The joy and laughter you hear upon walking in the dining room made me feel good and sparked a lifelong passion.”

For women entering the hospitality industry, her advice is simple: “Be strong and choose a company with a great culture. Despite the challenges of being in a male-dominated industry, you can thrive by focusing on your passion for food and the guest experience.”

Outside work, she finds happiness spending time with her family and dogs, exploring new restaurants, going on adventures, and staying active by working out. Her love for food continues to inspire her in and out of the kitchen.

2. Amber Scheer, CPCE, Sales & Events Training & Development Manager (The Woodlands, TX)

For 26 years, Amber Scheer has given guests an unforgettable dining experience at Truluck’s. This sales & events manager has worked all sides of hospitality, from being a server to hosting, becoming a manager, working in accounting, sales and events.

She fell in love with the industry through the excitement of meeting new people and crafting unforgettable guest experiences.

The opportunity to grow under strong leadership and the potential for continued advancement are key factors in Amber’s success at Truluck’s. She thrives in a company that values excellence and fosters a culture of growth. Amber shares, “What I love most about my role at Truluck’s is the ability to create special, personalized experiences —for both our guests and my team.”

For women entering the hospitality industry, her advice is clear: “Always strive to be the hardest working person in the room—or behind the scenes.” She believes that dedication and a strong work ethic are essential to success, and she doesn’t view being a woman in this industry as a challenge. By following her heart and putting in the effort, she has not only navigated but thrived in the field.

Outside work, she finds happiness in spending time with her family, traveling, and continuing to grow professionally. Her hobbies include reading, running, and exploring new destinations, which continue to inspire her personally and professionally.

3. Tambra Tatum, General Manager (Plano, TX)

Like Scheer, Truluck’s Plano, Texas, General Manager Tambra Tatum thrives on delivering happiness to guests.

What attracted her to Truluck’s was the company’s commitment to high-quality service and a supportive culture that encourages employees to stay passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences.  “Being able to create lasting memories for others—it is truly gratifying” she shares.  “It’s rewarding to know that you were able to contribute through a culinary masterpiece and top notch hospitality. At Truluck’s, we have a culture where employees are supported and encouraged to stay passionate about creating a remarkable dining experience for every guest.”

For women starting their careers in hospitality, Tambra offers this advice: “Keep your head up, stay positive and strong, and always have a voice.” She acknowledges that one of the challenges she faces as a woman in leadership is earning the same respect as her male counterparts. However, she believes that by staying kind, assertive, and true to herself, she can earn the respect she deserves.

Tambra cherishes time with her three daughters, whose energy and joy inspire her daily. She also dedicates time to volunteering for non-profit organizations, furthering her commitment to giving back to the community.

4. Brooke Torrez, Assistant General Manager (Naples, FL)

With 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including leadership roles at renowned fine dining establishments, she now brings her expertise to Truluck’s, where she’s been for two years. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, and raised in the Chicago area, she developed a deep appreciation for cross-cultural food and flavors. Her multicultural upbringing instilled in her a passion for the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Truluck’s was the perfect next step in her career. “I was drawn to the company’s attention to detail and the southern hospitality that elevates the guest experience. The commitment to fresh, high-quality culinary items and exceptional service stood out to me as key values.”

One of her favorite pieces of advice, echoed by a mentor at Truluck’s, is “we eat roadblocks for breakfast.” This mindset has been instrumental in navigating challenges, especially in a male-dominated industry. She also embraces the slogan, “always teaching, always learning,” and shares it with those she mentors, reminding them that no matter how much we already know, there is always room to grow and improve.

For women starting in the hospitality industry, Brooke offers this advice: :Embrace the tough moments and use them to set yourself apart from the rest. When you find your unique strengths, you can break boundaries and inspire others.” As a woman leader, she acknowledges that there can be challenges related to stereotypes, but she remains focused on overcoming them through perseverance, confidence, and a commitment to continuous learning, which she believes are key to success.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, gardening, playing basketball, trying new restaurants, and traveling.

5. Elizabeth Nourse, Sales & Events Manager (Fort Lauderdale, Miami, & Naples, FL)

With 36 years of experience in the hospitality industry, her journey began at just 14, scooping ice cream. She quickly advanced, working through roles as a server, bartender, and manager. By 26, she became a General Manager before transitioning into sales and events. Hospitality captivated her because of its ever-changing nature, but most importantly, the opportunity to create meaningful experiences and lasting memories for guests.

Elizabeth shares “My decision to join Truluck’s was driven by its commitment to excellence in both product and service. The company’s ability to maintain such high standards over time is a testament to its strong culture and dedication to hospitality. What I value most is the opportunity to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals. Across Truluck’s three Florida locations, the chefs, managers, and staff continuously strive to create unforgettable dining experiences.”

For women beginning their careers in hospitality, she advises: “Make connections, be kind, and confidently share ideas. Learning every aspect of the business is key to becoming indispensable. While challenges persist—such as the underrepresentation of female leaders and lingering industry stereotypes—I believe perseverance and self-assurance are key to success.”

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, boating, fishing, and cooking. She finds happiness in seeing loved ones succeed, learning new things, and making people laugh—values that align perfectly with her passion for hospitality.

Start making your mark in hospitality and join Truluck’s incredible team. View openings and learn more about Truluck’s careers here.