What’s the most important thing you learned in school?
I learned the importance of always improving confidence when it comes to communication skills.
Why did you choose to study travel, tourism or hospitality?
I have worked in the hospitality and tourism industry for over a decade in the food and beverage sector. I have been a dishwasher, prep cook, line cook and first cook. When going back to school I wanted to choose a program to complement my work experience, so I chose to study at TMU in their hospitality and tourism program.
What is your greatest professional strength?
My greatest professional strength is my servant leadership style that allows me to look out for my co-workers and to make sure all voices are heard.
In your opinion, what’s the most exciting trend in travel, tourism or hospitality right now and why?
I am excited to see local communities be the end supplier and beneficiary of tourism in their regions. Instead of big tour operators or other organizations taking up the market share, we are seeing more authentic experiences by community-led tourism. This ensures that the travel occurring is sustainable and is in the best interest of both people and planet.
What are your goals for the year ahead?
My goal for the year ahead is to find a position somewhere, whether at an existing organization or my own venture, where I can make a positive difference for the working conditions of hospitality workers. I have lived through many of the ups and downs of the hospitality industry, and I want to be part of the change to make it better for everyone.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself holding a potato salad party for all the readers of this magazine in a secret location along The Path in Toronto on Tuesday May 15th, 2035, at 1:05pm.
With everything going on today it is impossible to plan for 10 years ahead, but I hope to be well on my way of achieving my goal of making positive changes even if it is just a little. This includes achieving a work-life balance for myself.
What are some of the top places you want to see in Canada and why?
All three coasts of Canada, but mostly PEI because of the potatoes for my potato salad party. I have always wanted to travel across Canada but have never had the time or funds. Trying to answer this question, I genuinely had a hard time deciding where to start my journey across Canada because there is so much I want to visit.
What do you do to engage in travel, tourism or hospitality mindfully/sustainably?
I try to limit my trips, focus on local options/destinations and use more sustainable transportation like trains and buses.
Name your favourite travel or hospitality experience so far:
My favourite travel experience was just a small trip I took to Ottawa with my significant other to experience the tulip festival. It was a low-budget, environmentally conscious trip, supporting local tourism and not something overly flashy. What made it special was being able to travel with the person I love the most.
Name your greatest achievement so far:
Getting through school while working part time, participating in extracurriculars like Case Competition, the Sales Leadership program and Student Council, all while maintaining a GPA I am proud of.
What’s the best OR worst piece of travel advice you’ve received?
I genuinely have never been given travel advice, so if you are reading this feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn with unsolicited travel advice.
What destination is next on your dream travel list and why?
Taipei. It is my next dream destination because it is my next travel destination with my significant other. Taipei in particular will be special because it is an opportunity to learn more about my partner’s heritage and culture while meeting her family. This is embarrassing but it will also be my first trip outside my time zone, which will be an interesting experience.
