What inspired you to pursue a path in travel, tourism, or hospitality?
I initially picked tourism solely for my love of geography, history and culture, but everything clicked during a class on the tourism industry in British Columbia. We watched a video that demonstrated how tourism is playing a role in Salish cultural revival movements. Since then, I have been inspired to use tourism as a tool to assist with revival and the perception of Haudenosaunee culture and history!
What excites you most about the future of this industry?
Tourism can inspire generations to travel the world and gain a massive understanding of it and humanity. Despite us in an age where we are ever so connected though the digital world, we are risking losing our spirit and becoming divided once again. Genuine human connection and meaning education though travel is the antidote to such, and I’m excited to play a role in creating it.
What’s one experience (in either travel, school, or work) that has shaped who you are today?
In the last few years, I got the opportunity to meet amazing people from all corners of the map from all walks of life that helped open my eyes. I would like to also thank and acknowledge my amazing professors that encouraged me to pursue my dreams and education. Without all of them, I doubt I would have made it this far, and their patience and talent deserves to be applauded!
How do you hope to make an impact through your career in travel, tourism or hospitality?
My main goal is Indigenous tourism, and working with Indigenous tour operators. I want to help foster a stronger economy, create new jobs and help grow infrastructure. Moreover, I want to help create educational avenues for Indigenous youth and international travellers in regards to our culture, traditions and history. Long term, I would love to work in destination marketing to help market such and combat stereotypes.
Why do you believe travel has the power to change lives or communities?
Travel is just one of many different ways to learn. It provides meaningful and tangible experience through other people’s lives, cultures, and history. It can combat racism, stereotypes, and gives one an understanding of the world and humanity that no textbook or online article ever could. A great example would be how Rwanda is using tourism to help with gorilla conservation and education regarding their history.
What has been your most memorable travel or hospitality experience so far?
I was visiting Inis Mor in Ireland in November of 2025, I was probably the only tourist on the island that day. Going off trail and to the cliffs, with freezing rain and heavy wind, over the wild North Atlantic Ocean. There were giant waves crashing on to the cliffs, while with no one else in sight for miles. It was really humbling and showed how small and vulnerable we really are in a massive crazy world.
What destination is at the top of your travel bucket list right now and why?
I want to dream big so I always have something to look forward to! My current travel goal is all regions of the world, number one being Antarctica which always attracted me for being so remote, desolate and prestin in nature. I would also like to see wild gorillas, Uluru, and South Western China! However, since the Artemis II mission, I might have to consider the Moon as my ultimate goal!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about travel or your career?
A consistent message that everyone has been telling me is to just go for it when it comes to travel! There are over 8 billion of us and 150 million square kilometres on Earth. Understanding the culture and history of the destination first lets you truly understand and appreciate it. Never accept the world as it appears to be, dare to see it for what it could be.
As a Baxter Student Ambassador, what are you most excited to contribute or achieve this year?
I’m excited to graduate. I’m visiting Peru for a couple weeks to celebrate, but after that I want to jump right into my career and continue building on my education. I don’t see myself truly settling down for one thing in life, so remaining open to all possibilities is a priority for me!
