MISSISSAUGA, ON | JULY 17, 2025 - The Ontario Restaurant, Hotel & Motel Association along with its workforce development wing OHI - We Are Hospitality are proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of this year’s OHI We Are Hospitality Bursary recipients!
These outstanding students have demonstrated passion, dedication, and a bright future in the hospitality industry. Congratulations to all the recipients — your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you in the industry!
Ana Lucia Gutierrez
A passionate Tourism Management graduate from Peru, is currently pursuing a postgraduate certificate in Hospitality Management at Lambton College. With years of experience in travel design, event coordination, she combines creativity with strong organizational skills to deliver unforgettable experiences. Inspired by her cultural roots Ana Lucia aims to launch her own hospitality business, contributing meaningfully to the industry she loves.
Breanna Hebbard
Is a dedicated Food and Beverage Management student at George Brown College. With hands-on experience as a bartender and server, along with volunteer work at large-scale events like Grape and Wine in St. Catharines, she brings a strong work ethic, leadership potential, and customer-focused mindset to her career. Breanna aspires to manage and eventually own her own restaurant, combining great food with exceptional service and atmosphere.
Precious Cave
Is a passionate Hospitality student dedicated to creating welcoming environments and memorable guest experiences. With hands-on experience in various hospitality roles and a strong commitment to service excellence, Precious is focused on developing leadership skills and advancing a career in hotel and resort management. This bursary will support Precious in completing studies and pursuing long-term goals in the hospitality industry.
Luther Sunday Igbang
Is a passionate Tourism & Hospitality Management student at George Brown College, driven by a commitment to environmental sustainability and community outreach within the hospitality industry. With diverse international experience in luxury hotels across South Korea and volunteer leadership in sustainable agriculture in Nigeria, He aspires to lead operations at an eco-lodge or nature-based resort. This bursary will help Luther complete his studies and advance his impactful career.
Sarita Pandit
Is a first-semester Tourism and Hospitality student at Georgian College with hands-on experience as a Front Desk Officer at Aventura Trek Nepal. Sarita aspires to become a Guest Relations Manager who leads with empathy and cross-cultural understanding. Now focused on sustainable service design and strategic hospitality practices, she is building the skills to lead diverse teams. This bursary will help Sarita continue her education and pursue industry certifications to support her goal of becoming a hospitality leader.
Shaun Aiden Somi
Is a Hospitality Hotel & Restaurant Operations student at Humber College, driven by a lifelong passion for service rooted in his family’s multicultural restaurant business. With hands-on experience as an Operations Associate at South Street Burger and Assistant Server at Desi Bar & Grill, Shaun excels in customer service. Fluent in four languages and equipped with industry certifications, Shaun aspires to become a hospitality leader who blends cultural richness with service excellence. This bursary supports his journey toward managing top-tier hospitality operations in Canada.
Vidhi Mehta
Is an Honours Bachelor of Commerce student in Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Guelph. With professional experience across Mozambique, South Africa, and Canada, she brings a global perspective to guest service and event operations. Vidhi has held roles as a Banquet Server, Hotel Receptionist, and Travel Consultant, and currently volunteers as Social Media Manager for two student clubs. Fluent in multiple languages Vidhi is passionate about creating meaningful guest experiences and building community through hospitality.