Success Stories

Read about program graduate Sushen Kakkar, the owner of Ottawa’s first milkshake bar, For God Shakes.

“After graduation, I accepted a front of house position at renowned Chef Jean George’s Michelin starred restaurant, Perry Street in NYC. Thanks to my education and experience, I was able to excel in my position while I enjoyed personally serving high profile clientele. One year later, I became General Manager at lauded Upper West Side Restaurant, Nice Matin. This path led me to a successful career with Four Seasons Hotels followed by Shangri-La Hotels while living in such vibrant cities as NYC, San Francisco and Toronto.

My passion for hospitality sparked an unexpected passion for tea. I have since made the leap to entrepreneurship, and founded the company Tease Tea. I am now on the vendor side of the hospitality, as the exclusive tea supplier to high profile hotels and restaurants, implementing bespoke and unique programs. Read more about Sheena’s journey to success in this Ottawa Citizen article.

Sheena Brady

Sheena Brady

Algonquin College’s well-versed and knowledgeable professors, state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on methodology were essential components in teaching me the industry fundamentals, through practice, that have allowed me to progress and succeed in the culinary capital of the world and follow my dreams to start my own business.”

  • Sheena Brady
    Hospitality Management – Hotel and Restaurant Graduate
    Owner, Tease Tea
    Toronto

Jessica Foster“My experience with Algonquin College was incredibly positive. The professors’ knowledge and their willingness to share it with students enabled me to learn and succeed both at school and in the industry. After graduating from the program, I joined the Fairmont Château Laurier, and worked my way from Guest Services Agent, to Concierge, to Weddings & Social Events Manager, and to my current position in Human Resources. The Hospitality program at Algonquin helped me gain the education and knowledge needed for me to succeed and advance in the workplace.”

  • Jessica Foster
    Hospitality Management – Hotel & Restaurant graduate
    Human Resources Generalist, Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Kevin Lefebvre

Kevin Lefebvre

“Algonquin’s excellent reputation gave me a competitive edge on interviews. I was hired by Walt Disney for an internship right out of the program. It was a wonderful experience!”

  • Kevin Lefebvre
    Hospitality Management – Hotel & Restaurant graduate
    Director of Housekeeping, Housekeeping
    Delta Hotels and Resorts

“Algonquin College gave me the training, education and skills to be where I am right now. The hotel side of the program has always been my forte. Dealing with different types of people helped me become a stronger and better person on both a professional and personal level. I have been in the same hotel for 20 years and have seen changes over the years. I am still learning more about the industry as it evolves into new technology and innovation.”

  • Ayesha Vega-de Castro
    Hospitality Management – Hotel and Restaurant Graduate
    Sales Coordinator
    Les Suites Hotel, Ottawa

“Enrolling in Algonquin College’s Hotel & Restaurant Management program was one of the BEST decisions I have ever made! I was quickly exposed to a great learning environment where the professors were industry professionals. Due to the professors’ hands-on experience in the field, they were truly engaged in each lesson and were terrific at communicating in a way that was easy to understand. The school itself has all the amenities you could ask for and is designed to set you up for success. I feel very fortunate for making the choice to attend Algonquin College and the Hotel & Restaurant Management Program and would highly recommend it to anyone.”