Faculty Spotlight: Chef Katie Ardington
Meet Chef Katie Ardington, a celebrated culinary leader and Chef-Professor in the School of Business & Hospitality. Katie’s passion for food, teaching, and mentorship continues to shape the next generation of hospitality professionals.
With over 20 years of culinary experience, Katie brings deep expertise in fine dining, menu development, cost management, and kitchen leadership to her role at Algonquin College. A graduate of the Culinary Management program, Katie built her career in some of Ottawa’s most respected kitchens, rising from cook to Chef de Cuisine at Beckta Dining & Wine, where she led one of Canada’s top restaurant teams and helped maintain consecutive CAA/AAA Four Diamond awards. She was also the chef for the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, executing menus for his family and dignitary visits to Canada. Her dedication to local ingredients, sustainable food systems, and excellence in culinary execution informs both her teaching and her industry engagement.
At Algonquin College, Katie teaches and mentors aspiring culinary professionals, helping students build skills grounded in real kitchen practice, teamwork, and leadership. Drawing from roles as Chef de Cuisine and senior manager at Beckta Dining & Wine and Play Food & Wine, she brings lived expertise in menu design, food costing, staff development, and supplier relations directly into the classroom.
Katie maintains strong industry ties through consulting, community partnerships, and continued involvement in national culinary events. She believes in empowering students through experience, sharing that “great food is built on curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to learn by doing.”
Outside of her work with students, Katie is a proud community builder, volunteering with a wide range of food-focused organizations, including Youville Centre, Harmony House, HOPE Live, and Food for Thought initiatives supporting youth, women, and local charities. Whether mentoring teenage mothers, organizing fundraising dinners, or teaching high-school students to produce large-scale events, she finds joy in connecting people through food. When she isn’t cooking professionally, she enjoys exploring markets, sharing meals with family, and celebrating local Canadian farmers and producers.
Advice for new students: “Show up curious and stay open to every opportunity. In this industry, the people beside you become your network, your collaborators, and sometimes lifelong friends — invest in those relationships and let passion guide your path.”
Asfrah Syed-Emond
Meet Asfrah Syed-Emond, a dedicated member of the Legal Department, School of Business and Hospitality. Asfrah teaches and coordinates placements in the Paralegal and Law Clerk programs.
Asfrah discovered her passion for teaching at AC a decade ago, first as a part‑time professor, and recently celebrated eight years in a full‑time role. She co‑leads A.C.T.I.O.N. (All Cultures Together in One Network), reflecting her commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive learning environments for her students.
With over 10 years of experience in higher education and 26 years in private practice, Asfrah specializes in teaching good advocacy and negotiation skills. She brings real world cases into her classroom to support active learning. Asfrah holds a B.A. (Honours) in English Literature and an LL.B. from the University of Ottawa, and is a member of the Law Society of Ontario.
Asfrah remains deeply engaged with Ottawa’s legal community, mentoring graduates and contributing to key local initiatives. She stays connected with local paralegals and lawyers through volunteer work, including hosting the 2025 Paralegal Spring Conference at the College. She‘s participated in the Faculty-Industry Co-Mentorship (FICM) Project, and consistently offers her support to projects that strengthen legal education and professional development.
Outside the College, Asfrah is an avid traveler who has toured over 20 countries. Raised in Quebec by first generation immigrants from Kenya, Asfrah speaks four languages and is currently learning a fifth! Her creative interests include painting and writing, and on weekends you will often find her helping her husband set up his stall to sell his cutting boards at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market in Westboro and Lansdowne Park. She is a proud supporter all things LOCAL!
Advice for New Students: Remember that your classmates are your future colleagues in the profession! Your reputation starts right here within the corridors of AC. Remember to be kind, helpful and respectful.