Programs & events

Erik is a technology and innovation leader with over 20 years of experience helping modernize systems and improve how people work. He has led large‑scale digital projects in municipal government, turning complex challenges into practical, real‑world solutions. Passionate about leadership, change, and bringing new ideas to the table, Erik focuses on building systems that help people and communities succeed.

John Mark is a founder and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building products, launching startups, and helping others do the same. He has taught product management and design at SAIT, where he worked closely with students to take ideas and turn them into real, working products, apps, websites, and other digital products built from the ground up. 

Today, John runs BlessedLife, a startup studio created to help people do meaningful work. Through BlessedLife, he supports small businesses in building and managing their digital presence, providing owners with the tools, strategies, and hands-on help they need to grow and stand out online. 

He is also the founder of Founders Brew, an AI startup developing an AI operating system designed to help founders move from idea to launch faster and smarter. Alongside the company, John hosts the Founders Brew podcast, where he has candid conversations about what building a business actually looks like day-to-day. 

John loves to converse about starting a business, building things, turning ideas into action, shaping a career around the work you love, setting goals worth chasing, and finding the motivation to pursue meaningful work. 

Jordan is a storyteller working across film, writing, video games, AI, and education, and currently works as a financial writer focused on retirement. Originally from Calgary, he spent 14 years living in China before moving back home, where he wrote Season 2 of the Netflix Chinese action series Chosen, taught screenwriting at the Beijing Film Academy for seven years, and contributed to writing three video games. In his free time, he experiments with AI, exploring the intersection of storytelling and technology. View my LinkedIn profile.

Through the hospitality industry, I’ve had the chance to travel, live and work in amazing destinations including Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Mexico and Nicaragua, proving that a career doesn’t have to follow just one path.  I started as a Food & Beverage Server, gained experience in the Front Office and grew into Operations and General Manager leadership roles across a variety of hotels and brands.  Over time, those experiences led me into Human Resources, where I get to support amazing people and teams at The Westin Calgary and within the Marriott portfolio. 

I've worked in hospitality all my life, starting in Food & Beverage at my dad's catering company and then 4 summers with the Calgary Stampede. I've been in hotels for the past 10 years where I've worked in the Front Office, Banquets, Executive Lounge and now in Human Resources at The Westin Calgary where my role focuses on supporting teams, culture, and employee engagement. I'm excited to share my journey, lessons learned, and advice for building a meaningful career in tourism. 

My career in hospitality began in 2009 when I joined The Westin Calgary as a Banquet Server. With a background in trades and my newfound passion for providing excellent customer service, I naturally found myself working in the Engineering Department. As a Building Operator for over a decade, I had the perfect balance of working with my hands and tools while still getting to create meaningful experiences with hotel guests from all over the world. Now, as the Assistant Chief Engineer, I get to use my experiences to help grow and develop others and show that hospitality has a career for everybody.

Jenna is a hospitality leader representing The Westin Calgary with experience in guest services, hotel operations, and leadership within the Marriott brand portfolio. She began her career at The Westin Ottawa as a Guest Services Agent before advancing into leadership roles including Overnight Supervisor and Assistant Rooms Operations Manager. Jenna also opened the AC Hotel Ottawa Downtown, as a Guest Services Manager. Jenna has also completed a Hospitality Management certificate through Cornell University. Jenna has developed a passion for creating memorable guest experiences, supporting team development, and helping hotels operate smoothly in fast-paced environments. She enjoys the dynamic, people-focused nature of hospitality and is excited to share her experiences and career journey. 

Hi, I’m Bowie. I’m part of a cozy Calgary home where kindness, creativity, and community matter a lot. I work as a Guest Experience Expert at The Westin Calgary and am passionate about helping people feel welcomed and supported. I enjoy photography, aesthetics, music, indoor gardening, and hope to someday build a business focused on authentic Korean and Japanese goods. I am excited to be part of the Youth Employment Centre and help youth feel confident, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Sana represents The Westin Calgary and brings a strong passion for the hospitality industry. Sana enjoys connecting with people and creating meaningful, positive experiences for guests, with a focus on delivering exceptional service and fostering a welcoming environment. Sana is enthusiastic about engaging with students and emerging professionals, sharing industry insights, and highlighting the diverse opportunities for growth within the hotel sector. Through these connections, Sana aims to inspire others to explore the rewarding and dynamic career paths that hospitality has to offer.

A hospitality professional with over three years of experience in front desk operations and guest services, recognized for delivering exceptional customer experiences and supporting efficient hotel operations. Skilled in team leadership, staff training, conflict resolution, and maintaining high service standards. A strong communicator with a proven ability to collaborate across departments and enhance overall guest satisfaction.

With a deep passion for culinary excellence and a commitment to creating memorable dining experiences, Chef Eugene serves as Executive Chef at The Westin Calgary. Bringing 26 years of professional kitchen experience, he is known for his innovative approach to cuisine, strong team development, and dedication to high-quality ingredients. Throughout his career, Chef Hicks has led diverse culinary teams throughout the Okanagan and Calgary fostering a culture of creativity, discipline, and collaboration. His culinary style blends classic techniques with modern influences, delivering dishes that are both refined and approachable. As a leader, Chef Hicks is deeply invested in mentoring emerging talent and advancing the culinary craft. His involvement in initiatives such as Masters of the Craft (MOTC) reflects his commitment to continuous learning and excellence within the industry. 

Nick Kennedy is the Executive Sous Chef at The Westin Calgary with 18 years of experience working in luxury hotels and independent restaurants. Throughout his career, he has developed a passion for hospitality, leadership, and helping others grow in the industry. Nick enjoys sharing his journey and offering practical advice on building a career in food and beverage.

I am a hospitality leader who has been with Marriott for more than 25 years. I started as a Sales Manager in Mexico and moved to Canada where I worked for 17 years at the Calgary Marriott Downtown in the Events department, planning and executing large events (2,000+ persons). Currently, I lead the Events and Banquets team at The Westin Calgary. The Westin Calgary is the biggest hotel in Calgary with 525 guestrooms. Here, I elevated the event satisfaction scores by redesigning service standards, building high performing teams and creating a culture of unforgettable guest experiences.

I have spent the last ten years building a fulfilling career entirely within the Marriott portfolio. My journey began at the Marriott Downtown when a close friend invited me to help out in Banquets for a major event, and I have been with the company ever since. While the majority of my time has been dedicated to Banquets, I also had the opportunity to expand my knowledge by spending a year managing the food and beverage operations team for the restaurant. Today, my primary focus is to pay that original opportunity forward, to welcome new talent into the industry, support their growth, and help them fall in love with hospitality just as I did.