"Hospitality has taken me to all seven continents. I started as a dishwasher in a pizza place, and that first step allowed me to eventually see the world."
"Hospitality is a career to see yourself in. There’s a lot of room for many kinds of talents with so many different jobs where you can gain experience, and there’s a large need for people who are knowledgeable in our field."
"There comes a fork in the road where you realize you’re in the career you want to pursue, and your original goals have changed. I took what was available, did what I could do and developed a resume of accomplishment."
Our Mission
The Washington Hospitality Association Education Foundation’s mission is to illuminate pathways of success for people interested in and working in the hospitality industry through workforce development.
Feeding Dreams. Building Futures.
We play an integral role in the future of our industry. Along with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation we have developed and support ProStart®, a restaurant management and culinary training program in over 30 high schools throughout Washington.
Meeting the Educational Needs of the Industry
The Education Foundation is a proud supporter and coordinator of the ProStart program in Washington State, helping our future workforce succeed.
We are always looking for mentors, sponsors, and donations to help move this program forward and continue supporting our educators and students.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Allied
Lodging
Will Parkinson- Hilton Garden Inn
Matthew Jones- Silver Cloud
Lisa Lara- The point Casino & Hotel
Brad Bearden- Ilani Casino & Hotel
Poonam Patel- Super 8
Restaurants
Educational
Kahale Ahina- Bonney Lake High School
Mark Beatie- WSU Everett