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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. 

90%
9 in 10: managers started at entry level
33%
More than 1/3 of Washington restaurants are owned by minorities
25%
Hospitality is part of the fabric of American- A QUARTER of our workforce were born outside the United States
16%
For every year a person works in their teens, their income rises 14 to 16 percent in their 20s.

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Chair: David Porter – Ilani Casino & Hotel
Vice Chair: Nick Musser- Bargreen Ellingson
Treasurer: Shawn Garner – Charlie’s Produce

Allied

Oliver Kotelnikov-IBA
Mary Klukas- Ecolab
Ryan Lumaco- Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
Darrin Soderberg- Harbor Food Service
 

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

Madi Soelling- Farrelli’s Wood Fire Pizza
Jeff Morgan – Hops n Drops LLC
Russell Brent- Mill Creek Pub
Elaina Morris- Ascend Hospitlaity
Bret Stewart- Prezalter 

Educational

Kahale Ahina- Bonney Lake High School

Mark Beatie- WSU Everett