This May, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the future of the hospitality industry. From classrooms to co-op placements, these four students are already making a meaningful impact through their passion, dedication, and drive to grow.
We are excited to introduce this month’s Faces of Hospitality Student Spotlight, featuring Franco Santarossa, Naubakhar Abdalieva, Jawad Rahim, and Libby Worden – four emerging leaders who are shaping the next generation of hospitality across the GTA.
💫 Meet Franco Santarossa – Hotel Operations Management Student, George Brown College
Franco Santarossa has just completed his third year of the Hotels and Restaurants Operations Management program at George Brown College and recently finished a four month co-op at One King West Hotel and Residence.
Inspired by both his upbringing in a highly touristic environment and his natural passion for working with people, Franco is drawn to the interpersonal and ever evolving nature of hospitality. He values communication as a core life skill and believes true hospitality extends beyond the workplace. It is a mindset and way of life.
One of the most meaningful aspects of his journey so far has been learning from experienced professionals, gaining insight through their stories and perspectives on how the industry has evolved while maintaining its core values.
Looking ahead, Franco hopes to take his passion internationally, continuing to learn from global hospitality practices and eventually sharing his knowledge with others entering the field. His advice to students is simple. Consistency in being hospitable is key, and when you embrace it fully, the role becomes more than just a job.
💫 Meet Naubakhar Abdalieva, Hotel Operations Management Graduate, Humber Polytechnic
Naubakhar Abdalieva is a recent graduate of Humber Polytechnic’s Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management program, where she built a strong foundation in hospitality and guest experience.
During her internship as Executive Assistant to the General Manager at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel and Suites, she gained valuable exposure to hotel leadership and operations. Her background in banking and event sales helped shape her passion for hospitality and confirmed her interest in creating positive, memorable guest experiences.
A standout moment from her journey was witnessing firsthand how strong leadership and employee focused culture directly impact guest satisfaction. This experience reinforced her belief that exceptional service starts from within.
Naubakhar aspires to grow into a leadership role in hotel management, particularly in sales and events, where she can bring meaningful experiences to life. She encourages students to stay open, gain hands on experience, and remain positive in this fast paced but rewarding industry.
💫 Meet Jawad Rahim, Hospitality and Tourism Management Student, Toronto Metropolitan University
Jawad Rahim has just completed his second year at Toronto Metropolitan University and is preparing to begin his first co-op term as a Client Services Assistant at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre.
With a strong interest in how large hotel operations function, Jawad is particularly drawn to the intersection of hospitality and tourism. He is fascinated by how hotels balance operations and strategy while contributing to the broader tourism ecosystem and driving travel demand.
One of his most memorable experiences was attending a Spring Briefing Seminar hosted by Destination Toronto, where he gained insight into destination marketing and how cities position themselves to attract visitors.
Looking ahead, Jawad hopes to pursue a career that blends strategy and operations across both hospitality and tourism sectors. His advice to students is to take initiative early, seek out industry exposure, and remain open to the wide range of opportunities the field has to offer.
💫 Meet Libby Worden, Hospitality and Tourism Management Student, Toronto Metropolitan University
Libby Worden is going into her final year of the Hospitality and Tourism Management co-op program at Toronto Metropolitan University and has gained diverse experience across guest experience, sales, and hotel consulting.
Her co-op roles include Guest Experience Expert at Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, Sales Leadership Program Coordinator at the Ted Rogers Sales Leadership Program, and Valuation and Consulting Intern at HVS Montreal. Through these roles, she has developed a strong skill set spanning operations, analytics, and industry strategy.
One of Libby’s most memorable achievements was receiving the Air Canada Future Leaders Award at TIAO’s Tourism Summit, where she also had the opportunity to speak in front of over 500 industry professionals. This experience strengthened her confidence and passion for advocating for student voices.
Looking ahead, Libby is interested in pursuing a career in hotel real estate, with the long term goal of owning and managing her own properties. She encourages students to explore different paths within hospitality and not be discouraged if their first role is not the right fit.
Celebrating the Future of Hospitality
From hands on experience to big picture thinking, Franco, Naubakhar, Jawad, and Libby represent the passion, curiosity, and ambition that will shape the future of hospitality. Through their academic achievements, diverse co-op experiences, and commitment to continuous learning, they are already making meaningful contributions to the industry.
As they continue to grow and explore their paths, each brings a unique perspective that reflects the evolving nature of hospitality across the GTHA and beyond. Their dedication to service, leadership, and innovation is a strong reflection of what the next generation of hospitality professionals has to offer.
We are proud to celebrate them as our May Faces of Hospitality Student Spotlight.