I am a Kenyan sommelier, currently working in a cruise line. I hold
WSET 1& 2 and a Diploma in Business Administration. I am working towards getting WSET level 3 that will assist me to get better opportunities.

I am very focused in education as I know its the key to success. I always thrive to prove myself as an African Sommelier amongst other Sommeliers from other parts of the world.

2018, chicken Biryani and a bottle of Rioja threw me into the lovely journey into wine as a young college student. I am a Kenyan student currently in my last year of architecture school and very passionate about wines and beverage having attained WSET 3 in wines and actively pursuing French Wine Scholar. I currently work part time as a sale person for a local importer in Kenya, Under the Influence Beverage Solutions, having worked previously as an on floor sommelier at Movenpick Hotel and Residences Nairobi. I dream of becoming a Master of Wine.

At Odd Duck Wine and Provisions, I have the unique privilege of blending my passion for creativity and my love for exceptional provisions. As a dynamic professional, my role spans across two distinct yet complementary realms: creative branding & social media management and bottle shop co-curation.

As the steward of Odd Duck's online presence, I am entrusted with shaping the brand's identity and telling its story through the lens of branding, photography, and social media management. My mission is to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with our audience, bringing the essence of Odd Duck to life in the digital sphere. I thrive on building connections with our community partners, working collaboratively to expand our reach and drive foot traffic to our restaurant.

In the realm of the bottle shop, I co-curate an immersive bottle shop experience, where each product is carefully handpicked to reflect the unique character of Odd Duck. My responsibilities span sourcing and purchasing, ensuring that our shelves are graced with the finest and most captivating offerings. This curation extends beyond just provisions; it's about creating an environment that delights our customers and elevates their overall experience.

At Odd Duck Wine and Provisions, my job from the digital sphere to the bottle shop experience is to convey that we're more than a restaurant; we're a destination for exceptional taste, a haven for discovery, and a hub for culinary engagement.

Irish immigrant to Canada trying to forge a path in this crazy industry

In the wine industry, I am just breaking in. I did a short stint at Le Select but am looking for a new place to call home. I began studying wine last year in November, and since then have completed Wine 1 (a George Brown course), followed by WSET 2, currently enrolled in WSET 3 and will write the exam on December 13, 2023. In this time I also completed my CMS-Intro course, and will be completing the certified in the new year.

Hospitality, to me, embodies the art of ensuring others feel embraced and welcomed, while also delivering exceptional experiences. This mindset was instilled in me from a young age within my big joint family from the quaint town of Sylhet in Bangladesh. Growing up, hosting guests for various occasions was a common occurrence in my house, with my parents consistently going the extra mile to ensure our guests felt truly at home and cherished. Without knowing this upbringing laid the foundation for my understanding and appreciation of the importance of hospitality.

My name is Joydip Dey, and I currently serve as the General Manager at Ascari Enoteca and Mercatino E Vini. My journey in the hospitality industry began in 2019 when I joined the Ascari Hospitality Group as a Server Assistant at their inaugural Ascari King West location. Over time, I progressed within the organization, eventually assuming a management role in 2021 until January 2023, where I served as an Assistant General Manager. Following this, I was presented with the opportunity to oversee operations at Mercatino E Vini, tasked with enhancing both online and in-store services. Eager for new challenges and keen to delve deeper into the world of wines, I embraced this role wholeheartedly. Recently, I have taken the GM position for Ascari Enoteca as well where I oversee the operation, sales, finance, wine curation, inventory management along with managing Mercatino E Vini.

Tony Romas, Joey Hospitality Group, Terroni, Mamakas Taverna are some of the other places that I have worked while studying Creative Advertising at Seneca College as an international student.

My name is Akshaye Sridhar, I work as a Jr manager and non alcoholic beverage director at Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Niagara.
As a senior serve I do have a decent knowledge and understanding in Wine. But would love to purse and continue to learn and develop myself further more.
WSET 3 is something I am interested in pursuing.
Being a hospitality professional continues education is something I thrive on to become a professional in the industry.
If I fit as a right applicant for your scholarship that would be a great opportunity for me to grow.
Looking forward to hearing back from the team.
Regards
Akshaye

Hi, My name is Kevin Nelson, I have currently completed my WSET level 1 course - Spirits Certification and am looking to further my education within this industry.

With over six years of experience in marketing within the Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry, I've transitioned into the enchanting universe of wines.

Holding WSET Level 3 certification, I proudly represented Kenya on the global stage at the 2023 World Blind Tasting Championships in France.

Recently, I participated in Bordeaux Mentor Week, fueling my enthusiasm to fuse marketing skills with a deep understanding of wines.

Beyond this, I share my acquired knowledge by creating online educational content, aiming to pass on insights to the upcoming generation.

Weiwei Feng is the founder and General Manager of Vintasy Wine Merchants Ltd. since 2023. She started her career in the wine industry at JAK’s Beer Wine & Spirits in Vancouver in 2019, completing a career transition from being an event planner for over 8 years in China. Starting from a Service Champion, Weiwei quickly developed her wine knowledge and leadership skills, and was promoted to the General Manager of JAK’s Kingsway Store in less than 2 years.

Then Weiwei expanded her experience from retail to wine import as the Business Development Manager at a wine agent - Bonvin Wine & Spirits. She also taught WSET L1 & L2 in Mandarin Chinese at Vancouver Wine School based in Richmond, BC with a great passion in wine education.

Weiwei has always valued professional development and life-long learning. She’s currently pursuing the WSET Diploma and targeting to graduate in May 2024.

With the background of event planning, Weiwei curated several high profile wine tasting events and masterclasses that featured Fongyee Walker MW in Vancouver, with a mission to cultivate Chinese wine enthusiasts and community.

In her spare time, you will find Weiwei at spinning classes and trails around Metro Vancouver. She is also a foodie and local art lover.