Camila Quintanilla, 2022 Baxter Student Ambassador from Red River College Polytechnic, works as a sales manager at a luxury boutique hotel. We caught up with her to find out what experiences led to her current role, her typical day at work and more. 

What is your current job?

I am a sales manager at Inn at the Forks, a luxury boutique hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Our hotel is known for its upscale accommodations, locally inspired dining and exceptional service, making it a sought-after destination for business and leisure travelers alike.

Please describe your job duties or what a typical day is like. 

I manage the association, non-profit, tour and travel, Indigenous, and sports and entertainment market segments. This means that any organizations within these sectors that require meeting spaces, event planning or group accommodations come to me to get started. My role involves building strong client relationships, achieving monthly revenue goals for both guest rooms and catering, and continuously prospecting new business opportunities. 

A typical day includes responding to inquiries, creating proposals, conducting site visits, negotiating contracts and working closely with our operations team to ensure seamless execution of events. I also spend time networking within my market segments, staying engaged with industry trends and identifying new partnership opportunities.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I love connecting with people and creating memorable experiences. Hospitality is all about making guests feel welcome, and I take pride in being part of that process. Whether it’s helping a non-profit plan a successful fundraiser or ensuring a touring artist has a seamless stay, I enjoy the variety and impact of my work. One of my personal touches is writing welcome notes for clients staying at the hotel. It’s a small gesture, but it makes a difference in building meaningful connections.

What has been your career path so far? 

I graduated from the Hotel and Restaurant Management program at Red River College Polytech in 2022. As part of my final school term, I completed a co-op placement at Inn at the Forks as a sales and catering coordinator. In this role, I quickly took on responsibilities beyond my initial scope, demonstrating initiative and a strong work ethic. My commitment and drive led to a promotion in September 2022, allowing me to step into the sales manager position I hold today.

How did your post-secondary studies prepare you for working in tourism & hospitality? 

School provided a strong foundation in understanding hotel and food operations, equipping me with the skills needed to navigate the hospitality industry. What I learned in the classroom became even more valuable in real-world scenarios, from managing client relationships to executing successful events. I often find myself applying principles from my studies to my current role, whether it’s revenue management, customer service strategies or business development. The combination of formal education and hands-on experience has been instrumental in shaping my career.

Are there career opportunities you are looking forward to in the future? 

I’m always eager to learn and grow in my career. Recently, I became the first Canadian professional to earn the Certified Hotel Sales Leader designation from HSMAI, a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. This certification has deepened my expertise in hotel sales strategy and leadership, and I look forward to applying these insights in my current role and beyond. The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and I’m excited to continue expanding my knowledge, taking on new challenges and contributing to the growth of our hotel.