This year’s Baxter Student Ambassadors were named in May 2025 for demonstrating creative solutions to industry problems, a commitment to sustainability and innovation, and passion for their future careers. They are now embarking on the next steps in their journeys toward fulfilling careers in the travel and tourism industry, armed with their degrees, work experience — and mentorships through the Baxter Student Ambassador Program. 

Each Ambassador was matched with a mentor who was hand-selected according to their unique career goals, in order to boost their entry into the workforce with networking experience and personalized career advice.

For example, Leo Omichinski, the 2025 Baxter Student Ambassador from Red River College, aspires to open Winnipeg’s first immersive art escape room and was matched with Brad Ford, President and CEO of the immersive attraction Little Canada. Said Ford on LinkedIn, Leo is “a bright and driven young entrepreneur with a vision to create Winnipeg’s next great tourist attraction… I’m excited to watch Leo’s journey unfold in the years ahead.” 

Shalene Dudley, CEO of Latitude Concierge Travels and mentor to 2025 Ambassadors Val Lazo and Olayemi Iruafemi, wrote, “When I realized there was an opportunity to give my time, share my experiences, lend an ear, and sometimes just provide a laugh or two, I knew this was a great chance to be what I once needed and learn something along the way.”

And said Artur Khachatryan, mentor to Ambassador Shawnelle Beale, “I genuinely hope to live long enough to see how these inspiring young professionals will transform our beloved hospitality industry…You have a BIG & BRIGHT future in the industry!”

Take a look at some of the success stories from this year’s BSAP mentorships:

Thank you to our BSAP mentors for their time, advice, and commitment to supporting the next generation of travel industry professionals. 

If you are interested in mentoring one of next year’s Baxter Student Ambassadors, please email [email protected].