AGATHA PODGORSKI

Director of Community Engagement, Culinary Tourism Alliance

Agatha believes in local food, responsible purchasing practices and the health benefits of a glass of good pinot. She once considered law school, but after completing a degree at the University of Toronto, she realized she would much rather eat than be eaten.

She got a diploma in Culinary Management from George Brown College after which she spent time in Toronto kitchens. She’s since traded in her spoons to spread the word about Ontario’s amazing food experiences and help develop our province’s rich and varied food culture.  In 2011, she was recognized by the OHI as one of Ontario’s Top 30 Under 30 in the hospitality industry.

Agatha has had many roles since joining the CTA in 2010, but can now be found rubbin’ elbows with members, managing communications and coordinating delicious events across Ontario. She is our brand manager, social media maven and content curator. She was instrumental in developing the Experience Assessment Tool (EAT™) and Ontario’s foodservice designation program, Feast On. She has contributed to numerous food publications including The Huffington Post, The Globe & Mail, Westjet Magazine and The Toronto Star. She was also the managing editor of The Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide and is currently the Creative & Web Manager for the Terroir Hospitality Symposium.

In her spare time, she can usually be found playing with her giant Bernese mountain dog, tending her tomatoes or investigating the newest local food haunt.  She is an avid instagrammer, blogger and traveller. She has studied in Brno, slurped snails in Morrocco, cycled the Irish coast and eaten puffin in Iceland. She’s also been known to drive all the way to Ottawa for a well poured pint.