The OCTA team is a crew of 5 Cultural Explorers! We’re easy-going and creative, we talk to the locals, get in on the action and take the road less travelled – according to the Canadian Tourism Commission. What kind of traveller are you?

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Rebecca LeHeup, Executive Director

Rebecca loves Ontario and local edibles. She is lucky in her role as Executive Director for OCTA because it lets her explore this vast province connecting people across agriculture and tourism industries.

Rebecca is passionate about the interrelation between food, agriculture, tourism, arts and culture. She was instrumental in developing tourism products including Prince Edward County’s award winning Taste Trail, annual TASTE! a celebration of regional cuisine, the Arts Trail, Countylicious and the buy-local program: Harvestin’ the County.

Rebecca shares the great tourism experiences in Ontario through her social media outlets and teaches courses on its benefits to business operators across the province. She’s developed courses for George Brown College’s cutting edge Culinary Tourism Management program. She contributes her expertise to a variety of industry Boards including the CTC Brand Experience Advisory Committee, the Terroir Hospitality Symposium, and Slow Food Canada to name a few.  She also co-published the Ontario Culinary Adventure Guide in partnership with CityBites Magazine.

Born and raised in Toronto, Rebecca spent her summers in Prince Edward County. In her grade 12 year of high school, Rebecca sailed on a 156-foot tall ship to 20 countries on two continents– an experience that rooted her passion for travel and adventure! She still splits her time between Toronto and PEC. Sharing in her adventures are her two sons – Jack and Liam, and her life partner, Andrew Mackenzie.

Email: rebecca@ontarioculinary.com Follow Rebecca on Twitter @OntarioCulinary

 Cheryl Grishkewich, Director of Product Development

Cheryl has a passion for food, and of course the delicious beverages that enhance it, which began with her upbringing on a farm in Niagara. The enjoyment of great food and drink was always at the heart of family life. After completing a business degree in her hometown at Brock University, Cheryl set out to expand her horizons with a move to Toronto.

Over the next 20 years Cheryl built an impressive career in advertising holding some of the most senior positions at Canada’s and the world’s most successful and innovative ad agencies. Cheryl’s passion, steady focus on her clients’ business growth and ability to discover untapped opportunities garnered respect for her as a leader.

Now Cheryl is returning to her food-loving roots as the Director of Product Development where she will combine her experience and strength in strategic and creative thinking with her desire to promote the delicious culinary experience in Ontario.

Email: cheryl@ontarioculinary.com     Follow Cheryl on Twitter @Cheryl_Grish

Agatha Podgorski, Projects Coordinator

Agatha is an aspiring food philosopher. She believes in local food, responsible practices and the health benefits of a glass of good Merlot. She once considered law school, but after a stint studying journalism and later completing a politics degree at the University of Toronto, she realized she would much rather eat than be eaten.

A quick 180 later, she now holds a diploma in Culinary Management from George Brown College. She has worked in Toronto kitchens for years, but is trading in her spoons to spread the word about Ontario’s amazing food experiences.

Agatha can now be found managing the organization’s special projects. In her spare time, she can usually be found helping out at her local farmers’ market or investigating the newest local food haunt.  She is also an avid photographer, blogger and traveller. She has studied in Brno, biked across Ireland, baguette’d in Bordeaux and boiled lobsters in Cape Cod.  She loves Ontario despite it all, and has been known to drive all the way to Kingston for a good black currant scone.

Email: agatha@ontarioculinary.com     Follow Agatha on Twitter @agapod

Joshua Arredondo, Projects Coordinator

Joshua’s love for food and tourism are deeply rooted to his origins in Mexico. Growing up in a popular destination in central Mexico called San Miguel de Allende enabled him to develop passion for the culinary arts and the tourism industry from an early age. It was in his grandmother’s kitchen that Joshua discovered the love and effort involved in delicious food. Joshua has lived in Toronto for almost ten years now and is passionate about discovering and experiencing the variety of culinary experiences available in the place he now calls home: Ontario.

Joshua graduated in 2010 from Ryerson University’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program. He brings to OCTA experience in various tourism-related projects within the fields of sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, research, and tourism planning. Recently, Joshua’s passion for tourism development embarked him on a trip to Tanzania where he undertook a 6-month internship as for a Canadian non-governmental-organization where he assisted the city of Dar es Salaam in its long-term destination marketing strategies.

Email: joshua@ontarioculinary.com    Follow Joshua on Twitter @OCTA_Joshua

Julia Gilmore, Communications

Julia is a firm believer in dessert at every meal and is excited to bring her passion for the sweet (and savoury) things in life to her role as Communications Intern at OCTA.  Julia was born and raised in the Niagara region–spending her summers picking peaches and promptly baking them into pies.   Coming from a family of dairy and poultry farmers, she is a proud supporter of Ontario producers and excited by the growth and quality of culinary tourist experiences that the province has to offer.

In addition to over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, Julia also brings her experience in marketing and public relations.  Upon graduating from McMaster University, Julia completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Book Publishing at Humber College, where she specialized in marketing and editorial–dreaming of becoming a cookbook editor.   In her spare time, Julia enjoys volunteering at local food events, researching recipes, and seeking out the best vanilla ice cream to serve with her all-time favourite dessert, the humble apple crisp.

Email: communications@ontarioculinary.com  Follow Julia on Twitter @OCTA_Licious

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