Rising Star Spotlight

Rising Star Spotlight

Kaszuba Emily Photo

Emily Kaszuba
Regional Sales Director
Canteen

You have grown up around the Hospitality Industry, how did that affect your career choices?

Growing up in the hospitality industry, I had the opportunity to learn a great deal from a young age. I was introduced to the world of providing food, drinks, and accommodations to customers at restaurants, bars, and similar establishments as early as I can remember. Watching my dad at work was always something I admired, because, despite the hectic nature of the job, I quickly realized that what he provided truly impacted people’s daily lives. Even though my dad often warned me, saying, "Stay away from the hospitality business, it’s crazy!", I knew I wanted to pursue a career that could have that same positive effect on people’s everyday experiences, whether through food service, hosting, or entertainment.

Being a legacy member of SHFM, you have been exposed to SHFM from an early age. How has it been to be actively involved with the Society?

Being introduced to SHFM at an early age was always a source of inspiration for me. I vividly remember when I was 19, my dad took me to the National Sales Conference in New Orleans. Leaving that conference, I was filled with excitement to start my career and to be part of an organization that was not only motivating but also incredibly welcoming, just like SHFM. The connections I made at 19, and seeing how people from all walks of life networked and collaborated, left me eager to join, even at that young age. Fast forward to my first National Sales Conference at 29, and everything felt just the same—the warmth, the connections, the amazing people, the food, the knowledge, and the hospitality. It truly makes me feel honored to be part of such a meaningful organization and excited for how I can support more!

In your current role, you work with clients to solve problems on a daily basis. How does that experience help you in life?

Working with clients and solving problems on a daily basis has been incredibly valuable to me in both my professional and personal life. Even though the issues I’m addressing might seem small to me, they can have a significant impact on someone else. For instance, installing a micro market in a breakroom may sound like a simple task, but for the decision-maker, it could be the key to revitalizing their company and boosting employee engagement. The biggest lesson this work has taught me is patience and empathy. A career in hospitality truly cultivates these qualities because your actions, no matter how small they may seem to you, can make a world of difference to someone else. And to me, that’s what hospitality is all about.

What has being a Rising Star meant to you and your career?

Being named a Rising Star has been an incredible honor and experience. I applied for the program with the goal of stepping out of my comfort zone and pushing myself further in my professional career. The first step was applying, and I knew that if given the opportunity, it would challenge me in many ways within SHFM and connect me with others, especially fellow Rising Stars, allowing me to learn from them. Being a Rising Star has far exceeded my expectations. It has opened my eyes to new opportunities within SHFM, helped me build valuable connections, and introduced me to wonderful friends. I’m excited to continue growing within this community and am incredibly grateful for the amazing support system and Rising Star team that I get to do this with.

Finally, our traditional final question: What and where was the best meal you have ever had? 

The best meal I’ve ever had was at Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. We enjoyed a fourteen-course meal, with each course surpassing the last. The breathtaking view of Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower only made the experience more unforgettable. Our first course was a lobster dish flavored with vanilla, Granny Smith apple Zephyr, and olive oil, and from there, each course was even more incredible. It was an experience I will never forget. Plus, thanks to my Rising Star family, I now have a list of Michelin-star restaurants I’m eager to visit!

Scroll to Top