For over a decade, Shawna Gardham has helped shape how the world discovers the Wickaninnish Inn. Through thoughtful media relationships, carefully curated press visits, and a genuine passion for the Inn’s history and sharing those stories, she has introduced countless journalists, writers, and content creators to the magic of this special corner of the coast.

But Shawna's impact reaches far beyond the stories written about the Inn.

A lifelong champion of hospitality in British Columbia, she is the founder of SGPR Connects, serves as Executive Director of the Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia, and was recently recognized as a Friend of the Industry by the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame—an honour that celebrates individuals whose dedication has strengthened hospitality across the province.

Her commitment is perhaps best reflected in the work she has helped accomplish through the Chefs’ Table Society.

Shawna and her fellow volunteers have created meaningful opportunities for the next generation of hospitality professionals. Some milestones include supporting over 72 culinary students with full funding for Professional Cook 1 or Pastry Arts programs at Camosun College or Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts through securing the provincial Community Workforce Response Grant. The success was measured not simply by graduation, but by seeing those graduates begin rewarding careers in kitchens across British Columbia.

Recognizing that a thriving industry depends on healthy workplaces as much as technical skills, Shawna also helped lead the Restaurant Culture Shift initiative. Developed alongside provincial support, through the Sector Labour Marketplace Partnerships, the program provides over 30 free, practical human resources tools, workplace policies, leadership resources, and training designed specifically for independent restaurants and hospitality businesses. By helping operators build respectful, inclusive, and sustainable workplace cultures, the initiative strengthens the long-term future of the industry.

Each year, she and the CTS board bring the industry together through CooksCamp, an industry only event focused on the sustainability of the hospitality industry, fostering mentorship, collaboration, and a shared passion.

Finally, the legacy project that opened in October 2025 and is still developing is The Commons by CTS, a one of a kind hub - a vibrant gathering place where chefs, front of the house professionals, producers, researchers, and food lovers connect to preserve, celebrate, and advance BC's rich culinary heritage.

Home to an extensive culinary library, archival collections, educational programming, a podcast studio, and collaborative event space, The Commons by CTS serves as both a living resource and an incubator for ideas, mentorship, and innovation.

At the Wickaninnish Inn, Shawna's work often happens quietly behind the scenes. She builds lasting relationships with editors and journalists from around the world, creating opportunities for authentic storytelling that has introduced generations of travellers to the Inn, and the remarkable place we call home.

Whether she is welcoming a travel writer, advocating for hospitality education, or creating opportunities for future colleagues, Shawna believes that great hospitality is built on connection. Her work reflects a simple but powerful idea: when we invest in people, we strengthen not only our own community, but the future of hospitality itself.

The relationships Shawna has cultivated throughout her career extend far beyond the Inn's shoreline. They create opportunities for thoughtful conversations that celebrate hospitality, community, and craftsmanship. One such example is Charles McDiarmid's recent appearance on the Mise en Place podcast with chef Robert Belcham, recorded at The Commons—the welcoming gathering place created by the Chefs' Table Society of British Columbia.

Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music.

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