I’m Patti, an experienced entrepreneur and esteemed educator with over 30 years in hospitality and business. I've walked the path from running award-winning restaurants to shaping future leaders in both corporate and academic spaces. I specialize in leadership, self-awareness, entrepreneurship, and design thinking, bringing curiosity and real-world experience into everything I do. My approach integrates practical wisdom with academic rigor, creating dynamic learning opportunities that inspire transformation.

Hospitality is in my blood. Growing up in a restaurant family, I felt destined for the industry. After working in some of Calgary's finest dining rooms and graduating from SAIT's Hospitality Management program, I pursued my dream of opening Il Sogno in 2000. This restaurant embodied my vision, 'The Art of the Table' – celebrating the intersection of food, wine, people, and their stories. Under my leadership, Il Sogno received numerous accolades, including the "Best New Restaurant" award from Where Magazine.

My entrepreneurial spirit also led to the establishment of PMK Consulting Inc., where I provided strategic consulting services in leadership training, change management, and business optimization for various clients, including the Calgary Stampede and Red's Diner. My passion for excellence led me to complete all three levels of the ISG Sommelier diploma, join The Women Chefs and Restaurateurs of America, and become a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in 2009..

Since 2012, I have taught courses in SAIT's School of Hospitality and Tourism and the School of Business. My teaching portfolio includes subjects such as Hospitality Management, Culinary Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Leading High-Performing Teams.

I went on to earn a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Royal Roads University, deepening my commitment to global citizenship, and advancing education, human rights, and equity. Today, I also serve as Alberta Board Chair for the Women's Health Coalition of Canada, where I advocate to address barriers, gaps, and biases in menstrual, reproductive, and sexual health.

My philosophy? It’s not about you and it’s ONLY about you. Self-awareness, education, and mentorship are crucial in developing leaders and creating inspired organizational cultures.