Hospitality Heroes 2024

Dave Sousa goes above and beyond in his service to the community through the Highline Heritage Museum. Whether managing facilities or leading major events, he consistently makes a meaningful impact. His generosity and hard work have left a lasting mark on both the museum and the people it serves. Dave’s selflessness and dedication reflect his true character—one of strength, kindness, and compassion. His unwavering commitment to helping others makes him not just a valued team member but a true community hero.

In 2019, Mehdi Jumale and his family opened Tawakal Supermarket + Halal Grocery + Deli, SeaTac’s first Somali-owned grocery and deli. Through the challenges of the pandemic, Mehdi remained dedicated to serving a diverse community, offering flavors from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Last year, he wowed guests at sold-out food tours, introducing them to Somali cuisine and the rich stories behind each dish. More than just a restaurant, Tawakal has grown into a welcoming cultural hub, expanding its market to meet the demand for authentic spices and ethnic foods. For Mehdi, it’s all about creating a space that feels like home—one meal at a time.

Christina Arokiasamy is an award-winning cookbook author and a celebrated host on the Food Network and Cooking Channel. With years of experience as an executive chef at several Four Seasons resorts, she also holds the honor of being the first Malaysian food ambassador to the U.S.

With funding from the City of SeaTac, Christina launched a series of sold-out cuisine-based cultural tours last year, introducing guests to the deep connections between food, culture, and history. While Peru and East Africa may be thousands of miles apart, their spices and culinary traditions share striking similarities. Christina’s ability to weave storytelling into these experiences makes her an extraordinary hospitality ambassador, sharing the world’s flavors one dish at a time.

Junie Antonio is a dedicated leader at the Hilton Seattle Airport, assisting across multiple departments and always going the extra mile for guests and colleagues. His pride in his work is evident in everything he does, from maintaining high standards to fostering a positive team environment. Known for his warm smile and exceptional leadership, Junie embodies the spirit of hospitality, ensuring that every guest’s experience is nothing short of excellent.

As the Director of Sales for BMI Hospitality Management, Sayveonce Smiley oversees sales for four of SeaTac’s busiest hotels: Aloft, Fairfield Inn, Holiday Inn & Suites, and Hampton Inn & Suites. However, her impact extends far beyond these properties—she is a true ambassador for the entire Southside region.

Sayveonce attends trade shows across the country, passionately promoting the area’s hospitality scene. She doesn’t just sell four hotels—she sells the entire experience of staying in SeaTac. Whether greeting meeting planners at SEA Airport or representing the region at national conferences, her energy and enthusiasm are unmatched. Keeping up with Sayveonce is no easy feat, but her dedication to showcasing the best of Southside hospitality is truly inspiring.

Kurt Carino is an outstanding team member at the Skybridge Seattle Airport Hotel, known for his versatility, strong communication skills, and ability to adapt to any situation. His deep knowledge of banquet operations, from managing menus to handling last-minute AV changes, has made him an invaluable asset to the team. His hard work and dedication were recognized when he was named Employee of the Year in 2023 and Employee of the Month in 2024. Kurt’s contributions extend beyond his department, reflecting his unwavering commitment to excellence and teamwork.

With over 29 years of service at the City of Des Moines Marina, Scott Wilkins has dedicated his career to creating a thriving, safe, and accessible waterfront for residents and visitors alike. Before stepping into his role as Harbormaster, he served as Marina Maintenance Manager and Assistant Harbormaster, gaining invaluable experience in marina operations. Scott is not only a respected leader in his field but also serves on the Board of Directors of the Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters and Port Managers.

His expertise is backed by certifications in Harbor Administration, Marina Structure and Materials, and Oil Spill Prevention from the University of Alaska Southeast. A lifelong Des Moines resident, Scott enjoys traveling and spending time with his family and grandchildren. His passion for service extends far beyond the marina, as he continuously seeks ways to make a lasting impact on the community he calls home.

Myunghee Ji’s dedication and work ethic shine through in everything she does as a Pathfinder at the Port of Seattle. No matter how long the day or how demanding the situation, she approaches her role with focus, resilience, and a smile. Navigating the fast-paced airport environment requires patience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to customer service—qualities Myunghee embodies effortlessly. Whether she’s guiding lost travelers, managing unexpected challenges, or ensuring smooth airport operations, she remains calm under pressure and dedicated to helping others. Her ability to handle stressful situations with grace and professionalism makes her an invaluable part of the team. For Myunghee, every day is an opportunity to make someone’s journey a little easier, and she takes immense pride in doing her job exceptionally well.

Gifty was tailor-made for her role as a Customer Service Agent with Alaska Airlines. With her warm personality and unwavering patience, she makes every traveler feel welcome, even in the most stressful situations. The job isn’t easy—it requires quick thinking, problem-solving, and a constant smile despite long hours and unexpected challenges. Yet, Gifty remains ever-enthusiastic, always ready to assist with a kind word or a reassuring presence. Whether helping first-time flyers navigate the airport or resolving last-minute travel hiccups, she takes pride in ensuring each passenger’s journey starts on the right note. For Gifty, customer service isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.