CONGRATULATIONS FINALISTS

2025 Spirit of Hospitality

Airport Foundation MSP

Airport Foundation MSP is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Spirit of Hospitality Award, recognizing its dedication to enhancing the travel experience and supporting the aviation community at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Since its founding in 1982 as the Metropolitan Public Airport Foundation, the organization has evolved to meet the growing needs of MSP and its passengers.

The Spirit of Hospitality Award is a testament to the Airport Foundation MSP’s commitment to service, accessibility, community engagement, and elevating the travel experience. To learn more or become a volunteer, visit airportfoundation.org.

2025 Hospitality Hall of Fame

Jodie Grannes, General Manager • Cambria Hotel Bloomington Mall of America Minneapolis Airport • 28 years of service

Jodie Grannes, currently at Cambria Hotel Bloomington Mall of America Minneapolis Airport, brings over 30 years of hospitality experience to Bloomington. Formerly with Country Inn & Suites Bloomington by Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America, she excels in employee engagement, knowing her team personally and fostering lasting connections. A highlight of her leadership was a heartfelt birthday caravan organized by staff during COVID, showcasing the strong community she has built.

2025 Hospitality Hall of Fame

Wanda Novak, Server • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South • 31 years of service

Wanda Novak has been a cornerstone of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South since 1993, starting as a service bartender and transitioning to Banquets. Renowned for her exceptional service, she skillfully accommodates guests’ preferences and mentors new staff. Wanda’s leadership shines during high-pressure events, and her commitment to community service, including organizing charity events, makes her a true inspiration in hospitality.

2025 Hospitality Hall of Fame

Allen Plante, Director of Banquets • Radisson Blu Mall of America • 40 years of service

Allen Plante has dedicated 40 years to Radisson in Bloomington, including 12 years at Radisson Blu Mall of America and over 25 years at Radisson Bloomington South. Renowned for his innovative spirit, he enhances guest experiences while fostering a culture of creativity. Allen’s warmth and meticulous attention to detail ensure that every event exceeds expectations, making him a vital asset in Bloomington’s hospitality scene.

2025 Hospitality Hall of Fame

Kim Vo, Head of Housekeeping • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South • 33 years of service

Kim Vo has spent 33 years at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South, leading the Housekeeping Department with dedication. As a mentor and advocate for her team, she ensures exceptional guest service and creates a “home away from home” experience with thoughtful details. Her genuine care for both guests and staff has fostered a positive work environment, making her a respected figure in hospitality.

Best Hospitality Administration

Seth Steidl • Radisson Blu Mall of America

FINALISTS
Stephanie Jaramillo, Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
Sharon Kaiser, Great Wolf Lodge
Alexander Pyritz, SEA LIFE at Mall of America
Catherine Rivas, Great Wolf Lodge

Best Guest Relations Personnel

Luke Davidson • Nickelodeon Universe

FINALISTS
Liam Gillquist, SEA LIFE at Mall of America
Issa Issa, Radisson Blu Mall of America
Marjon Khan, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South
Devyn Lennex, Hyatt Regency Bloomington – Minneapolis

Best Restaurant Personnel

Felipe Secundino • Cantina Laredo

FINALISTS
Yesenia Perez-Ramirez, Smack Shack
Mark Spoering, Sonic Drive-In Bloomington
Shirley Strahan, Olive Garden Bloomington
Nancy Thacher, Culver’s Bloomington

Best Banquet / Catering Personnel

Sandra Torres Guallpa • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South

FINALISTS
Ramsey Ferguson, Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
Oswaldo Garcia Cano, Radisson Blu Mall of America
Domingo Lopez-Cruz, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South
Josefina Ramirez, Hyatt Regency Bloomington – Minneapolis

Best Hotel Guest Services (Limited Service)

Sanjeev Parikh • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Bloomington Mall of America

FINALISTS
Pierre Curd, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Bloomington Mall of America
Noel Gutierrez, Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
Elaine Jourdain, Hyatt House Mall of America MSP Airport
Jessica Sanchez, Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America

Best Hotel Guest Services (Full Service)

Melissa Pumper • Radisson Blu Mall of America

FINALISTS
Yeasin Mahmood, Radisson Blu Mall of America
Rosa Mata, Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport
Gonzaga Nyombi, Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
Sharmin Saigo, Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport

Best Housekeeping Personnel (Limited Service)

Eliot King • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Bloomington Mall of America

FINALISTS
Lourdes Alvarez, Tru by Hilton/Home2 Suites
Mariana Amaral, Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
Cristian Munoz, Tru by Hilton/Home2 Suites
Marlene Pillisa, AC Hotel Bloomington Mall of America

Best Housekeeping Personnel (Full Service)

Indranie Jaddunath • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South

FINALISTS
Jorge Guerrera, Hyatt Regency Bloomington – Minneapolis
Niscy Anne Macabeo, Cambria Hotel Bloomington Mall of America
Yerandy Rendon, Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
Maria Sanchez, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis Airport

Best Hotel Restaurant Personnel

Adel Barbouche • Sheraton Bloomington Hotel

FINALISTS
Jaden Evans, JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America
Susan Moore, Home2 Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington
Jay Ostalaza, Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
Virginia Reyes, Radisson Blu Mall of America

Best Food Production Personnel

Naino Dookhie • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Bloomington Mall of America

FINAL I S T S
Maria Gutierrez-Barraza, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South
Roberto Rivera, Hazelwood Food + Drink
Jiovanni Rosete Hernandez, Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
Luis Velasco ,Courtyard by Marriott Edina Bloomington

Best Transportation Personnel

Jose A. Santana • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis Airport

FINAL I S T S
Bob Bailey, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South
Bashir Mahamud, Tru by Hilton/Home2 Suites
Mark Nordstrom, Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport
David Quinn, Cambria Hotel Bloomington Mall of America

Best Engineer / Maintenance Personnel

Pedro Garcia • Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America

FINALISTS
Richard Czaja, Nickelodeon Universe
Polo Martinez Castellanos, Residence Inn by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America
Aaron Raschke, Hyatt Regency Bloomington – Minneapolis
Willyanis Rodriguez, Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport

Best Retail Personnel

Allison Clemons • SEA LIFE at Mall of America

FINALISTS
Miguel Contreras, Mall of America
Simran Karki, Love from Minnesota
Coco Kasin, Mall of America
Lyndsey Rundle, Great Wolf Lodge

Best Bartender

Mary Nelson • Courtyard by Marriott Edina Bloomington

FINALISTS
Teresa Olson, Hazelwood Food + Drink
Christopher Quarfoth, Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
Marta Swenson, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South
Phil Wofford, Applebee’s Southtown