Magdalena has been working with the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance (OCTA) since May of 2008. OCTA works with regions across the province to advance culinary tourism consistent with the 2005-2015 Ontario Culinary Strategic Plan developed by the Ministry of Tourism. Magdalena became involved with OCTA through her role as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Niagara Culinary Trail where she played a key role in launching their first local food & culinary map and website in the summer of 2008, in addition to a number of other local food initiatives within Niagara over the past few years.
Growing up in the Niagara fruit belt as the daughter of Inniskillin Wines winemaker & co-founder, Magdalena received an early start in the appreciation of Ontario's culinary treasures. Much of her youth was spent working at the winery in the early days of Ontario's wine industry giving tours & tastings while educating consumers on local wine. She has a deep-rooted understanding of the value of agriculture and good farmer relationships. Years of living and working in the heart of a busy tourism region gave her invaluable experience within many other facets of the hospitality industry.
Starting in 1997, Magdalena lived and worked in Chicago and New Jersey for over 10 years, where she continued a marketing career focusing on trade shows and special events while gaining an international perspective. During her years in the United States, Magdalena also became very involved in charitable fundraising. Never wavering in her commitment as a lifelong ambassador for Ontario Wines, in 2007 she returned to her family and her roots in Niagara where Magdalena is once again part of the culinary world she loves.