Meet HTIM Graduate: Camie Kipta

Employer: Hillsdale County Senior Services Center, Inc.
Title: Nutrition Director
Date of HTIM course completion: June 2024
​Location: Hillsdale, MI
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​Why did you want to enroll in the HTIM business management course? 
 To broaden my scope of understanding about business management. Although I was intimidated about taking the course due to my lack of business management experience, I wouldn’t change a thing.  What I learned and gained from the experience far outweighs the initial feelings of intimidation and I am glad I pushed through my initial insecurities and successfully completed the course.

How will this help you step up in your career?
It has broadened my horizons and opened my eyes and awareness of new and exciting opportunities.
 
What advice do you have for others in the hospitality industry who are looking for ways to grow their career?
Take the HTIM business management course, you will not regret it. It challenges you personally and professionally, giving a fresh new perspective and heightened awareness of how you can grow in your current position and future career path.
 
What was your favorite part of the HTIM business management course?
Learning and sharing with and from one another. Many in the class brought so much to the table and I felt honored to be amongst such a great group of fellow learners. Matt was an amazing instructor. He challenged us by guiding us to think outside the box and to not confine ourselves to what we know and are already doing within in the realm of the business management world.
 
How long have you been working in the industry? 
2 ½ years.
 
Can you share more background on your current role? 
I held dual positions off and on for almost 2 years as head cook and Nutrition Director and for the past 6 months have been solely concentrating on the Nutrition Director position.  
I am currently a full-time supervisor for the nutrition department which consists of full and part time staff serving their roles as ooks, food specialists, Meals on Wheels drivers and volunteers. We service between 275 and 300 hundred clients daily through our Meals on Wheels Program as well as our on-site congregate clients. We also provide meals for our on-site staff.
 
What was your first job in hospitality? How did you get into this industry?
My first job was working at my grandma’s restaurant as a waitress, dishwasher, and assisting with prep work. I loved cooking/baking, and I especially loved being with my grandma so working at the restaurant was a natural fit bringing my love of both together.  
 
Interesting and fun fact:
I made cupcakes to donate for the fundraiser,  when I took them to the place to drop them off, they thought the cupcakes were for the cupcake contest, so I ended up entering a cupcake contest at a cupcake festival totally by accident. I ended up winning 1st place in the amateur division. The following year I decided to be more intentional about my cupcakes making.  When I showed up with my cupcakes, I was told that both professional and amateur bakers were competing in the same division. I was a bit intimidated but the cupcakes were already made and so I figured I might as well move forward. I ended up placing 1st place overall. 

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