MONA PINDER
executive director, alberta hospitality association
calgary, ab, canada
Mona Pinder believes that food brings people together—and that restaurants are the beating heart of our communities. After nearly two decades in healthcare administration (and more red tape than she cares to remember), Mona followed her passion for food and earned a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts from SAIT, adding it to her two master’s degrees. She traded boardrooms for bakeries, working back-of-house at a couple of local spots. While she loved the early mornings and crafting sweet treats, she realized the hum of the Hobart mixer wasn’t quite the human connection she was craving.
That realization led her to Mealshare, a national nonprofit that partners with restaurants to fight youth hunger. Starting as a Community Leader and eventually becoming Executive Director, Mona found the perfect blend of her public administration expertise and her love of hospitality. Working alongside hundreds of restaurant partners across Canada, she witnessed firsthand the profound impact of the pandemic on the industry—and the incredible spirit of community that emerged in response.
Today, as Executive Director of the Alberta Hospitality Association, Mona brings that same passion and purpose to her work. “Despite the challenges, I’m constantly inspired by the hustle, creativity, and resilience of those in hospitality,” she says. “It’s an honor to support and advocate for the people and businesses that make our communities feel like home.”