a chance to work with a special task force to help brainstorm better ways to support our industry partners.
What’ s the most important thing you learned during your time with VB?
T: I learned that collaboration is a large part of everything, which is exciting because it’ s the same way in hospitality. You always have your hand in a lot of pots and working together is what keeps things running smoothly and looking beautiful.
A: What I learned from everybody was the importance of time. I learned the importance of making sure you write everything down, making sure your schedule is correct, making sure you always have a chance to talk with someone. If there’ s an opportunity with someone, go after it.
“ I had such a great experience with Visit Baltimore and learned so much about how they market the Charm City that I grew up in.”
TYMARRA SHERRILL
How were you first introduced to the hospitality industry?
A: I worked in the food service industry for 3-4 years, working for Chef Jasmine Norton as a manager at the Urban Oyster. That created my true love for hospitality and customer service. Serving people is very important to me. It’ s all about having a nice rapport with people and I really cherish that a lot.
What was your favorite project during the apprenticeship?
T: It would definitely have to be collecting footage for the Pigtown reel on Instagram. Pigtown wasn’ t a neighborhood I was familiar with, so it was exciting to get out there, walk around, discover new things and get familiar with Instagram cinematography.
A: It’ s always going to be Destinations International’ s( DI) Annual Convention 2021. It was an amazing experience for everyone who came to Baltimore from outside of the city and the country. A large in-person function like DI is rare to see, especially after COVID. It was an amazing opportunity and I’ m glad I was on that project, helping in any possible way: giving away hats, shirts, helping with whatever was needed. I feel like that project was very monumental to me.
What advice would you give to future apprentices?
T: Say yes to everything. Show up to everything when you can, even if it doesn’ t fit in the description of your role. You never know who you might meet, and something outside of your role might be something you’ re interested in. You never know what you can get experience in.
A: Everyone gets their first day jitters. It’ s like going to your first class of a brand-new school and meeting everyone. To future apprentices: this is a great opportunity, so don’ t let your fear consume you. Everyone at VB is very polite and understanding— they want you to succeed.
“ I’ m so grateful for the opportunity I had to work as an apprentice for Visit Baltimore’ s Diversity Apprenticeship program. By working so closely with the operations team, I was able to experience how to run programs and processes in the hospitality and tourism industry.”
ANTHONY RICHMOND
Answers have been edited for length
PARTNERSHIP & ENGAGEMENT 13