SKIWA Mentor · 2026 Cohort
Dushy Wanigatunga
Cluster General Manager · Accor Apartments & Realty WA
From a bar course to General Manager — proof the industry rewards people who put their hand up.
My story
I actually started studying computer science, but after about six months I realised pretty quickly it wasn't for me. I did a bar course instead — and that's really where everything started. I loved the industry straight away: people-focused, fast-paced, and every day was different.
I went on to formally study hospitality, did my first placement in Food & Beverage and my second as a hotel intern in Hawaii, which really opened my eyes to hotels on a bigger scale. I spent about nine years in Food & Beverage before moving into catering and event sales, then sales. Along the way a few people saw leadership potential in me, which eventually led to my first General Manager role.
I never really planned the career — I found an industry that suited me, and I've enjoyed the journey ever since.
How I help
I've helped people through difficult work situations — performance issues, team conflict, or just feeling stuck or overwhelmed — by working through the problem logically. I've helped people grow in their roles, get promoted, gain confidence, and see a future in this industry.
Why I mentor
Giving back. A key reason for my own career progress was great guidance from my mentors.
