Room to Shine Spotlight Series — Introducing Dasha Borodina
Get ready to meet the heart and soul of Kamloops in our Room to Shine Spotlight Series! Each month, we’re pulling back the curtain to celebrate the incredible individuals who make this city what it is today. From leading visionaries to the behind-the-scenes heroes, these stories will dive into the grit, passion, and genuine spirit that keep Kamloops shining bright. So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s shine a light on what makes this place unforgettable—its people.
Some people are meant to be in hospitality. For Dasha Borodina, Director of Sales & Revenue at RZH Hotel Group, hospitality isn’t just a job—it’s the rhythm of her career, the heartbeat of her professional life. With over a decade in Kamloops’ hotel industry and six properties under her care, Dasha brings insight, warmth, and relentless energy to everything she does.
TK: Let’s rewind a bit—how did it all begin for you?
Dasha’s journey into tourism wasn’t accidental; it was intentional from the start. She studied international tourism at university, followed by a hospitality diploma, then leapt into her first big role through an internship in Saipan—an immersive experience that sealed the deal.
“That’s where I gained firsthand experience in resort operations, working in various departments. After that internship, I never considered working in another industry. Hospitality has a profound and enduring impact on individuals, and I’m forever grateful for the experience it provided me,” Dasha shares.
It was more than just a stepping stone. It was the moment Dasha realized that hospitality had the power to create connection and joy on a global scale—and that she wanted to be at the centre of it.
TK: What made Kamloops feel like the right fit?
“I genuinely believe that the claim of ‘BC’s friendliest city’ is very well-deserved.”
Originally drawn in by the warmth of the people and the region’s welcoming energy, Dasha quickly found that Kamloops felt like home. The supportive atmosphere, collaborative spirit, and that small-town-meets-city vibe sealed it.
And once she experienced that level of connection, she knew she was here to stay.
TK: What keeps you energized day after day?
For Dasha, it’s the people—the team around her and the industry peers who share her passion. She thrives in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of hospitality because no two days look the same. There’s adrenaline, creativity, and plenty of curveballs.
“Personally, I adore the fact that the hospitality industry has no boundaries, even in terms of rules. Every day is different, like riding a rollercoaster. You never know when the big dive is coming or how deep it will be. You can’t even predict the speed. But you know for a fact that it will be exciting, engaging, scary, challenging, and fun!”
It’s that unpredictability that lights her up—and her ability to stay grounded in the chaos is what sets her apart.
TK: What does success look like to you?
Behind the scenes, Dasha is part of a larger mission. RZH Hotel Group plays a key role in how visitors experience Kamloops, and Dasha’s work is about constantly elevating that experience. From shifting market trends to external challenges, she faces each with resolve.
“Our group’s mission is to provide exceptional service and elevate guests’ stay experiences... that might look simple on paper, but it takes grit and heart to pull off,” Dasha says.
And she’s proud to be part of that story as Kamloops continues to grow and evolve.
“The hospitality industry is constantly facing numerous challenges, including natural disasters, government restrictions, political issues, labor challenges, and more. Amidst these obstacles, we must constantly adapt and stay focused on our goals. Despite the difficulties, we remain committed to moving forward and providing the best possible service to our guests.”
TK: What’s your go-to way to unwind here?
In recent years, Dasha has taken up golf—not necessarily for the scores, but for the joy of being outside, connecting with friends, and soaking up Kamloops’ views.
“Even though I’m still a terrible golfer, I love it,” Dasha says. “I also love spending time outdoors with friends, and Kamloops has such a wide variety of courses with different difficulties, landscapes, and breathtaking views!”
TK: What do you think makes Kamloops special?
“It offers everything my family and I enjoy doing daily, and it’s conveniently located near everything we might need or want,” Dasha shares. “Plus, it’s just a short 3-hour drive to a big city (though I don’t want to live there, I love visiting). And within an hour’s drive, you’ll find the best ski hills, golf courses, and numerous outdoor activities. There’s just so much to offer!”
From her first taste of resort life overseas to leading a portfolio of hotels right here in Kamloops, Dasha Borodina is a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. Her dedication to guest experience, love for her team, and deep connection to the Kamloops community make her an essential part of the city’s hospitality heartbeat.
As Kamloops continues to grow and welcome visitors from all over, Dasha is helping make sure every stay is memorable—for all the right reasons. Whether she’s crunching numbers, mentoring her team, or working on her golf swing, she brings her signature mix of heart, humour, and hustle to everything she does.
