Michelle Jensen Session

Michelle Jensen Session Profile Photo

Co-Founder, Aquarius Hospitality Solutions

Prior to founding Aquarius Hospitality Solutions, Michelle spent the last decade as the Principal in charge of operations and strategy for Kensington Investment Group, a family company which owns, renovates, and manages a mix of commercial and hotel properties.

She is an owner and an operator who was raised in the hospitality business, and a 15-year veteran of the industry with additional experience in strategic planning, budgetary oversight, investor and banking relations, program and project management, staff and organizational development, human resources, environmental sustainability and more.

Michelle served as the Equal Opportunity Compliance Specialist for UC San Diego, where she was responsible for the University’s compliance status in conformance with State and Federal regulations regarding Equal Opportunity/Staff Affirmative Action. She coordinated the efforts and contributed to the development of a high-profile management-level diversity education program for faculty and administrative leaders called “The Culturally Competent Management Program” and received the prestigious "UC San Diego Diversity Champion" award for her efforts. She facilitated courses on leadership, career development, management training, diversity and communication for all levels of the organization.

At the UC San Diego Sustainability Solutions Institute. Michelle worked with Nobel prize winning scientists and organized award winning environmental sustainability educational forums, programs, and conventions. She coordinated high profile international conferences on climate change in the US, Italy, and the United Kingdom, navigating various cultures, languages, and systems.

Michelle is a consultant member of HTNG, the technology arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), and a “HerOwnership” member of the Asian American Hotel Owner Association (AAHOA). She is the West Coast Ambassador for Women Leading Travel and Hospitality and a contributing writer for Hertelier, an online news platform that aims to enlighten and inspire women in hospitality.

​Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Global Peace & Security from the University of California Santa Barbara.

The Power of Community and Connection - Michelle Jensen Session
Dec. 28, 2023

The Power of Community and Connection - Michelle Jensen Session

Michelle Jensen Session is the co-owner of Kensington Investment Group , which owns and manages a mix of commercial and hotel properties. She's also the co-founder of Aquarius Hospitality Solutions , a strategic advisory firm for hospitality. In this episode, Michelle teaches us about community and connection and why they matter so much. Follow Michelle on LinkedIn Learn more about Aquarius Hospitality Solutions Follow Aquarius Hospitality Solutions on LinkedIn Follow Aquarius Hospitality Soluti...
Emotional Awareness in Hospitality Leadership - Michelle Jensen Session
Dec. 10, 2023

Emotional Awareness in Hospitality Leadership - Michelle Jensen Session

Michelle Jensen Session is the co-owner of Kensington Investment Group , which owns and manages a mix of commercial and hotel properties. She's also the co-founder of Aquarius Hospitality Solutions , a strategic advisory firm for hospitality. In this episode, Michelle teaches us about emotional awareness and how to navigate differences in personality types thoughtfully. Follow Michelle on LinkedIn Learn more about Aquarius Hospitality Solutions Follow Aquarius Hospitality Solutions on LinkedIn F...
Inclusive Hospitality Starts with Breakfast - Michelle Jensen Session
Dec. 3, 2023

Inclusive Hospitality Starts with Breakfast - Michelle Jensen Session

In this episode, Michelle Jensen Session discusses the importance of inclusive hospitality, starting with breakfast. She shares her experiences growing up in a multicultural family and how it shaped her perspective today. She emphasizes the need for hoteliers to understand and cater to their guests' diverse backgrounds and preferences to create meaningful, welcoming experiences. Links: Follow Michelle on LinkedIn Learn more about Aquarius Hospitality Solutions Follow Aquarius Hospitality Solutio...
Sustainability Challenges And Opportunities From An Owner's Perspective - Michelle Jensen Session
Sept. 20, 2023

Sustainability Challenges And Opportunities From An Owner's Perspective - Michelle Jensen Session

Michelle Jensen Session is co-owner of Kensington Investment Group , a family company that owns, renovates, and manages a mix of commercial and hotel properties. On top of that, she is co-founder of Aquarius Hospitality Solutions - and in this episode, you’ll learn what sustainability really is and why it matters, the top misconceptions about sustainability, and the surprising place to begin your journey. Resources mentioned in the podcast: 7 Common Objections to Sustainable Practices in the Hot...
Why Invest in Hotels? - Craig Sullivan, Michelle Jensen Session & Del Ross
Sept. 16, 2023

Why Invest in Hotels? - Craig Sullivan, Michelle Jensen Session & Del Ross

Why invest in hotels? One of the biggest hotel investment conferences in the world, The Lodging Conference is coming up next week, I wanted to explore the answer to that question. Of course, this show is not investment advice - you should speak with your financial advisor on how to manage your money - but I want us all to talk more about the reasons for participating in the hospitality industry not just as a brand designer or operator but as an owner. To help us learn about hospitality investmen...