Travel Leaders Network Program Empowers Women in Business

Travel Leaders Network has launched “Women of Travel Leaders Network,” a community for TLN members who identify as women and their allies. Inspired by Women of Internova, the resource group for employees of TLN’s parent company Internova Travel Group, Women of Travel Leaders Network fosters a supportive and empowering community within the agency network.

Women of Travel Leaders Network held its inaugural session last October—a webinar-style format—with Vicki Freed, SVP, sales and trade support and service, Royal Caribbean International, as the guest speaker. The second session in January welcomed Tammy Routh, SVP, global sales, Marriott International, as the keynote. Both industry icons spoke about challenges they have overcome and offered professional advice, as opposed to making product presentations. Breakout sessions during virtual meetings provide an opportunity for members to connect on a deeper level. And Women of Travel Leaders Network travel advisors, referred to as "champions," play a pivotal role in leading the forums, inspiring and guiding participants with their own stories of career success.

To date, an average of 800 members have attended the virtual sessions. Women of Travel Leaders Network will also be infused into some of the programming at EDGE 2024, TLN’s annual, international conference.

“Women of Travel Leaders Network is a supportive and empowering community of like-hearted travel professionals,” said Melissa Dobmeier, TLN’s vice president of experience marketing, who heads up the community. “Here, TLN members can gain insights that will help them inspire change, build new relationships, initiate meaningful conversations and cheer each other on to achieve both personal and professional goals. It’s an encouraging space to learn and grow. Whether you are a woman, or support women, we welcome all TLN members to become part of this important initiative.”

The founding allies for Women of Travel Leaders Network consist of a mix of TLN staff and members, including Dobmeier; Karin Viera, VP of sales, TLN; Maggie Blehert, director of brand marketing, TLN; Leslie Hinde, marketing specialist, TLN; Elizabeth Reinhardt, destination program specialist, TLN; Victoria Rios, industry relations director, Nexion Travel Group; Kaira Diaz, marketing and social media specialist, Nexion Travel Group. Travel advisor Champions include Lisa Pease of LaMacchia Jet Stream; Lindsey Holmes of Kingdom Destinations; Melinda Fortunato of Best Travel; and Denise Delvecchio of Magic Destinations Travel.

The next Women of Travel Leaders Network will be on April 4, 2024, and will highlight Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ co-owner and executive vice president.

visit www.travelleadersnetwork.com.

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