Women In Tourism Commemorative Journal 2023

WOMEN

TOURISM AWARDS

PROGRAM

WELCOME

David L. Miller - Davler Media City Guide

ZhuZhu Lemmons, Principal, Strategic Sales - American Airlines

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Betsy Wolfe – Star of & Juliet

HONOREES

Haley Ward ATTRACTIONS

Reagan Stulbaum BIDS/ GOVERNMENT AFFILIATED

Laval Bryant-Quigley CULTURAL ARTS

Kathleen Nugent-Harris HOTEL CONCIERGE

Megan Ferguson HOTEL MANAGEMENT

Jaclyn Bernstein MEETING/EVENT PLANNER

Ellie Chamberland MULTI-TENANT DESTINATIONS

Alli Torres NIGHTLIFE

Andrea Roman RESTAURANT OPERATIONS

Kristen Esposito RETAIL

Charlotte St. Martin THEATER

SPECIAL AWARDS

Hayley Coriaty UP AND COMER

Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad COMMUNITY SERVICE

Susan Birnbaum TOUR GUIDE

Georgette Blau TOUR OPERATOR

Debra Harris TOURISM GENERAL

Laura Kleger TOURISM MARKETING

Blanca Espinosa TRANSPORTATION

Christine Metivier LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

May 9, 2023

Welcome to Women In Tourism 2023!

It is great to celebrate the accomplishments of New York City women tourism industry leaders. We wish to especially congratulate this year’s Honorees, representing 19 categories ranging from attractions, concierge and restaurants, to retail, theater, tour guides and more. This is truly an amazing group of dedicated, creative, and committed women.

Davler Media is honored to be able to shine a light on the many achievements of the women gathered here today, we but couldn’t do it without partners. We thank American Airlines, the Presenting Sponsor, who recognized the importance of these awards when they were launched one year ago. This year we also thank four Celebration Sponsors, American Dream, Playland, Starlight Floral Designs, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.

Women In Tourism Awards would not be as prestigious if it weren’t for the 10 industry luminaries who spent hours as judges reviewing the over 200 nominations.

Women In Tourism also contributes to the future of our industry by establishing a scholarship for a NYC high school student from the NAF Academy of Hospitality & Tourism, which supports nearly 1,000 hospitality and tourism students in NYC. In addition, we welcome hospitality and tourism students from NYU’s Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and Hospitality Management at St. John’s University as the industry’s guests, giving them an opportunity to network and learn at the luncheon.

The strength of the tourism rebound is a credit to the people in this room and their years of dedication to NYC. We are proud to honor them today.

Tourism strong,

David L. Miller CEO

SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

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May 9, 2023

Dear Friends,

I’m pleased to join you in celebrating the momentous NYC Women in Tourism Awards.

From hotels, to cultural institutions, to dining, to retail, and travel, women are the backbone of New York’s tourism industry and will be leading the way as tourism to the city rebounds. Known for your excellent service and the unforgettable memories you help create, you convince people from all corners of the world to invest in New York.

Congratulations to the honorees, who are committed to a flourishing tourism industry: Haley Ward, Reagan Stulbaum, Laval Bryant-Quigley, Kathleen Nugent-Harris, Megan Ferguson, Jaclyn Bernstein, Ellie Chamberland, Alli Torres, Andrea Roman, Kristen Esposito, Charlotte St. Martin, Susan Birnbaum, Georgette Blau, Debra Harris, Laura Kleger, Blanca Espinosa, Christine Metivier, Hayley Coriaty, and Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad.

On behalf of the Borough of Manhattan, I wish you another year of success.

Sincerely,

Mark Levine Manhattan Borough President

Empowering a force for change.

American Airlines is dedicated to caring for people on their life’s journey. We are proud to support all women, wherever life takes you.

American Airlines and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. oneworld is a mark of the oneworld Alliance. © 2022 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

2023 WOMEN IN TOURISM HONOREES

Haley Ward

ORGANIZATION Hudson Yards Experience

CATEGORY Attractions

Haley Ward serves as Vice President of Sales for Hudson Yards Experiences at Related Companies. Haley joined Related in 2018 and oversees a viable and active sales program for third-parties, strategic partnerships, and business development for the attractions at Hudson Yards including Edge and City Climb. Haley brings more than a decade of global sales experience serving cultural institutions including WICKED the Musical on Broadway and The Metropolitan Museum of Art where she headed up international tourism sales and marketing efforts. Hailing from South Dakota, she has made New York her home for the last 12 years when her work isn’t sending her around the world.

Reagan Stulbaum

ORGANIZATION

New York City Tourism + Conventions

CATEGORY BIDs/Government Affiliated

With more than 20 years of dedication to New York City Tourism + Conventions and the NYC tourism industry, Reagan truly embraces the organization’s mission to maximize travel and tourism opportunities throughout the city. After many years of promoting New York City to the travel trade, she now oversees the organization’s Tourism Ready Program which focuses on helping local organizations build their tourism business and supporting the development of community-based tourism. Reagan also works with the company’s Sustainable Tourism committee and is on the Executive Committee of Tourism Cares. A native New Yorker, she is passionate about developing responsible and sustainable tourism throughout the city.

Laval Bryant-Quigley

ORGANIZATION

The Brooklyn Museum

CATEGORY

Cultural Arts

Laval was born in Harlem and raised in Brooklyn. She attended the Calhoun School, pursued a degree in business at Brooklyn College, and holds two certifications in Business Strategy at Mckinsey & Company and Cornell University for Marketing Strategy. Laval has lent her expertise to spaces like The Metropolitan Museum of Art; however, her passion for community led her to the Brooklyn Museum. She is the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. Her current goal is to create more economic opportunities in cultural tourism. Her relationships with spaces throughout New York City continue to build visibility to the borough’s cultural diversity.

Kathleen Nugent-Harris

ORGANIZATION

Loews Regency New York Hotel

CATEGORY

Hotel Concierge

Kathleen Nugent-Harris, Concierge at Loews Regency New York, is a detailed-oriented and creative professional well-versed in providing superior customer service in a luxury environment. Kathleen was the first female concierge hired at the iconic hotel and has worked there for nearly 40 years. Kathleen has participated in concierge educational panels, mentored colleagues and has written and been featured in articles about her concierge experience and NYC recommendations. She strives for excellence and is a member of The New York City Association of Hotel Concierges and the international Les Clefs d’Or. Kathleen loves traveling and has lived on four continents embracing the beauty of different cultures and languages. Fluent in French, Spanish and English she uses her facility with languages to put her guests at ease.

Megan Ferguson

ORGANIZATION

Lotte New York Palace

CATEGORY

Hotel Management

Megan Ferguson is Director of Sales at Lotte New York Palace. She has been with The Palace for the past 13 years and proud to lead one of the city’s most passionate and driven sales teams. The team is extremely customer focused and consistently exceeds revenue goals to provide for the over 800 employees. Previously, Megan was with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts for 8 years. Megan is a graduate of Cornell University. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, enjoying New York City, reading, and spending time with her family.

Jaclyn Bernstein

ORGANIZATION

Empire Force Events

CATEGORY

Meeting/Event Planner

A NYC Event Production, Hospitality & Tourism professional, leader, insider & champion! Owner of NYC’s Longest Independent & Locally Owned Destination Management Company – only job worked at from college, then bought the company… Momentous Honors: BizBash’s “Top 500 People in Events, Must-Know Event Pros, Most Influential Event Professionals & Influencers”; NYC Tourism + Conventions Board of Director; Lifetime Achievement Award - International Live Events Association (ILEA); 4 Halls of Fame / Legends - Meeting Professionals International NY, BizBash, ILEA NY, Event Solutions; Inaugural Woman of The Year – ILEA NY; Smart Women in Meetings – Visionary Award Winner. During pandemic – Live Events Coalition NY Co-Founder. Grew-up in Brooklyn on welfare, now lifelong respected industry caregiver & icon!

Ellie Chamberland

ORGANIZATION

The Howard Hughes Corporation | The Seaport

CATEGORY

Multi-Tenant Destinations

Ellie is VP of Marketing for the Seaport at The Howard Hughes Corporation. In this role, she works to drive awareness, traffic and revenue to the Seaport’s businesses through activations, partnerships and campaigns. HHC owns, manages and develops commercial, residential and mixed-use real estate across the country and at the Seaport, HHC is revitalizing approximately 450,000 square feet with dynamic culinary, entertainment and cultural experiences. Prior to HHC, Ellie spent six years in marketing at Scholastic Book Clubs, giving teachers and students access to affordable books. Ellie lives in Brooklyn with her fiancé, Chris and pup, Barrow.

Alli Torres

ORGANIZATION

Freehold Hospitality

CATEGORY Nightlife

NYC native Alli Torres began hospitality at 18, later venturing West to train with Top Chef, Rich Sweeney. Winning Best New Venue (Florent) and later, Bartender of the Year (Refinery Hotel), Alli also ran the beverage program for icon Jonathan Waxman (1Hotel). The female team was praised with accomplishments from Cochon, to dinner at James Beard House. Also, a recurring competitor for Speed Rack; an international competition for Breast Cancer Awareness in addition to; Branca Games, Great Bar Race, TopWomen in Whiskey and Cocktail Portal’s Top 10. She is currently Operating Partner (Freehold) with more on the horizon!

Andrea Roman ORGANIZATION

Fireman Hospitality Group

CATEGORY

Restaurant Operations

Andrea Roman brings vast experience of creating, selling, marketing and managing all aspects of events and partnerships in the world of restaurants. She started her career 30 years ago working for some of the mavericks in the restaurant world. She began at the once famous Sign of the Dove, then moved onto The Fireman Hospitality Group in 1995. She went on to The Palm Restaurant Group, Planet Hollywood International and returned to The Fireman Hospitality Group in 2012. Her philosophy is a restaurant is not only about the guest experience but also the role and responsibility it has to the community, She is proud and grateful her experiences let her to be a part of the Tourism Community.

Kristen Esposito ORGANIZATION

American Dream

CATEGORY

Retail

Kristen Esposito is the Founder of Esposito Global Partners, a consulting firm specializing in brand marketing and strategy for the retail, shopping, and tourism industry. As a global marketer renowned nationally and internationally, Ms. Esposito held senior leadership positions at the world’s largest department store, Macy’s, and the world’s largest shopping mall operator, Simon Property Group, as well as a tourism strategist for Tanger Outlets. Currently, she is leading American Dream’s tourism strategy, promoting their unparalleled 3.2 million square feet of world-class entertainment, retail, and dining. Additionally, in 2021 Ms. Esposito was appointed to the Brand USA Board of Directors by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce as a representative for the retail sector, a position she still holds today.

Charlotte St. Martin ORGANIZATION

The Broadway League CATEGORY Theater

Charlotte St. Martin is President of The Broadway League, since 2006. The Broadway League is the trade association representing commercial theatre in the US and around the world. During her tenure, Ms. St. Martin has successfully managed various challenges affecting the industry including a world pandemic, labor strikes, economic downturns, and government issues. Under her tenure, the League has created numerous new development and educational programs. In addition to her role in presenting the annual Tony Awards with the American Theatre Wing, the League manages the National High School Musical Theatre Awards. She has spent nearly three decades with Loews Hotels, where she held a variety of positions including Executive Vice President of Operations and Marketing, and President and CEO of Loews Anatole Hotel.

Susan Birnbaum

ORGANIZATION

Guides Association of NYC

CATEGORY

Tour Guide

Susan is the owner of SusanSez NYC Walkabouts, a tourism business dedicated to providing an authentic experience of NYC. With her 20 years of experience in the touring industry, Susan has created a unique and innovative platform that has allowed her to explore the city and share its history and culture with her guests. She is passionate about her work which is evident in the way she connects with her guests and takes them on an unforgettable tour of the city. She is a docent at the Museum of the City of New York, a recipient of The Bronx Tourism Award and this year she was the recipient of the GANYC Guiding Spirit Award.

Georgette Blau

ORGANIZATION

On Location Tours

CATEGORY

Tour Operator

Georgette Blau was inspired to start On Location Tours when she moved to New York City. Her first apartment was a stone’s throw from where The Jeffersons (George & Louise) lived. She had an a-ha moment and began scouting other New York City locations that had been used in filming TV shows and movies. Using her passion for TV and movies as inspiration, she took that moment and created On Location Tours. She grew up in Norwalk, CT, and now lives in New Rochelle with her husband, son and daughter. She sometimes performs stand-up comedy, and enjoys writing and architectural preservation.

Debra Harris

ORGANIZATION

Hush Tours, Inc.

CATEGORY

Tourism General

Entrepreneur, businesswoman and founder of Hush Tours Inc, Debra Harris is no newcomer to entertainment. Married with two children, Debra started a promising endeavor and was instrumental in launching the careers of today’s hottest comedians and actors promoting the NY comedy scene in the 1990’s. In 1996 Debra had a courier/messenger company consisting of vans and trucks. In 2002 she began a business that blended hip-hop culture with tourism. The passion behind the roots of this music genre along with the talented hosts makes Hush Tours an extraordinary concept. The tour celebrates NYC as the Birthplace of Hip Hop.

Laura Kleger

ORGANIZATION Guggenheim

CATEGORY Tourism Marketing

Laura Kleger is the Senior Director, Digital, at the Guggenheim Museum, where she has guided the museum’s digital experience for over a decade. Through her leadership on digital strategies, products, and content, Kleger’s team enriches visitors’ on-site experiences and expands the museum’s mission to invite global audiences to wonder, learn and enjoy art together. Kleger has worked as a digital agency leader, film producer, and artist-curator, and also serves as a New Inc mentor. The innovative work realized under her leadership has been celebrated by NPR and The New York Times, and won numerous Webby, Anthem, and film festival awards.

Blanca Espinosa

ORGANIZATION

White Rose Experiences

CATEGORY Transportation

Blanca Espinosa is the Founder and CEO of White Rose Experiences, a leading luxury transportation provider in New York City. She is a native New Yorker with 40+ years of experience in the travel industry. She took a leap of faith during the pandemic and launched her own business. Drawing upon her industry background, she brought a new vision of “luxury” to the transportation industry. She is entering her second full year with growth far exceeding anyone’s expectations. She wants this to be a reminder to all women in the industry – go for it, spread your wings, and fly ladies!

Hayley Coriaty

ORGANIZATION

One World Observatory

CATEGORY Up And Comer

Hayley is the Tourism & Trade Sales Manager for One World Observatory in lower Manhattan. She serves as a Board of Director for the New York State Tourism Industry Association and a Board of Director Executive for Beautiful People a non-profit providing accessible sports and recreation to children and young adults with disabilities. She graduated with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management and further put herself through Project Management courses. She started her journey in tourism working for a Marriott and Hilton Hotel before being brought on as the first local employee to bring LEGOLAND® New York Resort to fruition. After five years with Merlin Entertainments, she came into Manhattan to open Great Jones Distilling Co. Hayley enjoys traveling, cooking, and is passionate about advocating for people with disabilities.

Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad

ORGANIZATION

Accessible Travel NYC

CATEGORY

Community Service

Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad (she/her) is the founder of Accessible Travel NYC, a travel guide for people with disabilities. She’s a marketer, educator and consultant with 25 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry and is an influential changemaker with a powerful focus on positive disability representation and disability inclusion. Lakshmee uses her many service roles to help support and uplift the marginalized communities she is proud to be a part of. Her work is anchored in Disability Pride and intentional Disability Joy. She was awarded the prestigious Sapolin Public Accommodations Award from Mayor Adams for her community advocacy and winner of the Advocate of the Year at PCMA’s distinguished Visionary Award. She is a Board of Director with New York City Tourism + Conventions.

Christine Metivier ORGANIZATION City Cruises USA

CATEGORY

Lifetime Achievement

Christine Metivier currently serves as Co-Chief Operating Officer of City Cruises U.S. that operates a portfolio of water-based dining, sightseeing, private charter, and transportation experiences in 16 cities and delivers best-in-class guest experiences for over 3.5M guests annually. Christine brings thirty years of expertise leading sales and operational teams. She began her career as an Event Manager in Boston then transferred to New York City over twenty years ago to support the launch of the European-inspired, glass-enclosed vessel, Bateaux New York. She has served in a myriad of roles to include Director of Sales, General Manager and Regional Vice President.

2022 WOMEN IN TOURISM HONOREES

ATTRACTIONS

Nastassia Welter

BIDS/GOVERNMENT AFFILIATED

Kelly Ann Curtin

CULTURAL ARTS/MUSEUMS

Carly McCloskey

HOTEL CONCIERGE

Josephine Danielson

HOTEL MANAGEMENT

Becky Hubbard

MEETING/EVENT PLANNER

Corrine Statia Thomas

NIGHTLIFE

Caroline Hirsch

RESTAURANT OPERATIONS

Joanne DeSantis

RESTAURANT OWNERSHIP

Ellen Hart Sturm

RETAIL

Julie Payne

THEATER

Allison French

TOUR GUIDE

Emma Guest- Consales

TOUR OPERATOR

Cindy VandenBosch

TOURISM

Kathie Stapleton

TRANSPORTATION

Donna Haynes

SPECIAL AWARDS

UP & COMER

Jasmine Gerald

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Mary Farrell

Jennifer Ackerson PRESIDENT

ALON MARKETING GROUP

President and Founder of ALON Marketing Group, a 25+ year veteran of the travel industry with experience working with all supplier verticals, destinations, and travel trade. ALON is an MWBE organization and a tourism marketing, training, and business development consultancy, which cultivates businesses and destinations to succeed at their tourism goals. Jennifer’s most notable “claim to tourism fame” is spearheading the nationwide ‘Steps to Success’ inbound travel trade activation program in partnership with International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) and powering the ongoing ‘Tourism Ready’ program for NYC & Company, the official DMO of NYC. She is well recognized in the industry with a remarkable reputation, receiving prestigious industry awards for tourism marketing, professionalism, and exuding great leadership like the “Outstanding Woman in Tourism Marketing Award” from the Women in Travel + Tourism International (WITTI).

Jess Drucker

DIRECTOR, TOURISM & HOSPITALITY MARKETING DOWNTOWN ALLIANCE

Jessica Drucker is a global destination marketer with 15 years experience promoting world class destinations. In her current role at the Downtown Alliance in Lower Manhattan, Jessica serves as the Director of Tourism & Hospitality Marketing, promoting Lower Manhattan to local, domestic and international audiences while fostering relationships among all Downtown partners. Prior to her time at the Alliance, Jessica also promoted desitnations such as Downtown Brooklyn and Great Britain via VisitBritain. She was also a decade-long expat living in Central America, Germany and the UK, then traveled full time for four years as a travel blogger, book author and travel tech startup advisor and board member..

Jasmine Gerald

JASMINE’S CARIBBEAN CUISINE

Regena

Falling CHEF CONCIERGE ST. REGIS

A recognized concierge leader with more than 25 years of award-winning hospitality experience, Regena Falling has worked for top luxury brands including Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt and Fairmont. Regena is delighted to have found her home at Manhattan’s Best Address as the Chef Concierge at five-star, five-diamond, St. Regis New York. Always striving to enhance the concierge community, Regena has represented Les Clefs d’Or USA in over 18 countries as a member of their Board of Directors and as their President. Passionate about guest experience, Regena continues this commitment to mentoring and training young concierges and hospitality professionals serving as Past President – Advisor of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges.

Ms. Jasmine Gerald is a self-made, serial entrepreneur whose latest venture, Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine landed her on Times Square’s Restaurant Row. She is a 25 year veteran of the beauty and self-care industry. Her prominent clients span the film, music, beauty, technology and financial services industries. Her talents have been showcased internationally and globally. Her business ventures register presences in the US, Europe and Africa. Ms. Gerald is co-founder of Core Radiance, a holistic beauty, hair care line. She coaches and mentors rising professionals and at-risk youth. She intends to open Health and Wellness clinics, and more restaurants across the globe.

Donna Haynes

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PROMOTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS – MTA

Donna is a successful marketing professional, specializing in tourism and partnership promotion. As Assistant Director, Promotional Partnerships at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the last 14 years. She has cultivated revenue-generated advertising initiatives and redeveloped Metro-North Railroad’s leisure travel package program. She helped MTA reimagine the advertising, promotions and leisure travel marketing efforts to create the MTA Away program, which includes Metro-North, LIRR, New York City subway and bus campaigns. Donna received the Group Travel Award from New York State Tourism, for her success with representing the Hudson Valley as a travel destination and contributing to the region’s economic growth. She was the Transportation honoree of the 2022 Women in Tourism Award. She currently serves on New York State Tourism’s Interagency Task Force.

Cricket Jiranek

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/ SALES AND MARKETING, CTM MEDIA GROUP INC.

Cricket Hooper Jiranek has been actively involved in NYC’s tourism industry since 1985, the year she started CTM Media Group Inc. (at the time known as Creative Theatre Marketing) with her husband David. Three decades later, CTM is one of the largest distributors of visitor & tourism information in North America, and while CTM has grown, it’s mission remains to connect visitors with fun, exciting, and unforgettable experiences. Through the years, Cricket has enjoyed working with an extensive list of NYC attractions, museums, sightseeing tours, and Broadway shows, making sure their marketing message gets directly in front of visitors—right at the moment when they’re making decisions about what to do next. Cricket is also a partner in CTM Productions LLC, which has been responsible for both producing and/or co-producing over 15 Broadway productions since 1995. For her producing efforts, Cricket has received 3 Tony Awards, one for Best Musical and two for Best Play, and she continues to remain very much involved with the Broadway community.

Rebecca Hubbard

GENERAL MANAGER, LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE

Rebecca Hubbard, General Manager of the iconic Lotte New York Palace, is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience. An inspiring leader with a longstanding reputation for exceptional quality, Becky is known for her warmth, passion, and commitment to excellence. Becky has held leadership roles with Marriott and Starwood Hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton and The Essex House. Currently she sits on the Executive Board of Directors for The Hotel Association of New York City, the Executive Board of Directors for NYC & Company and is the Chair of the Finance Committee for NYC & Company.

Laura Washington

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER & VICE PRESIDENT FOR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Laura Washington is an executive in the philanthropy and nonprofit sectors who guides organizations to greater visibility and impact. As Chief Communications Officer & Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at the New-York Historical Society she is responsible for all facets of brand, marketing, communications, and partnership development. Washington serves on the boards of the Center for Fiction and Historic Huguenot Street. She is also on the Brooklyn Community Foundation’s Spark Prize Committee and is a member of the Ron Brown Leaders Network Council.

2023 WOMEN IN TOURISM JUDGES

Nastassia Welter

VICE PRESIDENT, SALES, SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT

Nastassia Welter is a passionate, disruptive, and innovative thought leader with 20 years of experience in the tourism, hospitality, and entertainment industry, who has worked globally with the top brands/ CEO’s & international organizations such as Disney, Citysightseeing, Leisure Pass and IHG Hotels, leading travel trade partners and clients, in China, Australia, Europe, Canada, USA and Latin America. Nastassia’s humble beginnings are a constant reminder that no matter your background or race, anything is possible if you have the courage to follow your dreams and always be kind.

Kim Wright

VICE

PRESIDENT,

EXPERIENCES DEVELOPMENT, CITY EXPERIENCES | HORNBLOWER GROUP

A desire to give back to her hometown after the September 11 attacks led Kim Wright to a career in Tour & Travel. With 20 years of experience in attraction development, operations, sales, marketing, and revenue management, Wright had the honor of working for some of the nation’s premier venues at critical times including Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry during the reopening of the Statue of Liberty after 9/11, the relaunch of Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum after its massive renovation, and most notably, the planning and opening of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Wright currently serves as the Vice President, Experiences Development for Hornblower Group, a global leader in experiences and transportation, focusing on product optimization and partnership development.

ATTRACTIONS

Claire Chirouze Ulloa - SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Jaclyn Spector - Hall des Lumières

Kai-Ti Kao - Hudson Yards

Karen Robinovitz & Sara Schiller - Sloomoo Institute

Melissa Klein - City Experiences

BIDS/GOVERNMENT AFFILIATED

Ariel Palitz - NYC Mayors Office of Nightlife

Carianne Carleo-Evangelist - NYC & Company

Dieusita Jean - Gateway JFK

Janette Roush - New York City Tourism + Conventions

Regina Fojas - Times Square Alliance

Suzy Changar - Hudson Square Business Improvement District (BID)

Tiffany Griffin - Meatpacking District Management Assc.

CULTURAL ARTS/MUSEUMS

Della Britton - Jackie Robinson Foundation

Jennifer Brown - New York City Fire Museum

Jennifer Fugina - Intrepid Museum

Kate Fermoile - Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Kathleen O’Connor - New-York Historical Society

Miranda Massie - The Climate Museum

Patti Golden - The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island - Evelyn Hill, Inc.

Sarah Bailey Hogarty - New Museum of Contemporary Art

Shirley Brown-Alleyne - Brooklyn Public Library

HOTEL CONCIERGE

Divina Gouvatsos - Renaissance Times Square Hotel

Lek Kidkarndee - New York Hilton

Loida Diaz - Trump International

Maria Wittorp - The Mark Hotel

Mary Murphy - Omni Berkshire Place

Tea Ferrari - Mandarin Oriental

HOTEL MANAGEMENT

Crystal Laurence - The Plaza

Emma Pickard - The Plaza

Guia Llamas - Baccarat Hotel

Jill Lieblein - The Shelburne Sonesta Hotel

Justina Hillman - Park Hyatt New York

Kara Freedman - Conrad New York

NOMINEES

Karina Muftigil - Park Hyatt New York

Kat Barrett - Hyatt Hotels

Kelli Phillips - Hotel Iroquis/Triumph Hotels

Kerry Mack - Highgate

Marie Abraham - Hotel Edison/Triumph Hotels

Mary Beth O’Conner - The Pierre, a Taj Hotel

Merav Segev - Highgate

Michelle Laboy Cohen - Highgate

Ramona Pressley-McGibbon - 1 Hotels, Central Park

Sarita Noyola - Aman New York

Victoria Batten - The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

MEETING/EVENT PLANNER

Carmen Bottoms-Merchant - The Fireman Group

Jeanne E. Weintraub - Johnson & Johnson

NIGHTLIFE

Carrie Packin - City Nights Hospitality

Erica Jacobson - Blue Man Group

Felicia Madison - West Side Comedy Club

Megan Rickerson - Someday Bar

Rikki Nobre - Ciao Ciao Disco

Sarah Weiss - City Winery

Tiffany Bowen Burkett - Harlem Hookah

RESTAURANT OPERATIONS

Amrita Sammy - Peak Restaurant

Becky McCreight - Bubba Gumps

Darnelle Dasne - Marea - Altamarea Group

Jill Dickstein - The Capital Grille

Renata Minuto - Le Pavillon Daniel Boulud

Sandra Bohlsen - Per Se

RETAIL

Anna Meshcheriakova - Times Square Photo Studio

Chanel Howard - Warner Bros. Discovery

Cricket Azima - Cricket’s Candy Creations

Julia Jaunich - Warner Bros. Discovery

THEATER

Eva Price - Maximum Entertainment Productions

Heather West - Disney Theatrical Group

Julie Boardman - The Museum of Broadway

Stephanie Lee - Broadway.com

2023 WOMEN IN TOURISM NOMINEES

TOUR GUIDE

Alessia Nencioni - Barefoot New York

Ann McDermott - Jumpstart NYC

Beth Goffe - Select Tours NYC

Kitt Garrett - New York Sights and Insights

Manuela Biondi - Per le Strade di NY

Megan Marod - The Megan Daily

Monia Bonaldo - Guida Turistica NYC

Robin Garr - Robin Garr Tours

Sara Lyons - Freelance, Walks of New York, and Experience First

TOUR OPERATOR

Angelica Kennedy - Go West Tours

Courtenay Betts - EF Explore America

Kristine Geary - Maple Leaf Tours

Sarah Pennington - Classic Harbor Line

Stacey Touissant - Inside Out Tours

TOURISM GENERAL

Alexa Berube & Heather Stupi - Reposite.io

Anna Karnowski - Peek

Donna Rodriguez - One Hotels and Baccarat

TOURISM MARKETING

Diana Salameh - Serino Coyne

Julia Pandolfo - Moxy Hotels/Lightstone Group

Michelle Mancero - American Dream

Rasa Stein - City Cruises by Hornblower

Stacy Shuster – Playland

TRANSPORTATION

Chantel Martinez - Big Bus

Cynthia Barnes - American Airlines

Jacki Taylor - Charm Aviation

Loretta Bove – American Airlines

SPECIAL AWARDS: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Caitlin Perez - Highgate Hotels

Dede Gotthelf - The Southampton Inn

Denise Coyle-Kirby - Retired from Liberty Helicopters

Ellen Hart Sturm - Ellen’s Stardust Diner/Iridium

Katie McDermott - Hersha Hospitality Management

Kelly Egan Merryfield - Pendry Hotel New York

Kristi Blake - Highgate Hotels

Laura Mutterperi - Brookriver Hotels & Resorts

Louise Mirrer - New York Historical Society

Lucille Yokell - Lucille Yokell Enterprises

Lucy Sun - Triumph Hotels

Luisa Mendoza - Global Tourism Sports and Entertainment

Melissa DelBuono - Travel Funders Network

Merrie Davis - Next Act 2 Follow

Rosemarie Reyes - Roseworks Marketing and Le Bridge, LLC

UP AND COMER

Alexa Berube - Reposite

Alexis Tymorek - Circle Line

Angelina Lippert - Poster House

Barbara Puszkiewicz-Cimino - SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Debbie Garcia - virsitour

Jackie Botelho - ABCVIP and Botelho Premier Concierge and Event Planning Services

Julie Walker - City Brew Tours

Lauren Moloney-Ford - Buffalo Waterfront Management Group

Maria Teresa Merrill - Artisans of Leisure

Maryellis Bunn - Figure 8 - Museum of Ice Cream

Melanie Greenblatt - Hawksmoor

Michelle Perlin - Neue Galerie New York

Mirjana Perkovic - Look Styler

Oneca Maffei - Fox Lifestyle Hospitality Group

Regina Ryjih Kemple - Catch’N Ice Cream, Dylan Lemay

Sarah Lowe - Get Your Guide

Shonda Colbourne - Hotel Edison/Triumph Hotels

Yasmin Yusuff - NYC & Company

Yeraldyn Pacheco - Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Brittany Minoff - NYC Hospitality Alliance

Camelia Tepelus - Morris Park BID

Cindy VandenBosch - Turnstile Tours & Studio

Jordan Lacey - Light The Candle

Naomi Friedman - SickDay

Shelley Worrell - I Am CaribBeing

Urvashi Barua - Hampton Inn By Hilton

Congratulations to all our women leaders.

All of us at Playland congratulate our very own Stacy Shuster on her nomination. We celebrate all the women leaders who create memorable tourism experiences.

Playland opens for the season on May 20th.

It felt like...

Congrats s+4 Elli E ChambErland.

award winner.

2023 women in tourism.

THE TIMES SQUARE ALLIANCE CONGRATULATES CHARLOTTE ST. MARTIN AND ALL HONOREES OF THE 2023 CITY GUIDE WOMEN IN TOURISM AWARDS.

THANK YOU FOR CREATING MEMORABLE & FANTASTIC TOURISM EXPERIENCES IN TIMES SQUARE & BEYOND.

THE FIREMAN

HOSPITALITY GROUP

wishes to congratulate our valued team member

Andrea Roman

On behalf of the Loews Regency New York Hotel, congratulations to all the winners of the 2023 Women in Tourism Awards including our very own Hotel Concierge, Kathleen Nugent-Harris.

Welcoming you like family

to Charlotte St. Martin and all of the honorees! Love, Beth, Barbara and Mindy

INDULGE YOUR SENSES

City Winery congratulates the 2023 Women in Tourism honorees!

Come home to City Winery for award-winning wines paired with world-class music & cuisine

WINERY • CONCERTS • DINING

CUISINE • WINE • MUSIC

DINING ON THE WATERFRONT

OPEN AIR WINE GARDEN

PHOTO CREDIT: ( CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT ) : (12) ELEANOR MCINTYRE; (3) DERVON S. DIXON; (4)VICTORIA ST. MARTIN; (5) EHUD LAZIN

@CITYWINERYNYC / CITYWINERY.COM

Women In Tourism Scholarship

Women In Tourism is proud to support young women (and some men) in their career advancement within the tourism industry. A scholarship has been established for NAF’s (National Academy Foundation) Academy of Hospitality and Tourism which serves nearly 1,000 hospitality and tourism students in NYC.

Congratulations to our 2023 Scholarship Winner, Jabreia Jackson. She is a graduating senior from the High School of Enterprise, Business, & Technology’s NAF Academy of Hospitality & Tourism.

University Tourism & Hospitality Students

Women In Tourism is proud to be hosting hospitality and tourism undergraduate and grad students from NYU’s Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and Hospitality Management at St. John’s University as the industry’s guests at the luncheon. The students will have the opportunity to network with 2023 honorees, nominees, and luncheon guests, as well as receive advice and testimonials about working in the industry.

WOMEN IN TOURISM PHILANTHROPY

Jabreia Jackson

Architecture Tours Architecture Tours

Tours:

AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture

AIANY Climate Change Tour

AIANY Architecture

Tour in Spanish

AIANY Industrial Waterway

Tour to Freshkills Park

Congratulations to the many winners and nominees from Downtown NYC

Lower Manhattan raises the bar www.downtownny.com | @DowntownNYC

At the Brooklyn Museum, we’re always celebrating the ways that art can bring us together.

We’re overjoyed that our Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships, Laval Bryant-Quigley, has won a NYC Women in Tourism Award for her impact on the cultural arts—and we hope you’ll come experience our community for yourself.

We’d like to congratulate all the 2023 honorees and all the women in the tourism industry who create memorable experiences!

Thanksto a great team at Davler Media who made Women In Tourism possible.

Dave Friedman

Heather Gambaro

Sheri Lapidus

Eli Marcus

Linda Pierce

Vincent Timpone

Wendy Tittel

Ray Winn

Ethan Wolff

You are the best. Thanks for all that you do.

David

to the 2023 Women In Tourism Honorees. We recognize all the women leaders who make NYC a favorite tourist destination.