Women In Tourism Commemorative Journal 2024

PROGRAM

WELCOME

David L. Miller – Davler Media City Guide

Shannon Szoke, Director of NY Sales – Banking & Private Equity

Chuck Imhof, Vice President, Sales – East Delta Air Lines

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Khaila Wilcoxon – in SIX the Musical

HONOREES

Anna Karnowski ATTRACTIONS

Jessica Drucker BIDS/GOVERNMENT AFFILIATED

Patti Golden CULTURAL ARTS MUSEUMS

Lek Kidkarndee HOTEL CONCIERGE

Monika Henry HOTEL GENRAL MANAGER

Marjorie Vaz HOTEL MANAGEMENT

Tracy Hyter-Suffern COMMUNITY SERVICE

Stephanie Fink MULTI-TENANT

Brenda Breathnach NIGHTLIFE

Melba Wilson RESTAURANT OPERATIONS

Maria Monaco RETAIL

Janet Sanchez THEATER

Angela Wiggins TICKET DISTRIBUTION SERVICES

Kiara Di Paola TOUR GUIDE

Sandy Borowsky TOUR OPERATOR

Elizabeth Findlay TOURISM AD –AGENCY – PR

Luisa Mendoza TOURISM MARKETING

Kamala Browne TRANSPORTATION

SPECIAL AWARDS

Shelley Worrell UP AND COMER

Jennifer Ackerson LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

May 29, 2024

Welcome to Women In Tourism Awards 2024!

It is great to come together to celebrate the accomplishments of New York City’s women leaders in the tourism industry. We congratulate this year’s Honorees, representing 20 categories and reflecting the strength of New York’s diversity, across all five of the city’s vibrant boroughs. Our Honorees, who range from attractions, concierge and restaurants to retail, theater, tour guides and more, are the reason New York City is one of the premier tourist destinations in the world.

Davler Media is honored to shine a light on the many achievements of the women gathered here today, we but couldn’t do it without partners. We thank Delta Air Lines, the Presenting Sponsor, in appreciation of their recognition of the value of these awards, now in their third year. We also thank our six Celebration Sponsors— American Dream, Anchor, City Cruises, The Seaport, Starbright Floral Design, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. A special shout out goes to the 10 industry luminaries who served as judges this year. The Women In Tourism Awards would not be as prestigious if it weren’t for their efforts in carefully reviewing 240 nominations, a record for the most the Awards have received.

The Women In Tourism program further unites our community to invest in the future of New York City tourism by establishing a scholarship for a city high school student from the NAF Academy of Hospitality & Tourism, which supports nearly 1,000 hospitality and tourism students here. 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.

New York City’s ongoing reputation for superior tourism experiences is a credit to the efforts of the 2024 Women In Tourism Honorees. We are proud to honor them today.

David L. Miller CEO

Dear Friends,

May 29, 2024

I’m pleased to join you in celebrating the 3rd annual NYC Women in Tourism Awards.

From hotels, to cultural institutions, dining, retail, and travel, women are the backbone of New York’s tourism industry and will be leading the way as tourism in the continues to climb after the lows of the pandemic 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 dedicated to creating and supporting a flourishing tourism industry: Anna Karnowski, Jessica Drucker, Patti Golden, Lek Kidkarndee, Monika Henry, Marjorie Vaz, Stephanie Fink, Brenda Breathnach, Melba Wilson, Maria Monaco, Janet Sanchez, Angela Wiggins, Kiara Di Paola, Sandy Borowsky, Elizabeth Findlay, Luisa Mendoza, Kamala Browne, Tracy Hyter-Suffern, Shelley Worrell, and Jennifer Ackerson

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

Sincerely,

Manhattan Borough President

THANK YOU FOR LEADING BY EXAMPLE .

Delta is proud to support New York’s Women in Tourism.

2024 WOMEN IN TOURISM HONOREES

Anna Karnowski

ORGANIZATION

Go City

CATEGORY

Attractions

Anna is a dynamic tourism leader with two decades of dedication to NYC attractions. As the Regional Director of New York at Go City, she manages attraction partnerships citywide, merging her passion for tourism with top sights. Anna played integral roles in launching Top of the Rock and SPYSCAPE, and has held senior positions at One World Observatory and New York Water Taxi. Beyond her professional endeavors, she advocates tirelessly for NYC tourism. With an endless desire to explore, Anna is always eager to share her love for the city with anyone who will listen within her social networks. “Some of us were born here and some of us grew here. Regardless of your origin story, thank you to all the unnamed women supporting our industry.”

Jessica Drucker

ORGANIZATION

Alliance for Downtown New York

CATEGORY

BIDs/Government Affiliated

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 Senior Director, Tourism + Hospitality, 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 destinations 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.

Patti Golden

ORGANIZATION

The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island National

Immigration Museum

CATEGORY

Cultural Arts—Museums

Few people can say they have a career as MONUMENTAL as Patti Golden’s. She is the Director of Sales for Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Events and has been producing Monumental events for 25 amazing years. Patti took a short break from the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, and went to work for another one of our Nation’s landmarks - The United Nations. Patti’s love and dedication to these magnificent monuments brought her back to where she feels at home. Her love, passion, and dedication to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island shines through each event she produces.

Lek Kidkarndee

ORGANIZATION

NY Hilton Midtown

CATEGORY

Hotel Concierge

Lek Kidkarndee started as a teacher in Thailand educating her students to be the best they can be. With her knowledge and experience, she was able to help mold them to be the people they are today. As a Concierge, she has the same passion for her guests’ assisting them whenever and however she can while still learning every day from her colleagues, peers as well as her guests. Lek loves what she does and says, “It’s not only a job but has become a sense of duty. Over the past 24 years it has been a pleasure to LOVE and serve the City of New York!”

2024 WOMEN IN TOURISM HONOREES

Monika Henry

ORGANIZATION

Sonesta International

CATEGORY

Hotel General Manager

Monika Henry, a hospitality veteran of 25+ years, realized her passion for serving people as a young adult leading her to pursue a degree in Hotel Management. Her desire to help people is at the core of her servant leadership style. Prior to being General Manager of Sonesta White Plains, Monika held a variety of positions throughout the US, such as Interim General Manager of InterContinental New York Times Square, Food & Beverage Director for St. Regis Houston, and Executive Assistant Manager at InterContinental Boston. Her passion for people and giving back includes volunteering with her team in the local community with various organizations like youth bureaus, homeless shelters and food banks. Monika’s hotel is currently under a multi-million dollar renovation to finish Fall 2024.

Marjorie Vaz

ORGANIZATION

Hotel Edison-Triumph Hotels

CATEGORY

Hotel Management

Marjorie Vaz is the Director of Human Resources at Hotel Edison (Triumph Hotels). Her journey into the Tourism Industry began in Jamaica West Indies at EDEN II and then at Sans Souci Hotel and Spa. She attended the University of Technology, Jamaica West Indies, obtaining a degree in Hotel and Tourism Management. She was immediately employed at Crowne Plaza, Kingston and then transferred to Crowne Plaza, Manhattan in Food and Beverage (F&B) Operations. At the Crowne Plaza, Manhattan, she was introduced to HR Administration and became the HR Manager and was later promoted to Assistant Director of HR. She also lectured in F&B / Banquet / Catering Sales, a Facilitator in Virtus Training, volunteers at her Catholic Church and is also a licensed Massage Therapist.

Stephanie Fink

ORGANIZATION

Related Companies – Hudson Yards

CATEGORY Multi-Tenant

Stephanie Fink is the Senior Vice President of Marketing, Partnerships and Events for Hudson Yards and The Shops at Columbus Circle (formerly Time Warner Center) at Related Companies. As a senior leader of the firm, she plays a critical role in the overall marketing, digital marketing, brand positioning, tourism and event programming strategies across the mixed-use developments. In 2019, Stephanie oversaw the marketing and ad campaigns as well as the grand opening event of Hudson Yards, Manhattan’s newest neighborhood. At the start of her career, Stephanie led the sales and marketing charge at festival marketplaces along the eastern seaboard, including South Street Seaport.

Brenda Breathnach

ORGANIZATION

3 Dollar Bill

CATEGORY Nightlife

Brenda, an Irish Immigrant, is the owner of one of New York’s Largest queer owned and operated Night clubs 3 Dollar Bill located in Brooklyn. Brenda has tirelessly dedicated her life and career to creating safe spaces for the L.G.B.T community in the East Village and Brooklyn, where she has been embraced by all who entered with her witty charm and generous nature. She has operated 3 Dollar Bill as a community Space for the L.G.B.T community where it has served as a place where workshops for music, dance and art can be expressed by all.

2024 WOMEN IN TOURISM HONOREES

Melba Wilson

ORGANIZATION

Melba’s Restaurant

CATEGORY

Restaurant Operations

James Beard nominee, Melba Wilson, was “born, bred, and buttered in Harlem.” Her achievements are countless, and her reputation is stellar. Inducted into Crain’s Hall of Fame and named one of Crain’s 50 Most Powerful Women, Melba serves on the Boards of Harlem Village Academies, NYC Tourism + Conventions, God’s Love We Deliver, and is President Emeritus of The NYC Hospitality Alliance. A successful African-American entrepreneur in the restaurant and catering industries, Melba’s establishments in Harlem, Central Park, The Prudential Center, and soon in Grand Central Terminal and Newark, epitomize hospitality and culinary excellence. As an influential figure, she represents her city with grace and passion, showcasing New York’s vibrant spirit and culinary richness.

Maria Monaco

ORGANIZATION

Nordstrom

CATEGORY

Retail

Maria Monaco has been a dedicated member of the Nordstrom team since 2009, deeply involved in New York City’s travel and hospitality sector since 2017. Her role expanded significantly with the opening of Nordstrom’s flagship NYC store. Maria collaborates closely with hotel concierges to enhance their guests’ experiences, sharing updates on Nordstrom’s exclusive events and personalized services. She specializes in accommodating special requests to ensure a memorable shopping experience for every guest. Passionate about her role, Maria embodies Nordstrom’s commitment to exceptional customer service, continually striving to share this ethos with both local and international visitors.

Janet Sanchez

ORGANIZATION

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts

CATEGORY

Theater

A native New Yorker, Janet was raised in San German and Bayamon, Puerto Rico. She moved back to New York in 1987 and settled in the Bronx. In 1991, she joined the Office of Media Relations, where her strong work ethic, collaborative nature and winning personality were noticed and nurtured. In 1996, she moved on to the Performing Arts Center and a position that changed her life and put her best skills to the test. Being bilingual is important as well because many Lehman Center performers and patrons are Spanish speaking. Janet is a proud New York Latina who appreciates the rich cultural experiences New York has to offer. She enjoys Latino theater, concerts, and dancing salsa into the wee hours of the night with all of her friends.

Angela Wiggins

ORGANIZATION

Viator

CATEGORY

Ticket Distribution Services

Angela Wiggins has over 25 years of experience in the tourism and travel industry. Starting her career in call centers and hotels, she is a Regional Manager at Viator, a Tripadvisor Company for the past 8 years. Angela has proven herself as a results-oriented and passionate travel industry professional. She has assisted hundreds of businesses in creating successful partnerships and driving revenue goals through her creative ability. Angela was born and bred with the championship horses of Kentucky but has called New York City home since 2003 and will tell you in her best southern accent that there is no place in the world like New York City!

2024 WOMEN IN TOURISM HONOREES

Kiara

Di Paola

ORGANIZATION

New York City 4 All

CATEGORY Tour Guide

Kiara, the driving force behind NYC travel platforms New York City 4 All and Kiariladyboss, fosters a lively community of over 490k souls. As an Award-Winning Creator, CEO, licensed tour guide, Travel Storyteller, and NYC press, she crafts compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences. Originally from Italy, she lived in 3 countries before settling in New York in 2012. Kiara has hosted over 8000 visitors to the Big Apple, and her commitment extends to social justice through volunteering for programs aiding low-income women and the homeless. Empowering individuals to embrace life fully, she designs tailored NYC walking tours and leads group trips worldwide with flair. Kiara considers herself a person of influence, inspiring creativity, authenticity, and exploration beyond the norm. With over 50 countries under her belt, solo traveling is her forte.

Sandy Borowsky

ORGANIZATION

Starr Bus Charter & Tours

CATEGORY Tourism Operator

Sandy Borowsky, VP of Starr Bus Charter & Tours, oversees the Tour division, College Break Bus program, and Marketing. Joining Starr officially in 1998, she is now their 3rd generation owner. Having worked across many departments, Sandy is proud to support her family’s business since 1947. Actively involved in industry organizations like the Pennsylvania Bus Association and American Bus Association, Sandy is always happy to share her experiences and bring people together. She values her community of travelers and especially her staff, employing over 75 members. With a BS in Business Administration from Washington University, she previously worked as a buyer in St. Louis and later in Los Angeles. Residing in Yardley, PA, Sandy enjoys volunteering, biking, pickleball, and family time.

Elizabeth Findlay

ORGANIZATION

AKA

CATEGORY

Tourism

Ad Agency – PR

Elizabeth Findlay, SVP, Client Services and Media at AKA NYC, is a marketing expert with over 25 years of experience with NYC tourism initiatives, as well as a deep passion for the arts, entertainment and advertising. For the past 13 years she has run departments and VIP accounts at AKA, a global full-service advertising agency specializing in destinations, attractions and entertainment, including Harry Potter on Broadway, Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Luisa Mendoza

ORGANIZATION

GTSE, MyTicketPro

& AJL Reps

CATEGORY

Tourism Marketing

Luisa Mendoza, Founder and CEO of GTSE, MyTicketPro, and Managing Partner of AJL REPS, is a trailblazer with over two decades of experience in global business development and marketing within the tourism and sports industries. As the official Sports and Tourism Ambassador for the U.S. Travel Association and IPW, Luisa fervently champions U.S. sports on a worldwide stage. Her innovative strategies have earned her prestigious accolades like the Microsoft Legacy Project’s Award, recognizing Luisa as one of the most influential, groundbreaking Hispanic Changemakers of our time. Her transformative journey from immigrant to successful entrepreneur not only impacts the US economy but also ignites hope and motivation to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders globally.

2024 WOMEN IN TOURISM HONOREES

Kamala Browne

ORGANIZATION

MTA Metro-North

CATEGORY

Transportation

Kamala began her career at Metro-North Railroad in 1994. Her role in tourism has included promotional partnerships, hosting Concierge and Travel Writer tours, Staycation events in Grand Central, and more. As Manager of Business Development at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Kamala cultivates revenue-generating deals and packages for MTA leisure travel packages and their new MTA Away advertising program. Kamala has received the Metro-North President’s Award, the railroad’s highest employee recognition award. Kamala loves meeting people, so her long and productive career in the tourism industry has been the perfect opportunity to initiate new and lasting friendships.

Tracy Hyter-Suffern

ORGANIZATION

National Jazz Museum in Harlem

CATEGORY

Community Service

Tracy Hyter-Suffern joined the National Jazz Museum in Harlem as Executive Director in 2017. She has more than 30 years’ experience in the connections among equity, social justice and the arts. She delivers on the vision “to make the jazz in Harlem experience accessible to every person on the planet.” She has driven unprecedented growth in the Museum’s education programming and jazz performance with over 24,000 pre-K to 12th grade students attending jazz workshops in Harlem and virtually since 2020, over 1,000 artists employed since 2023 and over 50% of bands and presentations led by females. She prioritizes the inclusiveness of jazz in Harlem by inviting artists and audiences of every diversity to explore their connections to this indigenous American music, and drawing links across artistic genres as varied as hip hop, raga, fine art, mental health, fashion and more.

Shelley Worrell

ORGANIZATION

Caribbeing Inc.

CATEGORY

Up and Comer

An award-winning cultural entrepreneur born in NYC and raised between Brooklyn & the Caribbean, Worrell created I AM caribBeing, spearheaded the designation and development of Little Caribbean, and recently served as the head of Caribbean Partnerships for the US Department of Commerce. Since 2012, Worrell has produced 500+ immersive experiences in partnership with top corporations and cultural institutions including Diageo, Vox Media, Humana, Chase Sapphire, DoorDash, James Beard Foundation, Google Arts & Culture, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Brooklyn Museum and others. Her multi-platform & cross-cultural activations have been featured by Black Enterprise, NBC, National Geographic and Hyperallergic; and she has been personally profiled in The New York Times and Good Morning America. Worrell holds a BA in Cultural Studies from CUNY, Brooklyn College and a MA in Media Studies from the New School.

Jennifer Ackerson

ORGANIZATION

Alon Tourism Solutions

CATEGORY

Lifetime Achievement

Jennifer Ackerson is a NY certified women-owned small-business owner. For more than 25 years, Jennifer has demonstrated tireless dedication and passion for improving the relationships between travel industry buyers and sellers. Most notably, Jennifer has become a strong presence in the travel industry through the creation of a first-of-its-kind tourism education program, developing and leading both NYC Tourism + Conventions ‘Tourism Ready’ and the IITA ‘Inbound Insider Steps to Success’ national tourism training programs. She has touched thousands of tourism businesses and her experience in the industry enables her to offer creative solutions and help businesses successfully realize their tourism goals. “Tourism is the best job in the world! You get to have fun, travel the globe learning and exploring everyday, and giving back by serving people along the way.”

2024 WOMEN IN TOURISM JUDGES

Victoria “Vic” Cairl

Founder, Table 7 Strategy

Victoria “Vic” Cairl has worked in the industry for over twenty years and brings her knowledge of advertising, marketing, sales, ticketing, and tourism to the table. She has held positions at Serino Coyne, TMG, Disney Theatrical, The Met Museum, Lincoln Center, and Show-Score. She has successfully run Table 7 independently since 2019.

Mary Farrell

Senior Sales and Marketing Hospitality Leader

Mary began her 25-year span in NYC tourism & hospitality at Restaurant Associates, selling group and large-scale events in high profile venues and restaurants. This was followed by 2 years of marketing Broadway shows for Dodger Theatricals. She spent 16 years with Tishman Speyer, where she built the highly successful sales program at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. There, as she helped shape and increase sales within the entire Rock Center portfolio: Rainbow Room, 620 Loft & Garden, The Dining Club at Rockefeller Center, studio & studio gather leasing, Rockefeller Center Tour, the world famous Ice Rink, and Rockefeller Center retail and dining. She continues to work as a consultant in hospitality. Mary proudly sits on the Board of NYC Tourism + Conventions, where she is celebrating her fourth term.

Kristen Esposito

Global Marketing & Brand Strategy Executive, American Dream

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.

Lakshmee LachhmanPersad

Founder, Accessible Travel NYC

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.

Cristyne Nicholas

CEO, Nicholas & Lence

Communications

Cristyne Nicholas, CEO co-founded Nicholas & Lence Communications in 2007.

Known for rebuilding NYC’s $27 billion dollar tourism industry following the tragic events of September 11th, she launched the City’s first consumer TV advertising campaign, patriotic tourism initiatives such as Paint the Town Red White & Blue and recruited major events such as The World Economic Forum, The Grammy Awards, RNC 2004, Country Music Awards, and Super Bowl XLVIII. Cristyne was named 40 under 40 by Crain’s New York Business, Top 100 Women by City & State New York, Top 25 People in travel by Travel Magazine and one of 10 most influential people in the travel industry by Meetings and Incentive Magazine. In 2012, she was appointed Chair of the NYS Tourism Advisory Council. Cristyne serves as the Chairman of the Broadway Association and is on the ABNY Steering Committee.

Stacey Toussaint

Managing Director, Inside Out Tours and Events

Stacey Toussaint, Esq., is the founder and Managing Director of Inside Out Tours, an award-winning receptive tour company, and Teach4freedom, a charity dedicated to enhancing diversity in the tourism sector and elevating the voices of historically underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with special needs. Her profound enthusiasm for history, tourism, and the essence of New York City is enriched by a multifaceted background in the arts, legal sphere, and academia. For over 14 years, Inside Out Tours has specialized in offering distinctive tours and educational programs that focus on lesser-known historical aspects, champion diversity and inclusion, and provide accessible experiences for the special needs community.

Andrea Roman

Director of Sales, The Fireman Hospitality Group

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.

Gul Turkmenoglu

Senior Director Operations, Sonesta Hotels International

Gul Turkmenoglu is the Senior Director of Operations -New York, overseeing Sonesta International Hotels full-service properties and responsible for strategic direction, growth, leadership, and owners’ relations. She started her career with the opening team of Conrad Istanbul Hotel and helped the corporate brand team create brand standards as the company grew from three to fifteen hotels during her time with them. After leading a team of over a thousand people at the Conrad Cairo, Gul transferred to Waldorf Astoria, NY, in 2006. Before joining Sonesta, Gul was the Area General Manager for IHG and GM at the Intercontinental Times Square. Gul also held Regional VP Operations and GM at the Benjamin Hotel with Denihan Group, where she oversaw Luxury and Life Style Hotels.

2024 WOMEN IN TOURISM JUDGES

Haley Ward

Vice President of Sales, Hudson Yards Experience

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’s 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 13 years when her work isn’t sending her around the world.

Maria Wittorp

Chef Concierge, The Mark Hotel

Maria Wittorp has over 35 years of luxury hospitality experience, having worked in multiple countries around the world. Her journey in New York began in 1991, where she started as a butler at the famed St. Regis Hotel. Knowing her calling was the role of a concierge, she changed departments in 1993 and never looked back. Maria worked at The St. Regis until 2021 when she decided to move to the bold and lavish The Mark Hotel. She is very active within Les Clefs d’Or where she has served on the board in different capacities. She is currently serving on the Strategic Partnership committee for Union Internationale des Concierge d’Hotel. Maria was awarded the prestigious Best of Class Big Apple Stars Awards as well as the Silver Plume Chef Concierge of the Year award.

2023 WOMEN IN TOURISM HONOREES

ATTRACTIONS

Haley Ward

BIDS/ GOVERNMENT AFFILIATED

Reagan Stulbaum

CULTURAL ARTS

Laval Bryant-Quigley

HOTEL CONCIERGE

Kathleen Nugent-Harris

HOTEL MANAGEMENT

Megan Ferguson

MEETING/EVENT PLANNER

Jaclyn Bernstein

MULTI-TENANT DESTINATIONS

Ellie Chamberland

NIGHTLIFE

Alli Torres

RESTAURANT OPERATIONS

Andrea Roman

RETAIL

Kristen Esposito

THEATER

Charlotte St. Martin

TOUR GUIDE

Susan Birnbaum

TOUR OPERATOR

Georgette Blau

TOURISM GENERAL

Debra Harris

TOURISM MARKETING

Laura Kleger

TRANSPORTATION

Blanca Espinosa

SPECIAL AWARDS UP AND COMER

Hayley Coriaty

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Lakshmee

Lachhman-Persad

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Christine Metivier

2024 WOMEN IN TOURISM NOMINEES

LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

Rabia Ashfaque | SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Marie Assante | Assante Public Relations

Lana Bargraser | Allure Day Spa & Hair Design

Clara Barragan | Playbill

Pat Battersby | NJ Transit

Theresa Bauer | The Westin New York at Times Square

Natalia Bellaflores | Expedia Group

Mona Birjeeb | Safari Restaurant NYC

Monia Bonaldo | GuidaTuristica NYC

Carmen Bottoms-Merchant | The Fireman Hospitality Group

Magaly Buitrago | Five A Incentive Planners

Michelle Cabot | Great Jones Distilling Co.

Kara Callahan | Imagine Exhibitions (Harry Potter: The Exhibition)

Kelly Carroll | Atlantic Avenue BID

Claire Chirouze Ulloa | SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Barbara Christoph | Highgate Hotels

Oneida Christophorou | Go Airlink NYC

Denise Coyle-Kirby | Liberty Helicopters

Kara Cuva | Raising Cane’s

Melissa Delbuono | Travel Funders Network

Jill Dickstein | The Capital Grille

Bonnie Dimun | Museum at Eldridge Street

Martine Dominique | MAD Tours and Events

Laura Dulligan | Rockefeller Center/Top of the Rock

Euleen Emanuel | Evelyn Hotel / Triumph Hotels

Cindy-Rubi Estrada | NYCHCC / Nick Lugo Travel

Tami Fabian | Bob Rogers Travel

Regena Falling | St. Regis New York

Tea Ferrari | Mandarin Oriental New York

Kelly Fitzpatrick | Blue Park Kitchen

Tatyana Franck | French Institute Alliance Française

Marillyn Franco | SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Mickayla Galek | The Westin New York at Times Square

Bebhinn Gallen | Tishman Speyer - Rainbow Room

LaTonnia Garrett | Millennium Hilton One UN Plaza

Kristine Geary | Maple Leaf Tours

Beth Goffe | GANYC

Tiffany Griffin | Meatpacking District Management Association

Ratna Hendrianto | Millennium Hilton One UN Plaza

Tara Hippensteel | City Cruises

Maureen J. Reidy | The Paley Center for Media

Susan K. Freedman | Public Art Fund

Kai-Ti Kao | Hudson Yards Experiences

Nicola Kotsoni | Bar Room, Il Cantinori, Amali, Bar Six, and Periyali

Jordan Lacey | Schnieder Electric

Catherine Lee | 1 Hotel Central Park

Allison Lehman | RCI Theatricals

Erin Levzow | Museum of Ice Cream

Taylor Lewis | New York Marriott Marquis

Rory Lipede | Telltale Tours

Mariana Marcone | Rockefeller Center/ Top of the Rock

Susan Marenoff-Zausner | Intrepid Museum

Megan Marod | The Megan Daily

Isabelle Mary | MAD Tours and Events

Ann McDermott | GANYC

Taylor McIntyre | INTER_IAM

Nicole McLean | Highgate Hotels

Kati Meier | Medieval Times

Alexis Melendez | New York Cruise Lines

Nina Mende | GANYC

Maria T Merrill | Artisans of Leisure

Anna Meshcheriakova | Times Square Photo Studio

Effie Mikedis | LaGuardia Plaza Hotel

Erin Miller | On Location Tours

Brittany Minoff-Ukaj | NYC Hospitality Alliance

Bridgette Morphew | Morphew

Julie Mulligan | Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer

Mary Murphy | Omni Berkshire Place

Hanane Nafidi | Carmine’s NYC

2024 WOMEN IN TOURISM NOMINEES

Patricia Niscior | The Empire State Building Observatory

Ece Ozaman | Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center

Carissa Parrish | New York City Tourism + Conventions

Jelena Pasic | Harlem Shake

Mirjana Perković | Look Styler

Daniela Pineda | Frederick Hotel / Triumph Hotels

Marlene Poynder | The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

Ramona Pressley-McGibbon | 1 Hotels

Kristen (Kiki) Rathbun | SpotCo

Cilenny Reyes | Hyatt Time Square

Kristen Reynolds | Discover Long Island

Adis Rosario | Hard Rock Hotel NYC

Briar Rose DeTommaso | Romer Hell’s Kitchen

Etty Scaglia Setton | Accent on Dining

Rivka Schwadel | Greyline New York Sightseeing Twin America

Gretchen Scott | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Karen Shackman | The Shackman Group New York

Laura Siciliano Rosen | Eat Your World

Claudia Soto | Big Bus Tours

Taylor Spoelstra | Sloomoo Institute

Julie Stein | Union Square Partnership

Jenny Stojanov | Washington Jefferson/Triumph Hotels

Kaila Stokes | AKA NYC

Heather Tierney | The Butcher’s Daughter

Suzan Toprak | InterContinental New York Barclay an IHG Hotel

Kristine Torres | Empire State Building Observatory

Linda Uribe | IMAGINARI

Sofia Vandaele | InterContinental New York Barclay, an IHG Hotel

Christina Vetrano | New York Cruise Lines, Inc.

Nastassia Welter | SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Cheyenne Wesley | Intercontinental New York Barclay, An Ihg Hotel

Janet West | Go Airlink NYC

Amanda Wierbowski | SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Sheelagh Wylie | Go City

Dominique Young | EBG

MacKenzie Zarzycki | Discover Saratoga

Rachel Zurier | Bryant Park Corporation Congratulations

to all of our 2024 Nominees & Honorees

Honoring

Congratulates all the 2024 Women In Tourism honorees for their outstanding leadership and accomplishments.

T O A L L T H E

R E M A R K A B L E

A C H I E V E M E N T S O F W O M E N I N T H E T O U R I S M I N D U S T R Y !

CONGRATULATIONS, ELIZABETH “FIN” FINDLAY

In the industry, you’re an innovator. At AKA, you’re an icon. We’re all lucky to have you.

Thank you for always leading with grace, tenacity, and humor. You make every day a great experience.

Love, Your AKA Family

CONGRATULATIONS

Stephanie Fink Plakoudas

And to all 2024 Women in Tourism honorees from the team at Hudson Yards and Edge.

Congratulations to all of the incredibly talented Women in Tourism being honored today.

C o n g r a t u l a t C o n g r a t u l a t

L u i s a M e n d o z a

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WOMEN LEADERS IN TOURISM

Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock proudly congratulate nominees Laura Dulligan, Sales Manager & Mariana Marcone, Sales Manager on their achievements.

CELEBRATING THE QUEENS OF TOURISM

WRITTEN BY 2022 TONY AWARD® WINNERS

TOBY MARLOW & LUCY MOSS

NAF is where opportunity begins

At NAF, we know the power of connecting students to opportunity. How it ignites career aspirations, helps them become future ready, and puts them on a path to achieving their full potential. With greater access and opportunity to participate in work-based learning, connect with mentors, and more, high school students — especially those in under-resourced communities — can move toward a life of upward economic mobility and success. At NAF, this is our role in leveling the playing field.

In turn, NAF students go on to spark innovation, fill high-need jobs, and contribute to the growth in our workforce, cities, and economies. Never has there been more focus on the future of education and the future of work—and NAF is at the center.

1.9M

new jobs by 2031*

$57K median annual wage*

NAF APPROACH

NAF’s design focuses on connecting the classroom to the workplace by integrating career-focused curricula and authentic learning projects into the traditional high school experience and offering realworld application opportunities. With a rigorous program of study and a progressive continuum of activities designed to build career awareness, exploration, and preparation, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to make informed choices and be successful in their future careers.

learn more at NAF.ORG follow us on

WOMEN IN TOURISM PHILANTHROPY

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.

Samikshya Pokhrel

Congratulations to our 2024 Scholarship Winner, Samikshya Pokhrel. She is a graduating senior from the High School for Enterprise, Business & Technology’s Academy of Hospitality and 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 2024 honorees, nominees, and luncheon guests, as well as receive advice and testimonials about working in the industry.

Congratulations Monika Henry for your Women in Tourism Award and for making Westchester shine.

The Empire State Building Observatory congratulates all the 2024 Women in Tourism winners and nominees, including our very own Patricia Niscoir & Kristine Torres!

Congratulations to all award winners!

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT, JENNIFER ACKERSON!

We’re so proud of the profound impact you’ve had and continue to have on USA tourism and IITA’s Steps to Success program. Your legacy will endure as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

INBOUNDTRAVEL.ORG

Nicholas & Lence Communications congratulates the 2024 Women in Tourism honorees for their steadfast leadership and dedication to NYC tourism.

THANKS

to a great team at Davler Media who made Women In Tourism possible:

Dave Friedman

Heather Gambaro

Sheri Lapidus

Linda Pierce

Vincent Timpone

Wendy Ti el

Ray Winn

Ethan Wol

You are the best.

Thanks for all you do!

David