Women's History Month is a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of women across industries, especially in hospitality. Women have long been the backbone of this industry—running hotels, leading teams and shaping guest experiences with dedication and innovation. Yet, their impact has, at times, gone unrecognized. This month, we celebrate the resilience, leadership, and trailblazing spirit of women in hospitality and beyond.
The Road to Leadership: The Power of Networking
Despite their immense contributions, women in hospitality—and many other industries—continue to face unique challenges. The demands of family life, work responsibilities, maintaining friendships, participating in church and volunteer events and supporting personal well-being can feel like an impossible juggling act. These demands leave little time for professional networking, yet networking is one of the most powerful tools for success.
To rise in leadership, women must actively engage in networking—building relationships, seeking mentors and supporting one another. Opportunities often come from connections, and while finding time can be difficult, prioritizing networking is essential. Industry initiatives like AAHOA's HerOwnership program help bridge this gap, ensuring women have the support and resources to advance in their careers.
Excellence Opens Doors
Beyond networking, another key factor for success is a commitment to excellence. As a child, I learned an old proverb: "Do you see someone who excels in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank." This lesson from my early years holds true today. Hard work, expertise and dedication set individuals apart and create pathways for advancement.
This is especially important for women. In an industry where leadership opportunities have historically been limited, delivering exceptional results earns respect, recognition and career growth. However, excellence alone is not enough—women must also position themselves for leadership by leveraging their networks and advocating for their success.
Creating a Culture of Support
As a woman president and CEO, I personally feel a tremendous responsibility to uplift, empower and create opportunities for women at all career levels. We benefit collectively when we seek opportunities not only for ourselves but also for other women. It is essential to foster a culture where women support and applaud each other's progress. When women mentor, advocate and create opportunities for one another, we cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic workplace.
One of the most inspiring aspects of this industry is the way women encourage and motivate each other. From mentorship to peer encouragement, women hoteliers and hospitality professionals prove that success is not a solo journey. I have witnessed firsthand many women leaders who champion others and publicly commend them for their strong efforts and remarkable achievements. This is the power of women coming together—at conferences, in boardrooms and through daily interactions. The camaraderie fuels progress and inspires more women to pursue leadership.
Looking Ahead: Investing in Women's Leadership
While we celebrate Women's History Month, we must also recognize that more work lies ahead. Women make up 51.2 percent of the hospitality workforce, yet only 30 percent hold leadership positions. This gap underscores the need for continued investment in programs, policies and partnerships that encourage women to step into leadership roles.
Women bring diverse perspectives and leadership styles that drive innovation and growth. When women succeed, entire communities thrive. By ensuring women have access to professional development and strong networks, we lay the foundation for future generations of leaders.
Making History Together
Let us celebrate Women's History Month by recognizing the women shaping our industry today and honoring those who paved the way before us. Each generation of women has faced its own challenges, yet the path forward becomes clearer with every step we take together.
By working together, building strong networks and committing to excellence, we are not only advancing our own careers but also shaping the future of hospitality for generations to come.
Together, we are making history—one hotel, one guest and one opportunity at a time.
This article was originally published in the February/March edition of Hotel Management magazine. Subscribe here.