Kayce Boettcher
business development executive, See Monterey
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Energetic. Connected. Trusted.
What was your biggest win this year?
As a hospitality professional, my key achievement this year was building demand in core feeder markets by educating meeting planners on Monterey’s unique offerings and collaborating with stakeholders to secure high-value opportunities, driving revenue growth and strengthening partnerships.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empowered planners by educating them on Monterey and providing customized resources to enable confident, informed decisions. I empowered stakeholders by clearly communicating client needs, timelines and expectations, allowing them to respond strategically and competitively.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Relationships are so important. Success is listening, showing up and doing what you said you would do! Motivate yourself to connect with colleagues, clients and stakeholders, as these bonds foster collaboration, trust and enduring achievements in the hospitality industry.
Alisa Caldwell, CMP
executive vice president, general managers, Cohera
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Connect. Inspire. Lead.
What was your biggest win this year?
Stepping fully into my role as a strategic, empowering leader—and elevating the people around me in the process. I have led with clarity and purpose, and will continue to build stronger, more confident teams.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
One powerful way I have empowered my team is by giving them ownership of decisions and outcomes. This makes them feel trusted to make choices, solve problems and take the lead on initiatives; they feel valued and capable.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Stay focused on your goals and stay true to yourself. I knew I always wanted to be in a leadership role, and that clarity gave me direction through every challenge and opportunity. Along the way, I paid close attention to the leaders around me—both exceptional ones and the difficult ones. They taught me what to emulate and what to avoid. Every experience, good or bad, can shape you into the leader you aspire to be if you stay committed to your purpose, values and mission.
Julie Carter
director of catering & events, Hilton Anaheim
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Create. Connect. Inspire.
What was your biggest win this year?
This year marked a defining moment in my career as I led my team through a transformative hotel renovation, ensuring that both our team members and guests remained at the center of every decision. Navigating operational continuity alongside large-scale change required thoughtful communication, collaboration and adaptability. By empowering our team, maintaining service excellence throughout the process and delivering a refreshed experience rooted in purpose and care, we achieved a renovation that strengthened our culture, elevated the guest experience and positioned the hotel for long-term success.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empowered my team by providing them with the tools, context and confidence needed to anticipate guest needs and address challenges in real time. Through clear communication, shared ownership and trust, team members were encouraged to make thoughtful decisions on the spot, resulting in more personalized service, quicker resolutions and a stronger sense of accountability and pride across the team.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that lasting success in hospitality is built on hard work, dedication and an unwavering commitment to service. It’s about showing up consistently for both your team and your guests—especially during challenging moments—leading with integrity, resilience and empathy, and understanding that true impact comes from how you support others while striving for excellence.
Faustine Chan
community and business programs director, Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Service. Personalization. Adaptability.
What was your biggest win this year?
My defining achievement this year was the record-breaking success of my annual Leadership Summit for women in the trades—an initiative I have spearheaded and evolved for eight years. For the first time in the event’s history, we surpassed year-over-year sell-out records, resulting in an extensive waitlist and a clear mandate for the community I’ve built.
Recognizing that stagnant events lead to stagnant growth, I intentionally reinvent the program annually to ensure long-term retention. This year’s innovation addressed a critical industry void: the lack of accessible career guidance for women in male-dominated fields. I integrated a high-impact mentorship matching program that successfully paired every applicant with a leadership-level mentor.
The three-month pilot concluded with 100% successful placements and overwhelming gratitude from participants, many of whom noted that finding a safe, professional space for career navigation had previously felt impossible. By bridging the gap between emerging talent and executive experience, I have transformed this event from a one-day educational seminar into a sustainable ecosystem of empowerment and career-long connection.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I believe that a culture of excellence is fueled by a culture of appreciation. To empower my team, I championed a daily recognition initiative where team members are encouraged to write three thank-you notes of gratitude for colleagues across the organization.
By celebrating everything from high-level project support to the small, essential acts of office stewardship, we have democratized the concept of ‘making a difference.’ These notes are displayed on a public company board, transforming individual wins into a visible, collective tapestry of success. This practice has done more than just boost morale; it has heightened my team’s situational awareness and empathy. It reinforces the idea that no contribution is invisible and that every role is vital to our operational harmony. By making gratitude a daily discipline, I have fostered a high-performance environment where team members feel seen, valued and deeply motivated to show up as their best selves.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
I always share with others that being curious and building relationships are both important. Often, people think of their careers as a vertical climb, but I always thought of it as a 360-degree expansion. My curiosity never stops, and I am always learning new skills, techniques, programs and how to improve myself with projects and events that I am given. When I first entered the workforce, I remembered wanting to learn as much as I could about the business and each role that contributed to the operation.
I chose to be a student of the entire operation, always eager to learn. When I was done with my work, I always raised my hand to help in unfamiliar territory so I could understand how roles breathe together. You will often find me helping other people on different teams, so I can learn what they did and how their work contributed to the operation of the company. By immersing myself in the workflows of diverse teams, I have built a network of cross-functional relationships that would have remained inaccessible had I stayed within the confines of my job description. My journey is about leading with curiosity, so you can continue educating yourself on puzzles that still need to be solved.
Michelle Culpeper, CMP
director of partnerships, edgefactory Creative Works
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Connection. Curiosity. Elevate.
What was your biggest win this year?
Last year, my biggest win was helping our team at edgefactory shine by giving them the space and support to do their best. Their work gained more exposure at industry events and earned recognition for Best Branded Event (2025 Experience Design Awards) and Best Small Meeting Experience (eX Awards). I am also proud to have led the 2025 MPI Greater Orlando board and volunteers, who delivered five sold-out events, stronger member engagement and a financially successful year. The real win is empowering team members, allowing them to believe in themselves.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
As the newest member of the edgefactory executive team, I brought fresh eyes to see what could be done differently and had the confidence to continually ask questions. I empower the team by giving them space to lead, take ownership and stretch beyond their comfort zones. My work with industry associations allows me to bring them to events, provide learning opportunities and give them a platform to share their voices. The most rewarding part of leadership is watching my team grow, shine and believe in themselves.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that connection matters. I didn’t join the events industry until later in my career, which reinforced that it is never too late to discover what you love to do. When I did, I fell in love with the power of bringing people together. Expanding your network as early as possible creates opportunities to both help others and be helped in ways you can’t always anticipate. Every relationship holds potential, and leadership is built through trust, curiosity and generosity. True influence isn’t about titles or authority, but about opening doors, connecting people and creating space for collaboration. There is nothing more powerful or more rewarding than watching what becomes possible because of it.
Carolyn Dorf, CMP
director of events, Collaborative Communications
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Care. Connect. Adapt.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was successfully executing the largest event of my career as the logistics lead for a 1,200-person youth conference in Indianapolis. Managing the scale, complexity and energy of an event of this size was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The experience was electrifying, and seeing our team, client and attendees leave the event energized, inspired and proud of what we accomplished made it especially meaningful.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower my team by intentionally taking the time to teach them the skills they need to be successful events managers. I believe in breaking down complex processes, sharing context behind decisions and providing hands-on guidance so team members feel confident managing both logistics and relationships. By creating space for questions, learning and ownership, I help team members grow into independent, trusted leaders who can adapt quickly and deliver thoughtful, high-quality event experiences.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
My journey shows that lasting momentum comes from consistency, care and adaptability. Future generations could learn that real leadership grows from service: listening first, adapting through change and building trust across people and moments. Growth comes from taking on responsibility early, learning every part of the process and letting relationships do the heavy lifting.
Olivia Downing
director, impact events, planit inc.
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Connect. Prepare. Enjoy.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was our internship program. I have been working with our full team to enhance our interns’ training and understanding, giving them a strong foundation for event planning and positioning them for future success. I have spent much time meeting one-on-one with our current and former interns (now full-time employees) to understand where our program can grow and how I can manage this more effectively.
This process led me to reorganize my approach to onboarding, schedule in-depth training in areas typically outside intern responsibilities and start two new projects. The idea is for these projects to combine research of our industry and apply to planit inc. standards. Our interns have been so involved in this new process and have loved the experience. I am so proud of the experience we can provide to these wonderful young event professionals!
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
The best way I have empowered my team is by showing them empathy. Being an event planner can be a highly complex and demanding career. Though we always strive for excellence, at the end of the day, we are only human and are capable of making mistakes. When one of my team members comes to me after making a mistake, I like to focus on listening and hearing their worries. I can reassure them and help them work through it by relying on my previous experiences. This connection helps them feel supported and encourages them to continue striving for excellence, while giving them the space to learn. Patience and grace are often the best things you can offer someone in our industry.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn to value openness and to continue putting in effort even when it is difficult. Event planning is a fun and rewarding career. It requires passion and attention to create an outstanding product. It is more difficult than people outside the industry realize, as you are balancing many communications and details. There will be times when you face a disappointing situation or make a mistake. It is essential to be open and own the situation so that you can work through it. Setbacks can be valuable opportunities to learn and open doors to future success.
Stacy Fallon, MBA, CTSM
exhibits & events manager, GE Healthcare
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Diversity every day (no two days are the same, which I love)
What was your biggest win this year?
I held a 200-person event with lots of great off-sites, a ballpark event and a Top Golf event, and people loved it. Being new at GE Healthcare, it has been hard to earn people’s trust, but now top VPs say how much they trust me and love my events.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
The most effective meeting planners are those who actively lead by example, earning trust, fostering collaboration and cultivating a sense of ownership within the teams you support.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
I’d like for future generations to learn that events are not easy; they are stressful and full of highs and lows. But perseverance, hard work and thinking on your feet will bring you to where you want to be.
Shannon Fouts, MBA
project manager II, GoGather Corporate Meetings and Events
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Strategize. Empower. Execute.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win was leading my largest and most complex program to date: an enterprise-level sales meeting for 3,000 attendees. The program functioned as nine events in one: hundreds of breakout sessions, nine general sessions, eight awards dinners, eight team-building activities, VIP services—each with its own strategy, audience and execution plan. The experience was highlighted by a general session and a talent show at the Grand Ole Opry, an unforgettable evening that required precision, creativity and deep collaboration in a historic venue. Delivering this program successfully reinforced my ability to lead at scale while maintaining intentionality, flow and a high-touch attendee experience.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I’ve learned the power of intentional delegation. By taking the time to understand my teammates’ individual strengths, I empower them to own their roles with confidence and accountability. This approach requires trust, clear communication and coaching, but it allows my teams to perform at a high level while feeling supported and valued. As a result, I’m able to operate more strategically as the project lead, focusing on vision, client relationships and complex problem-solving, while giving my team the space to grow and excel.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
My journey shows that careers are rarely linear—and that’s a good thing. I began in sports, moved into wine and now lead large-scale corporate events. The constant thread has always been people and hospitality: creating meaningful experiences regardless of the medium. I also chose to pause my career to pursue my MBA, a decision that challenged me academically and personally while opening new doors professionally. Progress doesn’t require a straight path; it just requires a commitment to forward momentum, curiosity and delivering excellence wherever you land.
Elizabeth Giron
global director of strategic partnerships, Terramar DMC
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Cultivate. Anticipate. Empathize.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win came during a season that required presence over perfection. Personally, it meant showing up fully for my family when they needed me most, even while balancing the demands of leadership. That grounding experience carried into my professional life, where I faced a communication breakdown with a valued client. Instead of reacting or rushing to fix it, I chose to listen. By slowing the conversation, hearing the concerns beneath the words and taking accountability, we rebuilt trust and ultimately strengthened the relationship. That moment reinforced a lesson I carry forward: True leadership is rooted in empathy, presence and the willingness to listen—both at home and at work. Winning is not always about being first; it’s about doing the right thing and knowing you did your best.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
My biggest win as a leader has been empowering my teams to succeed through mentorship and trust. I believe leadership isn’t about providing answers, but guiding people to the right solution themselves. By asking thoughtful questions, listening closely and creating space for growth, I help team members build confidence in their own judgment. I focus on fostering an environment where people feel supported to speak up, take ownership and learn through experience. Watching team members step into challenges with clarity and confidence is deeply rewarding. Empowerment creates stronger teams, shared success and leaders who are prepared to guide others forward.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn the power of connection through relationships. Hospitality is not a business of transactions—it is a business built on trust, care and human connection beyond the contract. By asking thoughtful questions, listening with intention and showing up as a resource rather than just a salesperson, you create partnerships that last. When relationships are cultivated with authenticity and consistency, the work becomes more meaningful, the outcomes stronger.
Lindsay Goneau
global account director, PRA Events, Inc.
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Observing. Creating. Elevating.
What was your biggest win this year?
The biggest win this year was breaking into an untapped market/location. It began three years ago with a single project that required more infrastructure than existed in the market to design and operate a transportation system for 7,000 people during a week-long event.
This opportunity and successful operation have opened the door for referrals and countless opportunities. Together with my team, we have been able to create a focus on this market well beyond the first opportunity. I have been able to take a proven track record of excellence in design and delivery and extend it beyond our one client. We have now successfully operated programs for a host of other clients and continue to grow.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
It is important to me to show my appreciation and recognize everyone on the team for their contributions. Over the years, we have created a core team that, when put together, is unstoppable. There is so much respect for everyone’s questions and ideas. My goal is always to create an environment where ideas are valued, and everyone feels motivated to give their best.
This does not just apply to my team, but our contractors and suppliers as well. It takes a village to produce every event. And the philosophy that two heads are better than one rings true every time.
I also try to recognize that not everyone is motivated by the same things and to create space for what drives each team member, whether that is a leadership position, a coaching position or trying something new. It is so rewarding to see members of the team get the recognition and accolades they so truly deserve.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
I would advise anyone looking to get into hospitality to jump in with both feet. Success is measured in so many different ways. Looking back, my journey has been filled with countless opportunities to try new paths. I have always been someone who is comfortable being uncomfortable. I thought I was an operator through and through, and I have actually loved diving into sales and creative design. You can also find your niche when you least expect it.
Gail Grogan, CMP, CMM
event planner, McKesson
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Pioneering. Grit. Inspiring.
What was your biggest win this year?
I successfully delivered a complex and intricate program for a historically difficult business unit. While the kudos and unprecedented praise were thrilling, more fulfilling was the instance I was able to decipher what appeared to make this unit so challenging. Understanding can lead to improvement on all plains: execution, participant experience and educational opportunities.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
One way I’ve empowered my team is through “servant leadership.” Working alongside a colleague who needs a sounding board or a spare set of hands can feel like a life preserver at times. However, those acts of assistance need to be paired with the correct attitude. To provide help while being haughty is unsettling and rude. To complain or grumble plants seeds of discord. Being truly helpful, available and supportive is a continuous act of mentorship. Beyond that, the giver often receives more than they expended in sheer team bonding. Everyone needs help from time to time, knowing that you have someone who will step in and help, regardless of the situation, is affirming and empowering. I’ve continued to empower my team members through servant leadership.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
My journey echoes the heart of our industry: hospitality. The root of hospitality is being hospitable. As we advance, learn and improve as an industry, as businesses and as people, we must continuously focus on our purpose—being hospitable. Endeavor to make an experience, a conference, a production more personable, more meaningful, more enjoyable, more hospitable!
I don’t know that “my” journey is any more riveting than anyone else’s, I do know that everyone, absolutely EVERYONE needs to find a journey that speaks to their purpose…then pursue it relentlessly, and whole heartedly. Every instance of my journey has been infused, invigorated intertwined in hospitality!
Jennifer Hinton, CMP
head of strategic events, Canvas Credit Union
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Connecting. Learning. Serving.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was producing our company’s holiday party. It was an event that truly embodied awe, appreciation and connection. It was one of those rare experiences where everything aligned beautifully. Guests told me it was our best celebration yet, sharing nonstop photos and videos to capture the décor, entertainment, activities and surprises. Seeing our teams feel valued and proud to be part of Canvas made me feel I had created something truly exceptional.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
As a team of one, I empower others by actively collaborating with departments across the organization, bringing their perspectives into the planning process and giving them shared ownership of event experiences. I also empower participants by creating open channels for feedback and showing them that their input genuinely shapes future events. When people see their ideas reflected in our programs, they feel valued, included and confident that their voice makes a meaningful impact.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn from my journey that every experience, whether good or not-so-good, teaches you something valuable. Trust your instincts, stay curious and never stop trying new things. Get involved in the industry: Join meeting groups, attend showcases, volunteer on committees and talk to people. The relationships you build and the perspectives you gain will shape your career in ways you can’t imagine.
Barb Jensen
events specialist, Great West Casualty Company
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Adaptable. Creative. Incentivise.
What was your biggest win this year?
Planning an exclusive incentive event with 100% of invitees responding by the deadline, and all accepting the invitation.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
Cross-training within the team allows for back-up during high-event season. Follow up quickly with evaluations and incorporate their feedback.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Be genuine. Make your messages personal. Think outside the box.
Kristin Martinez, CEM, CMP
vice president of events, Fast Forward Events
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Collaborate. Innovate. Optimize.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was leveling up our AI adoption—from last year’s operational breakthroughs to strategic infrastructure. We’ve already proven AI can modernize execution—last year, we abolished the clipboard! This year, we’re using it to unlock real-time analytics and customer insights we’ve never had, enabling better content, partner strategy and investment decisions to move faster. We’re building the backbone of our future business in-house—selling smarter, scaling quicker and raising service—with the people who know our business best, without adding headcount or costly contractors.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I’ve empowered our teams by putting AI where the work actually happens—not as a trendy side tool. I built role-based custom GPTs aligned to job functions and set a shared prompting framework so the team can get answers and outputs that are usable, not theoretical. I’ve pushed adoption in the trenches—using AI to close skill gaps fast (web fixes, process mapping, systems integration thinking) and to pressure-test software against our tech stack before we waste time and money. The biggest shift is mindset: people don’t say “that’s not my thing” anymore. I’ve watched interns build real automations, data workflows and internal apps within a few months. The result is more ownership, more speed and higher-quality execution—without waiting on outside help.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that you don’t have to wait for permission to lead change—you can build credibility by improving what’s right in front of you. We’re living through a new industrial/digital revolution, and the people who lean in early don’t just get a competitive advantage—they earn a seat at the ethics table to shape how technology impacts teams, customers and culture. My journey is proof that innovation doesn’t require a blank slate. Start inside the space you’re already in: fix the friction, modernize the process, raise the standard of service, then scale what works. Use technology to remove noise so people can do more of the human work—connection, trust, hospitality—and make progress with what you have, not what you wish you had.
Nicole Mattar, CMP
director, meeting services, LEO Events
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Orchestrate. Elevate. Activate.
What was your biggest win this year?
During a year of significant personal and professional change, remaining composed and disciplined was my greatest success. I navigated shifting priorities, evolving team dynamics and high-pressure deadlines while consistently delivering high-quality results for our clients. My adaptable, solutions-oriented approach ensured team stability and excellence during this period of transition. Ultimately, this experience strengthened my leadership style and elevated our collective outcomes.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower my teams by intentionally creating an environment where ownership, trust and confidence thrive. By fostering a culture of open communication where ideas are encouraged and feedback is valued, I ensure every team member feels confident contributing to our success. This approach enables my team to take initiative, problem-solve proactively and stay genuinely invested in outcomes. As a result, collaboration has strengthened, engagement has increased and our deliverables consistently benefit from diverse perspectives and shared accountability.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn the value of resilience, adaptability and leading with purpose. Meaningful growth is built through collaboration, continuous learning and the courage to evolve in the face of change. My journey demonstrates that progress is not defined by stability alone, but by how effectively we respond to uncertainty. By staying grounded, prioritizing people and remaining open to new perspectives, it is possible to turn challenges into opportunities, strengthen teams and create lasting impact through intentional, values-driven leadership
Paula Mettler
senior brand journalist, Opus Agency
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Serve. Say yes. Shine a light.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was earning the trust to tell our story at a moment when a lot was changing. Growth, new global teammates, new leadership, new commitments—and that’s only part of the story. It was exciting and messy and meaningful all at once. My job was to capture it all in a way that felt true to who we are. Getting that right mattered, and it’s been a real high point in my career so far.
I also author XO, a monthly newsletter that’s quietly becoming an industry favorite (readers’ words, not mine). I put a lot of care into writing and curating ideas that stick, and seeing a community form around it and those ideas influence real work has been super cool to watch.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
My job is to tell my team’s story in a way that helps them see their own impact. As a brand journalist, I’m constantly tracking what’s happening across the industry. I take those insights and shape them into points of view that give my team confidence and momentum.
But a big part of my work is simply holding up a mirror and reflecting back the smart, bold, behind-the-scenes work they do every day. More than once, a teammate has said, “I’ve never thought about my work like that,” or “I’ve never seen myself through this lens.”
For people who are deeply focused on serving others, that perspective doesn’t always come naturally. I get to help people celebrate themselves, and that’s incredibly rewarding.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Trust your gut. You’ll hear a lot of opinions along the way. Learning when to listen and when to take a leap takes time. I’ve learned that discomfort isn’t always a warning sign. Sometimes it’s just growth. Making moves without guarantees has shaped my path more than playing it safe ever did.
Stacy Powers, CEM
vice president of learning experiences, IAEE
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Cultivate. Collaborate. Inspire.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest personal win in 2025 was my promotion to vice president of learning experiences, a milestone that recognized my hard work, personal I growth and consistent performance, reflecting the collective success of the events, communities and committees I have been privileged to lead. Being able to bring women together to empower, educate and inspire one another and seeing that translate into meaningful collaboration and shared success is an amazing feeling, one that is a constant day-to-day win that should always be celebrated.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
A big part of my work is leading, empowering and advocating for women—creating spaces where they can share their voices and experiences while uplifting one another. Over the years, in my various roles, I’ve focused on delivering diverse educational content and fostering connections that build strong, supportive communities—communities that advocate for our industry, support each other and create opportunities for learning and business development.
When it comes to my team, I encourage accountability and confidence. I believe in giving people the freedom to be themselves and play to their strengths, while supporting them as they make decisions and grow through the learning process. For me, it’s about growing together and trusting each other along the way.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
In terms of my career journey, one thing I’d love younger generations to take away is to never doubt themselves—and to always give themselves grace. It’s easy to be hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned, but every challenge or opportunity you face is really a chance to learn and grow. Be open and curious, push yourself, but remember that growth isn’t always a straight path, and you are going to make various decisions and mistakes. Bringing the right mindset to each moment truly makes the difference. See each experience as a new opportunity—embrace continuous learning, continue to evolve, adapt your path, expand your perspective and move forward!
Carmela Rivera
office manager – corporate events, ACRE
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Anticipate. Elevate. Harmonize.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year is not just from one event. I consistently tried (very hard) to turn chaos into confidence. No matter how many schedules shifted (always happens), VIP needs evolved or moving parts collided behind the scenes, I kept every experience seamless and elevated. Guests never felt the disorder because I anticipated needs before they surfaced, refined the details that mattered and curated moments that felt effortless. My biggest win wasn’t just executing high‑stakes events flawlessly—I was very proud to be the person everyone trusts to “just handle it,” no matter how complex the situation was.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empowered team and participants by creating clarity in moments that could have easily become chaotic. I set expectations, shared information proactively and made sure everyone understood not just what needed to happen, but why it mattered. That kind of guidance gave everyone confidence, helped them perform at their best and allowed them to step into their roles with a sense of purpose rather than pressure.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations could learn that the true impact isn’t made by being perfect but rather by being present with intention and having the courage to lead with heart. Resilience and confidence to step into chaos with warm guidance rather than pressure will create a better team. Show up, be open to learning and genuinely care.
AnneMarie Rogers, CIS, CITP
vice president US, meetings & events, Direct Travel
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Listen. Collaborate. Elevate.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was leading the successful unification of three regions into one high‑performing, fully aligned operation—all while growing our business and never compromising the level of care our clients expect from us. Bringing multiple teams, cultures and workflows together could have easily created friction, but instead it became a catalyst. We strengthened communication, streamlined service delivery and created a more powerful, consistent client experience across every market we touch. The fact that we expanded our client base during this transition—and continued delivering top‑tier service throughout—is the part I’m most proud of. It proved that we can scale, evolve and still show up for our customers at the highest level with an amazing team at the heart of all of it.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
This year, with so much change and fast‑paced growth, the most meaningful thing I did was work to ensure our teams had real ownership in the process. Combining internal teams together could have felt overwhelming, so I focused on giving people the trust, clarity and autonomy to shape how we moved forward. I believe deeply in empowering the people around me, and watching them step up, collaborate and take care of our customers through all that change was the real win. Seeing our teams shine through all of this is an amazing testament to the true professionals I am blessed to be surrounded by.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that longevity in this industry isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious, adaptable and people‑first. After more than 20 years in meetings and incentives, I’ve seen the industry reinvent itself over and over, and the constant has always been the power of relationships. I’ve learned that you don’t survive change by resisting it; you grow through it by listening, collaborating and lifting up the people around you. If there’s one lesson I hope others take from my path, it’s that you can build a long, meaningful career by leading with empathy, embracing evolution and never losing sight of the humans at the heart of every experience we create.
Kat Scott
director of sourcing & industry relations, CADENCE Travel
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Serve. Care. Connect.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was successfully leading and supporting a team of driven women, many of whom are mothers, while creating an environment that respects and navigates the realities of work-life balance. I prioritized empathy, flexibility and clear communication, ensuring that high performance and personal responsibilities could coexist. Watching my team thrive, stay engaged and support one another while meeting our goals was both rewarding and affirming of the leadership culture we built together. They say in youth baseball that if the players come back for the following season, you did your job, and my team being balanced and happy and staying with me for over eight years now will always be my biggest win, year over year!
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower my team by leading with empathy and honesty. I openly acknowledge the challenges of balancing motherhood and work because I live it too. By normalizing flexibility, encouraging boundaries and modeling that it’s okay to prioritize family without sacrificing excellence, I’ve created a space where women feel seen, supported and confident to lead in their own way. By recognizing their expertise and continuing them to strive for their best each day, I allow them space to succeed in each project they touch.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
I feel future generations can learn the importance of being involved and giving back. People ask me where they should start, and I truly believe volunteering is the best way to dive into our industry. Volunteering has taught me that impact doesn’t always come from titles or positions, but from showing up, supporting others and investing time in the community. Being engaged beyond your own responsibilities builds perspective, empathy and leadership skills that carry through every part of life and work.
Nikki Whye
senior manager, events, CHG Healthcare
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Connect. Elevate. Educate.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was securing our first European destination for President’s Club in London, something that started as a simple idea and grew into full executive support. What began as a vision turned into a real shift for the program, expanding our global reach and elevating its overall impact. The results were immediate: We updated qualification goals to match the opportunity and saw our sales people re-engage because of it. Watching the idea move from concept to a fully backed initiative was a defining moment in my leadership this year.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
One way I’ve empowered my teams is by consistently making their development a top priority. In addition to their weekly one-on-one meetings, we reflect monthly on their wins and their opportunities. What worked? Where could I have been better? What am I most proud of? What am I still wanting to learn? It gives us dedicated time and a safe space to provide thought and feedback conversationally. And I can identify future opportunities with my leadership team to support my team’s continued growth and confidence level.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Events have always been my path, from nonprofit work to the Super Bowl, the Olympics and contract work throughout the years. Over time, as I grew professionally and raised my family, I learned that ambition and presence don’t have to compete. Transitioning into corporate events gave me a platform for leadership while allowing me to be fully present at home. Future generations can learn that careers can evolve with your season of life; you don’t have to choose between impact and balance; you can design both with intention.
Victoria Younes, CMP
executive events manager, Kaiser Permanente
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Elevate. Support. Connect.
What was your biggest win this year?
I expanded Kaiser Permanente’s community impact by strengthening partnerships, mobilizing volunteers and supporting major events. I helped employee volunteers deliver service hours to 44,000+ students through Junior Achievement and played a key role in advancing our Healthy at the Harbor event into a growing, multi-location wellness series. This year, I grew not only in what I delivered, but in how I led, influenced and supported others. That’s the accomplishment I’m most proud of.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empowered my teams by fostering clarity, collaboration and trust. I created spaces for open dialogue, shared problem-solving and potential for growth. I strengthened alignment through structured communication, supported autonomy by equipping colleagues with tools and processes, and taught others to “fish.” My leadership helped teams feel supported, informed and confident to deliver their best.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
My career journey was not linear; I’ve lost momentum and needed to reprioritize based on my life and the world around me. But by embracing continuous learning, adapting with purpose and strengthening relationships, I’ve demonstrated how intentional reactions to change can create opportunities.
Back to Smart Woman homepage.
