Honoring the Black Women Who Shaped — and Continue to Transform — Travel & Hospitality

As we honor Black History Month, we’re reflecting on the trailblazing Black women whose courage and vision helped shape travel and hospitality as well as the leaders carrying that legacy forward today.

From Bessie Coleman, who shattered barriers in aviation as the first Black woman pilot, to Leah Chase, whose legendary New Orleans restaurant became both a culinary institution and a gathering place for civil rights leaders, Black women have long expanded what’s possible in our industry – often without recognition or resources.

Today, that impact continues through powerhouse leaders like Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Collection; Joyce Leveston, the first woman to lead the iconic Javits Center and Angela Val, the first Black female CEO of Visit Philadelphia.

We also celebrate changemakers like Deidre Mathis of Wanderstay Hospitality Group, Martinique Lewis of Black Travel Alliance and Ashli Johnson of Hospitality Hued, who are actively reshaping opportunity, representation and leadership across our industry.

At Women Leading Travel, we believe progress happens when stories are shared, doors are opened and leadership reflects the richness of our global community. This month -- and every month -- we honor the women who paved the way, uplift those leading today, and remain committed to building a travel industry where every voice is welcomed, valued and empowered to lead.