Anna Karnowski – Go City

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 –  Alliance for Downtown New York

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 – The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island National Immigration Museum

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 – NY Hilton Midtown

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!”

Monika Henry – Sonesta International

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 – Hotel Edison-Triumph Hotels

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 – Related Companies – Hudson Yards

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 – 3 Dollar Bill

Bio to come

Melba Wilson – Melba’s Restaurant

Bio to come:

Maria Monaco – Nordstrom NYC Flagship

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 – Lehman Center for the Performing Arts

Bio to come

Angela Wiggins – Viator

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!

Kiara Di Paola – New York City 4 All

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  – Starr Bus Charter & Tours

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 – AKA

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 – GTSE, MyTicketPro & AJL Reps

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.

Kamala Browne – MTA Metro-North – MTA Construction & Development

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 – National Jazz Museum in Harlem

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 12^th 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 – Caribbeing Inc.

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 – Alon Tourism Solutions

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.