To go against status quo, to stand up for truth, your values, takes bravery and courage. Role models are important as they give us hope and inspire us to reach out full potential. My grandparents are inspiration for me as my grandmother had a heart of gold and my grandfather has traveled the world. When I read about these women, I felt motivated to create this post of my top 6 female trailblazers in the travel industry:
Trailblazer Jeanne Baret
Jeanne Baret is the first female to sail throughout the world studying botany. Born in 1740, according to Britannica, Jeanne collected over 6,000 plant specimens in her travels. Born in rural French village in Burgundy, Jeanne grew up in an impoverished environment. Jeanne took her first adventure in 1766 disguised as a male to protect her. Her identity as a female became public knowledge one year later which was followed by continuous attacks while onboard the ship for months afterward. Jeanne persevered and later met her husband, a French soldier in 1774 and returned home to France. In recognition for her actions, vine species Solanum baretiae was named after her in 2012 as well as a chain of mountains on the planet Pluto named Baret Montes 6 months later.
Trailblazer Bessie Coleman
Born in 1892, Bessie is not only the first American to get an international pilot's license, but the first female of color to obtain this pivotal license. Growing up as an African American in Texas, Bessie experienced racism that prevented her from attending aviation school in the United States. Not losing hope, Bessie received aviation training in France and earned worldwide recognition in 1921 after she received her international pilot's license. Bessie came back to the United States afterwards and created a school for future African American aviators to support their future travel aspirations. Due to her heroic efforts, The Bessie Awards were created after her for her contributions to the travel world.
Trailblazer Rocío Vázquez Landeta
Created by Mexico City native Rocío Vázquez Landeta, Eat Like a Local provides food tours to female visitors in Mexico City. Growing up with a mother who was a chef, Rocío studied Mexican Cuisine and spent time in Tibet where she learned to become a "compassionate warrior." This inspired her to upgrade Eat Like a Local to add a social component to become more sustainable. Rocío states she experienced a series of intimate partner violence (IPV) relationships which motivated her to focus her business on women. For those who are concerned with the environment and sustainability, this business is certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Rocío is an inspiration changing lives for other females.
Trailblazer Harsha L'Acqua
Non-profit Saira Hospitality was founded by Chief Executive Officer Harsha L'Acqua to create pop up schools in local communities to provide training in hospitality careers. Growing up, Harsha's was inspired by her father who founded global non-profit organization Mission for Vision. Harsha also had other role models including Mother Teresa and Sala Baï. Collaborating with hotel chains such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Autograph Collection Hotels, Virgin Limited Edition, Four Seasons and others, Harsha's goal is to enhance connection between hotels and communities and provide locals the skills and education for a successful career in the hospitality industry. At this time, there are 8 pop up schools throughout the world, with the first school opening in 2016 at Hotel San Cristóbal located in Todos Santos, Mexico. A permanent school is currently located in London.
Trailblazer Sahara Rose
The first time I heard Sahara Rose as a guest podcast speaker, I was immediately inspired. As personally stated, Sahara "went from a broke college student to a solo female budget backpacker who traveled over 84 countries without ever running out of money" by the time she was 30 years of age. She founded The Travel Coach Network, which is the first and only ICF accredited program certifying future travel coaches throughout the globe. Graduates of the program receive continuing education classes and there are Facebook groups to connect with others who love traveling. Sahara won TravelPulse 2023's Most Influential Women in travel.
Trailblazer Iris Serbanescu
Meet Iris Serbanescu, founder of wmsnWORK, which provides mentorship, education and community support for female and non-binary (people who don't identify as male or female or another gender). Started in 2022, wmsnWORK provides a virtual 12-week accelerator along with support from the program's community and contributors. Iris states wmsnWORK mission is to empower women and non-binary individuals to build and grow thriving tourism businesses with a team of supporters behind them. wmsnWORK received recognition from The Bessie Awards in 2023, which honors women and gender-diverse people of impact in travel who have contributed unique voices and work to the travel industry.
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