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Women in Hospitality
Conference and Gala

March 30-31, 2025

 Impact, Innovation & Inspiration
The Women’s Hospitality Initiative proudly hosted our inaugural Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference and Legacy Gala bringing together over
350 passionate leaders, trailblazers, and changemakers from across the country and around the world. From powerful conversations to unforgettable celebrations, the weekend was a true reflection of the bold, collaborative
spirit at the heart of WHI.

Together, we celebrated what’s possible when women lead and set the stage

for an even stronger future in hospitality.

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Nicole Brisson, Elizabeth Smith, Yanet Morales, Destyn Hamada_ PC_ AOCreativesLV.jpg
Todd Lenahan & Quann Sisters_ TK and Cipriana .JPG
Lydia Ansel_ PC_ AOCreativesLV.jpg
kat-thomas_ PC_ Bill Milne.jpeg
Punam Mathur, Diana Bennett, Jan Jones Blackhurst, Elizabeth Blau.jpeg
Angie Mar, Cat Cora, Dominque Crenn.jpg
Lorena Garcia, Susan Feniger, Jennifer English, Mary Sue Milliken.jpeg
Sonia Barcelona .jpg
Erica Bell, Keris Kuwana.jpg
Sarah Thompson and Casa Play chef team.jpg
Lisa Sheehan, Sarah Coca.jpg
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UNLV Students.jpeg

In Their Own Words

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    Diana Bennett

CEO at Paragon Gaming

"What a special weekend.  I met so many amazing women that totally renewed my faith in the future of our industry and with so many great women in just our small place, I imagine we can and should rule the world."

Lorena García

Celebrity Chef / Partner 
Chica Restaurant

"Thank YOU for allowing me to be part of this incredible journey! It has been an absolute honor, and I am so grateful for the passion, dedication, and heart you bring to it all. I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow!
Feeling inspired."

Punam Mathur

Speaker, Trainer, Writer at Punam Mathur, LLC

“Hey All-Stars - what a treat that was. So much still to do but, after yesterday, my hope and gumption were replenished. Congratulations on your remarkable success with the entire conference! 🙌🏽 So grateful to be included.”

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Jennifer Purcell

'96, Ed.D., Dean, School of Business &
Management, The Culinary Institute of America

I want to thank you again for such and amazing conference and the opportunity you afforded our students, faculty member and myself to attend.  We are all still digesting and glowing in the light of such an incredible line-up of truly inspiring speakers and break-out sessions. So well done and I can't wait for the next! Cheers to you, Joanna and Mary for launching such a great inaugural conference.”

“Thank you for an inspirational few days - great seeing old friends and making new ones. Thank you both”

Jessica Fisher,

Director of Pools, The Venetian Resort

“The Women in Hospitality Conference was a game-changer! I'm genuinely grateful for the powerful space you created. I walked away feeling not only inspired but deeply connected to a community of incredible women, thanks to your vision. Hearing your story was a highlight, and I'm excited to put your wisdom into action. I would love to become more involved in the women in hospitality initiative in any way I can. I look forward to future events!”

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