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.














In Their Own Words

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.”

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.”
Nicole Ehrlich
“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!”