Despite making up 52% of the hospitality workforce, women hold only 30% of leadership positions. Many face the challenge of balancing work with domestic responsibilities, which can often hinder career growth and advancement in the industry.
According to forbes.com, However, women have experienced gains in leadership positions in hospitality investment and development since 2019, going from one woman for every ten men to about one woman for every seven men. Also, women recently held 24% of the podium spots at hotel investment conferences, up from 16% in 2017.
By displaying keen judgment, an exemplary work ethic and outstanding knowledge of the profession, the following women continue to make an impact in the ever-competitive hotel industry:
Kierra Moore, Hotel Manager, Arlo Chicago
Born and raised in Chicago, Kierra Moore brings over a decade of industry experience to her role as hotel manager at Arlo Chicago. After proudly serving her country for eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Moore transitioned into hospitality, channeling her drive and dedication into a passion for leadership. She honed her skills while working in various leadership, operational, director and audit roles for prestigious hotels such as The Public Chicago, Hilton McCormick Place, Highgate and DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile. In 2023, Moore joined Arlo Chicago as director of operations, where she quickly made her mark. Within less than a year, the inspiring veteran and devoted mother of four earned her title as hotel manager.
Jennifer Lombard Knight, General Manager, Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
Jennifer Lombard Knight, general manager at Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection in Miramar Beach, Florida, oversees the hotel’s day-to-day operations and leads the team in delivering consistent, unique experiences for guests. With over 18 years within the hospitality industry, from large-scale properties to private member clubs, Lombard Knight has had the privilege of working across all departments. At Hotel Effie, she works alongside the operations, sales, human resources and revenue management teams while providing authentic Southern hospitality as a complete unit. Her passion for fostering a diverse company culture allows individuals and teams to thrive while enhancing the guest experience and ensuring financial success.
READ: Africa: Global Hospitality Giant, Hilton Announces Major Expansion in Egypt with 25 New Hotels
Misty Pacheco, Director of Sales, The Pensacola Beach Resort
Misty Pacheco, director of sales at The Pensacola Beach Resort, Florida, works closely with the hotel team to secure and host various events at the property’s recently renovated event spaces. A seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Pacheco knows how to make any event a success. Her previous role as the director of catering and convention services at the Hilton Pensacola Beach and the Holiday Inn Resort provided her with extensive knowledge of the market. Pacheco also worked in hotels in New York City, where she managed group events such as meetings and social functions. Her expertise promises to elevate events and meetings at The Pensacola Beach Resort to a new standard.
Lesley Goldwasser, Principal Art Curator and Co-Owner, The Betsy Hotel
Philanthropist, Wall Street executive and co-owner of The Betsy Hotel, Florida, an independent, family-owned luxury hotel, Lesley Goldwasser exemplifies the vision of women driving change. Born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Goldwasser is currently managing partner at GreensLedge and has held leadership roles at Credit Suisse and Bear Stearns. As a founding board member of the Miami Music Festival and her work as an art curator, Goldwasser has helped establish The Betsy as a cultural hub. Goldwasser’s commitment to community is expressed through her family’s work at Zara’s Center, an after-school safe haven in Emganwini, Zimbabwe, that provides daily meals, academic enrichment, medical care, work training, recreation and artistic development to orphaned and vulnerable children. In 2025, Zara’s Center will open a new campus, designed in partnership with Krueck Sexton Architects, as a gift to children living in Emganwini.
Yosie Crespo, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Perry Hotel Naples
Yosie Crespo is the director of sales & marketing at The Perry Hotel Naples, a new 160-room boutique hotel on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Crespo leads all sales and marketing initiatives for the hotel, including overseeing strategic sales plans, marketing campaigns and community outreach, establishing it as a premier destination for travelers and locals alike. Crespo has nearly 25 years of hospitality experience, with expertise in corporate and hotel sales at luxury properties. Before joining The Perry, she spent seven years with Trump Hotels, where she expanded their corporate market and relationships nationwide. She also held leadership roles in management and sales at Accor Sofitel Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Marriott, Hilton and IHG in Miami and Naples. Beyond her professional achievements, Crespo is a published writer who actively participates in fundraising and charitable initiatives. Her dedication to community engagement and creative thinking underscores her commitment to excellence both professionally and personally.
Anna Strindberg, Director of Events, Arlo Williamsburg
Anna Strindberg, director of events at Arlo Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, brings over 15 years of experience in the events and hotel industry spanning six countries. A passionate and dedicated hospitality professional, Strindberg holds a bachelor’s in international migration and ethnic relations from Lund University (Sweden) and the University of the West Indies (Jamaica) and a master’s in international crime and justice. These academic experiences not only sharpened her global perspective but also deepened her passion for working with diverse cultures and people. Strindberg’s hospitality journey began at her mother’s restaurant and tea shop in Sweden, where she developed a love for event coordination. She later on moved to New York to pursue a role as an event coordinator with the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. She also worked with prestigious organizations like the United Nations, Global Citizen and the International Rescue Committee before transitioning to private events and weddings.
Maggie Houston Stokes, Corporate Director of Operations, Arlo Hotels
Inspired by Arlo Hotel’s avant-garde concept and open-minded approach to service, Maggie Houston Stokes joined Arlo Hotels as General Manager of Arlo NoMad in March 2016. After a successful tenure, she opened Arlo Midtown, Arlo’s next flagship hotel in New York City in May 2021. Drawing upon her experience in strengthening operations by supporting employee engagement and creativity, Stokes next became Arlo’s first Corporate Director of Operations in July 2023. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Stokes has held leadership positions with large international brands such as Intercontinental Hotels Group and Hilton Hotel & Resorts, as well as lifestyle brands with JRK Property Holdings, Hersha Hospitality, King & Grove and Commune Hotels & Resorts. She attended SUNY Purchase College and graduated magna cum laude, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Heather Berti, SVP of People Services, Arlo Hotels
Heather Berti, the SVP of People Services at Arlo Hotels, boasts over 20 years of experience in hospitality human resources. Her passion for culture, training, development and employee relations inspires her to create a forward-thinking, inclusive and innovative culture among employees at Arlo Hotels, which spans across New York City, Chicago and Miami. Berti joined the brand, which is owned by Quadrum Global, in 2016 and throughout her time with Arlo Hotels, the brand has been recognized for its outstanding company culture, diverse portfolio of employees and positive retention among staff.
