Event Coverage

Diversity in the Travel and Hospitality Industry: A Discussion on Actionable and Inclusive Change

Elisabeth Segura photo
Elisabeth Segura

Skift Take

In this clip, DEI Advisors Principals Rachel Humphrey and David Kong talk about empowering yourself and others to foster inclusive change.

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Rachel Humphrey and David Kong, principals at DEI Advisors, an Arizona nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering personal success, spoke at this month's Women Leading Travel & Hospitality Virtual Exchange about inclusivity in the travel and hospitality industry.

Before retiring in August 2021, Humphrey served as the executive vice president and chief commercial officer of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the nation’s largest and most influential hotel owners association. She served as a member of its executive leadership team and, in 2019, was named its interim president and CEO. Humphrey joined AAHOA in 2015 after more than 20 years as a trial lawyer. She has been recognized as one of the most “Influential Women in Hospitality” and included in the “100 Most Powerful People in USA Hospitality.” Humphrey is also the founder of Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance.

When Kong retired as president and CEO of BWH Hotel Group (comprised of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Sure Stay Hotels, and WorldHotels) at the end of 2021, he did so as the longest-running CEO of any major hotel company. His leadership and legacy, characterized by a genuine care for people and a passion for hospitality, attracted praise and respect from leading voices across the industry. Kong led Best Western Hotels & Resorts to unprecedented growth, transforming the company and expanding its portfolio from one brand to 18 distinct brands in every chain scale segment. The company achieved successive new records in RevPAR and EBIDA growth during his leadership tenure. Prior to Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Kong held leadership positions with KPMG Consulting, Hyatt, Omni, and Hilton.

In this clip, Humphrey and Kong talk about empowering yourself and others, as well as the power of personal stories and relationships when in it comes to fostering inclusive change.

To see the full session and the other discussions from the Nov. 2 Virtual Exchange, click here.