ACV Women in Business Event Celebrates Empowerment in Travel Industry
In a robust celebration of female leadership in the travel industry, Air Canada Vacations recently hosted its much-anticipated ACV Women in Business event at The Vue in Etobicoke, Toronto. This annual gathering attracted a dynamic mix of women, ranging from retailers to suppliers, all uniting for a day charged with empowerment and connection. The event underscored the growing recognition of women’s pivotal role in shaping the future of travel and tourism.
Leading the charge was Erminia Gallina, Director of Sales at Air Canada Vacations, who beautifully distilled the event’s essence with her words. ‘A strong woman doesn’t just find her voice. She creates space for other women to find theirs,’ Gallina articulated, setting the tone for a compelling panel discussion that would resonate throughout the day.
ACV Leadership Initiative Takes Center Stage
Air Canada’s own Lisa Pierce, who recently retired as Vice President of Global Sales & ACV, delivered a poignant recount of her ‘leadership moment.’ As a former station manager at LaGuardia during the September 11 attacks, Pierce shared how she discovered an unanticipated reservoir of strength and leadership during one of the aviation industry’s most challenging periods.
‘What we see in ourselves is not what other people see in us,’ she reflected, recalling her effective management during a chaotic day that fundamentally changed the travel landscape. Her experience served as a testament to the resilience and capabilities women bring to the travel industry every day, particularly during crisis situations that demand quick thinking and compassionate leadership.
Women in Business Breaking Barriers in Travel
The panel also featured Selma Filali, Senior Director of Marketing & E-Commerce Loyalty Partnerships at ACV, alongside Zeina Gedeon, President and CEO of Trevello Travel Group. Addressing female empowerment in the travel industry, Gedeon underscored the urgency of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among women professionals. ‘Women are not, in my opinion, pivoting to being entrepreneurs; it’s a confidence issue,’ she asserted, emphasizing the need for women to leverage their innate empathy and intelligence in business leadership roles.
The discussion highlighted how the travel industry, which employs millions of women globally, stands to benefit significantly from increased female representation in executive positions. Studies show that companies with diverse leadership teams consistently outperform their peers in innovation and customer satisfaction—metrics particularly crucial in the competitive travel sector.
Insights on Women’s Entrepreneurial Mindset
Discussions covered the integral transitions women must make from execution roles to becoming strategic leaders. Filali urged women to recognize their expertise, saying, ‘Women think they need to know everything about everything before they see themselves as an expert, and it’s just not the case.’ This perfectionist tendency, while often driving excellence in service delivery, can inadvertently limit career advancement opportunities.
Such candid conversations opened avenues for both personal growth and professional networking, fostering an environment ripe for development. The interactive format allowed attendees to share their own experiences and challenges, creating a supportive community that extends beyond the event itself.
Gedeon offered invaluable advice on understanding periods of doubt during decision-making processes, highlighting, ‘Don’t mistake a “pause” for indecision.’ Her words inspired attendees to view reflection as a strategy rather than hesitation, particularly relevant in an industry where quick pivots and strategic thinking are essential for success.
Building Bridges and Fostering Growth
The ACV Women in Business event was an inspiring success, solidifying ACV’s commitment to cultivating a community of empowered women. By acknowledging industry challenges with honesty and laughter, the event reinforced networks built on camaraderie and positivity. The initiative reflects a broader industry trend toward recognizing that diversity drives innovation and customer engagement.
As the travel industry continues to evolve post-pandemic, events like ACV’s ensure women’s contributions are lauded, paving the way for future initiatives encouraging greater participation and leadership. Both seasoned veterans and newcomers find such platforms essential for expanding networks and kindling aspirations in an industry that thrives on human connections.
The Women in Business event highlighted the critical impact of women on the travel sector, underscoring a collective path towards empowerment and equality. As Gallina and fellow leaders demonstrated, shared stories nurture collective strength, illuminating the way forward for the next generation of female travel industry leaders.
