Quayla Allen, Global Manager, Kraft-Heinz
Quayla C. Allen (she/her) is an inclusion and impact strategist working at the intersection of arts and culture, food, and tourism. With a bachelor’s degree in communications from Chatham College for Women, advanced studies in Food Studies at Chatham University, and a career spanning higher education, management consulting, food and beverage, and media industries, Quayla brings a rich perspective that drives innovation by integrating diverse experiences and insights. In 2022, she was featured on the LA Times Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Visionary list, highlighting her as a game-changer and thought leader in the business world. The Pittsburgh native currently serves as the Global Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at The Kraft-Heinz Company; she supports the organization's vision of leveraging diversity to innovate across their people, business, and community pillars.
Quayla is an avid believer in exploring the vital social elements of connection, culture, food, and travel that add a more flavorful and fulfilling dimension to our lives. For her, this has included amplifying independent voices through her work at the Sundance Film Festival and as a former judge for the James Beard Foundation Media Awards. Beyond her professional endeavors, Quayla seamlessly integrates her passions of enjoying food and farmers markets, working towards her Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) diploma in wine, and infusing pickleball into her life, enjoying these activities alongside her partner Ryan and their senior Chihuahua/Wiener dog, Rod.
Jennifer Barbee, Co-Founder, Destination Innovate
Barbee is a visionary in travel marketing with 30 years of experience and a track record of success with over 400 hospitality and destination brands. Celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions, she launched the first personalized destination website, led the digital strategy for the US Department of Commerce’s inaugural inbound travel campaign, and developed a pioneering destination campaign that became the first Facebook Business Case Study for a destination.
As a past distinguished member and contributor to the Forbes© Agency Council, Barbee is also a sought-after speaker known for her compelling insights on innovation and strategy. Currently, she is dedicated to rewiring people and places for the age of transformation, shaping the future of travel and hospitality.
Her accolades include the prestigious HSMAI Gold, several ADDY's, a Stevie Business Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year, and recognition as #17 on Startup Nation’s Top 100 Moms in Business. In addition, Barbee humorously prides herself on earning a Gold Girl Scout accreditation, showcasing her lifelong commitment to excellence and leadership.
Matt Berna, President of the Americas, Intrepid Travel
Matt started his career in travel as a tour leader 30 years ago and has since worked with some of the world's leading tour operators across a range of senior sales and business development roles. As the president and managing director of the Americas based in California, he oversees Intrepid’s direct, industry and white label sales as well as operations across North, Central and South America.
A passionate outdoors lover, when he’s not at work you’ll find Matt hiking, biking or kayaking with his family and friends or playing guitar with other local musicians. Matt’s favourite Intrepid trip is Explore Northern Thailand, thanks to its stunning scenery, friendly communities and unique flavours.
Dr. Lindsay Gary, CEO, Isegun Enterprises (Sawari Tours)
Dr. Lindsay Gary (PhD, MFA, MA, MPA) is a professor-scholar, conceptual diasporArtist, Afrocentric entrepreneur, and cultural curator whose mission is to educate, connect, and empower the African Diaspora.
She graduated from the University of Houston with a BA in History and minors in Dance and Business Administration, and later obtained her Graduate Certificate in African American Studies. She also has an MA in History, an MPA in Public Policy, and an MFA in Dance, and recently obtained her PhD in Africology and African American Studies from Temple University. She holds certificates in Teaching in Higher Education (Temple University), Genealogy (International Association of Professions Career College), Hospitality and Tourism Management (Florida International University), and Fashion Design Management (Cornell University).
Gary is the Executive Director of The Re-Education Project (501c3) (home of Project 1444 and Watoto Book Bus), the Artistic and Executive Director of Dance Afrikana LLC (home of Ma’at Kemetic Yoga and Houston Black Dance Collective), and the CEO of Isegun Enterprises LLC (home of Sawari Tours (home of Black Houston Bus Tours and Traveling Through the Linds), Maarifa Historical Agency, Afrikanah Book Club, Who Yo’ People Productions (home of AdDiversity and Unsilencing Spirituality), Visit Black Houston, Black Art Marketplace, Gumbo: The Podcast, House of Osumare, Black Charm, Seshat Languages, Dautrive, and more).
She is the author of The New Red Book: A Guide to 50 of Houston's Black Historical and Cultural Sites, and the director and creator of "Who Yo' People?", a documentary film that explores the African heritage of Louisiana. Additionally, she is the creator and curator of The Tignon Project and Trail Ride to the Polls, the lead of Zydeco Fenm, and 1/2 of Maroon Materiality.
She serves as a board member for the University of Houston’s Black Alumni Association, a member of the Board of Directors of Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance, Inc. (CHEA), and as a member of the Diopian Institute for Scholarly Advancement’s Executive Council.
Dr. Terika L. Haynes, President, Dynamite Travel
Dr. Terika L. Haynes is the CEO and Founder of Dynamite Travel, an award-winning, five-star rated luxury travel consultancy that has been providing travel planning service excellence to clients for 16 years. Dr. Terika L. Haynes, a savvy business professional, has built a company that not only assists clients with curating customized vacations, but also assists clients with creating unforgettable travel experiences. Breaking glass ceilings and creating unique opportunities is a specialty of Dr. Haynes. When COVID hit, she utilized the opportunity to engage the masses of hopeless travel enthusiasts by extending her services as a travel expert and contributing to notable media outlets. As such, her knowledge and expertise have been featured in leading media publications such as: Travel+Leisure, The Washington Post, USA Today, TripSavvy, Fodor’s, BRIDES, CNN, Real Simple, BBC, Reader’s Digest, Travel Noire and more totaling over 150 press hits in the span of four years. In addition to contributing, Dr. Haynes now works as a travel journalist for TravelPulse and The Compass and continues to contribute as a travel expert to many outlets worldwide.
Under the leadership of Dr. Haynes, Dynamite Travel is certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and the US Black Chamber of Commerce (USBC). Dr. Haynes serves as Treasurer and Board Member of the Central Florida chapter of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), is an active member of The Pride Chamber, Central Florida’s local LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the ForbesBLK Community.
Vincent Hunt, Founder, The Bureau of Creative Intelligence
Vincent Hunt, an American Entrepreneur, Multidisciplinary Creative, Advisor, and Facilitator, has been a pioneer in digital innovation since the inception of his Web Design and Development studio in Indianapolis, Indiana, back in the mid-1990s. Guided by a relentless pursuit of creative excellence, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of invention and innovation across the digital domain.
Today, as the founder of The Bureau of Creative Intelligence (BCI), a creative and strategic powerhouse committed to supporting creative and strategic pursuits of visionary leaders, builders and brands, Hunt works to fortify the company's sustainability and growth model. Embracing "Buildership" - a leadership model that leans into the flat organization movement - he has fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence that allows talent to thrive and contribute at the highest levels.
At BCI, Hunt drives the organization’s Creative and Strategic Generative AI practices, which entails leveraging Artificial Intelligence to enable rapid ideation, creative exploration, and strategic implementation. By harnessing the transformative potential of AI, these practices empower organizations to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape and seize opportunities in the emerging creative economy.
With a career marked by visionary leadership and an anything-is-possible attitude, Vincent Hunt's multifaceted contributions have been instrumental in shaping the future of technology and creativity. He continues to inspire and lead a new generation of forward-thinking visionaries, innovators, and brands, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and capabilities to unlock their full potential and meet future challenges head-on.
Jerry Mpufane, Senior Partner, The Moreti Partnership
Jerry connects the world with innovators, creators & storytellers The immediate past President of South African Tourism (USA/Canada) in New York, he was responsible for the promotion South Africa as a desirable business and leisure destination. The USA became South Africa’s Number 1 international source market during his tenure. In his role as the Global Creative Leader, Jerry developed campaign platforms across Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Far East, working with innovators and storytellers across the world Jerry is a member of the Net Good Summit, a global think tank on travel and environmental sustainability. A GLG Network Member, he shares marketing insights with GLG customers globally.
A member of the Institute for Real Growth - IRG100 Leadership 2023 Programme, he joined 100 CMOs from across the globe to learn and codesign humanised business growth practices. A Consultant at the Stanford Graduate School of Business Seed Programme, Jerry helps grow and scale entrepreneurial ventures in the developing economies A brand builder for more than 25 years, Jerry serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Brand South Africa, the nation’s official marketing agency. He also serves as an independent director of the board at TBWA South Africa, Africa’s leading communications agency group. He previously held executive-level positions at the M&C SAATCHI Group, FCB Africa, and the South African Broadcasting Corporation
Carolyn Ray, CEO & Editor, JourneyWoman
In 2023, Carolyn was named one of the most influential women in travel by TravelPulse for her advocacy for women over 50 in travel. Awarded with “Best Travel Blog” by TBEX in 2024, JourneyWoman is the longest-serving publication for solo women in the world, celebrating the wisdom of women over 50 and the joy of discovery that purposeful travel brings. As the largest website and community for women over 50 in the world, JourneyWoman's writers, readers and partners are inspired to make our world a better place, with an emphasis on sustainable, equitable and accessible travel for all women.
JourneyWoman also hosts the world’s only Women’s Travel Directory, with curated travel experiences from women-owned businesses and women-owned places to stay.
In June 2023, to further amplify women's voices, Carolyn invited the award-winning Soul of Travel Podcast to the JourneyWoman family. In August 2023, she launched the industry's first Women's Speaker's Bureau to address the lack of inclusion and diversity in the travel industry. She chairs the JourneyWoman Women’s Advisory Council and the JourneyWoman Awards for Women Over 50. She serves as the Chair of the Canadian chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), and is a member of Women Travel Leaders and a Herald for the Transformational Travel Council (TTC).
Carolyn has built and led businesses for over 30 years. She is ranked as one of Canada's top 100 female entrepreneurs on the PROFIT/ Chatelaine W100 list. Most recently, she was the CEO of Interbrand Canada, and sat on the Museum of Toronto Board of Directors for seven years.
Sophia Ward, Partner, Ward Ruddock PLLC + Content Creator
Sophia Ward graduated cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law and is a Partner at Ward Ruddock PLLC. She has received numerous accolades, including being named one of South Florida's 40 Under 40 Leaders of Today and Tomorrow by Legacy Magazine, one of the Top African American Attorneys in Florida by The National Black Lawyers, and one of the Top 50 Lawyers by America’s Top Lawyers. Additionally, she was honored as "Best Advocate" during her time as an Assistant Public Defender. Mrs. Ward is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
In addition to her legal career, Sophia is a sought-after content creator. Her brand, Sophia Renee, established in 2021, focuses on motherhood, family, and lifestyle. As a wife, mother, and successful trial lawyer, Sophia inspires women to navigate the challenges of motherhood, marriage, and career while creating meaningful family experiences through travel, hosting, and everyday activities. Her content includes family fun, travel tips, entertaining ideas, easy recipes, self-care advice, and insights on marriage and family life. Sophia has established herself as an authentic source of inspiration and advice for modern parenting, with a unique ability to incorporate travel into a busy lifestyle.
Sophia Renee has been featured in Yahoo News and on The Nick Cannon Show. As a content creator, she has collaborated with major brands such as Chevrolet, Macy’s, JW Marriott, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and more.
