Trailblazing Women in Hospitality: Pioneers Redefining Luxury and Leadership

The hospitality industry has long been defined by vision, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence—qualities embodied by the remarkable women who continue to break barriers and redefine luxury. In celebration of Women’s Month, we spotlight industry leaders who have not only shaped the global hospitality landscape but also paved the way for future generations of women. From hoteliers to culinary innovators and brand architects, these women are setting new standards in service, design, and guest experiences, all while championing community, sustainability, and cultural enrichment.

A trailblazer in global wellness, Aashica Khanna has transformed Ananda in the Himalayas into a world-renowned retreat. Under her leadership, the property has evolved to offer evidence-based wellness programs integrating Ayurveda, yoga, and traditional Chinese medicine. Through strategic expansion and innovation, Khanna ensures Ananda remains at the forefront of luxury wellness tourism.

A Wall Street powerhouse turned hospitality visionary, Lesley Goldwasser has infused The Betsy Hotel with an unparalleled cultural and philanthropic spirit. Born in Zimbabwe and a graduate of the University of Cape Town, Goldwasser’s leadership extends far beyond hospitality—she’s an art curator, a patron of the Miami Music Festival, and a champion of digital creators through The Betsy Orb. Her dedication to community impact is evident in her role as international board chair of Zara’s Center, an initiative providing essential services to orphaned children in Zimbabwe. Goldwasser’s ability to blend luxury with purpose makes her a true industry luminary.

With an eye for design and storytelling, Marine Giron-Galy has transformed Riviera Dining Group into a hospitality powerhouse. A former luxury fragrance developer, Giron-Galy co-founded MILA in 2017, crafting its distinctive identity and overseeing its expansion into a portfolio that includes MILA Omakase, MILA Lounge, and AVA. As Chief Brand Officer, she masterfully integrates branding, marketing, and guest experiences, ensuring RDG’s continued ascent in the world of luxury hospitality.

An industry veteran with over 15 years of experience, Maggie Houston Stokes is at the forefront of redefining urban hospitality. Starting as General Manager of Arlo NoMad, she later spearheaded the opening of Arlo Midtown before becoming the brand’s first Corporate Director of Operations. Her leadership prioritizes employee engagement and operational excellence, making Arlo Hotels a standout name in boutique hospitality.

Sofia Mascotena is rewriting the narrative of luxury travel with Naya Traveler, a women-led company dedicated to immersive and transformative journeys. Raised in Argentina’s Pampas region, Mascotena cultivated a deep appreciation for cultural respect and sustainable travel. Her company curates bespoke experiences for women, fostering empowerment through solo adventures and group explorations across destinations like Morocco, Japan, and Peru. With a philosophy centered on meaningful connection, Mascotena is redefining how women experience the world.

From coordinator to director, Laura Napolitano’s ascent at The Skylark exemplifies her expertise in luxury event planning. The exclusive NYC venue, known for its sky-high ambiance and curated experiences, thrives under Napolitano’s strategic vision in sales, marketing, and menu development. Her work continues to shape The Skylark’s reputation as a premier destination for elite gatherings.

A legacy built on family and innovation, Jessica Fuentes Victor carries forward the esteemed Café Avanti while revolutionizing Miami’s nightlife scene with Tomorrowland. From growing up in her father’s restaurant to co-owning a modern-day hospitality success story, Fuentes Victor’s journey is a testament to women balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood while redefining hospitality.

With nearly 25 years in luxury hospitality, Yosie Crespo brings a wealth of experience to The Perry Hotel Naples. Formerly with Trump Hotels, Accor Sofitel, and other elite brands, Crespo now drives sales and marketing strategies, positioning The Perry Hotel as a premier destination. Beyond business, she is a published writer and an advocate for charitable initiatives, demonstrating excellence both professionally and personally.

From museum dining to large-scale culinary innovation, Kaytlin Dangaran’s career spans a dynamic range of high-end gastronomy. As Regional Director of Culinary at Elior North America, she oversees Constellation Culinary Group, Design Cuisine, and Lancer Hospitality, elevating food experiences across multiple states. With a passion for farm-to-table and seasonally driven menus, Dangaran continues to shape the future of luxury dining.

As a pioneering force in Costa Rica’s eco-luxury sector, Vera Zeledón has spent decades blending hospitality with sustainability. Hotel Belmar’s closed-loop sustainability model and carbon-neutral farm, Finca Madre Tierra, reflect Zeledón’s vision for regenerative hospitality. Her work extends to cultural preservation, reinforcing Costa Rica’s heritage through initiatives like Celajes de Mi Tierra, a folkloric dance group. Zeledón’s leadership sets a gold standard in responsible tourism.

For over 150 years, Bettoja Hotels has embodied Italian hospitality, and Stefania Bettoja is ensuring that legacy continues. A graduate of the Cordon Bleu, she revolutionized the culinary offerings at Bettoja’s three Rome properties, integrating regional specialties while modernizing guest experiences. Beyond food, Bettoja led a massive renovation of the brand’s nearly 500 rooms, blending heritage with contemporary luxury.

These women are more than hospitality professionals—they are innovators, mentors, and cultural ambassadors who continue to push the boundaries of excellence. Their dedication to creating immersive, luxurious, and meaningful experiences leaves a lasting impact on the industry. As we celebrate Women’s Month, we recognize that their contributions extend beyond hospitality, shaping the future of leadership, community engagement, and global tourism.

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