In an era where sustainability is essential, women are emerging as powerful agents of change within the hospitality industry. As Managing Director of Green Key Global, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of women leaders driving transformative sustainability initiatives across hotels and tourism operations worldwide.
The hospitality industry is uniquely positioned to influence environmental and social progress, and women leaders have stepped into this challenge with courage, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose. Our ability to balance operational demands with long-term sustainability goals is shaping the future of our industry and the destinations we serve.
Current Landscape of Women in Hospitality Leadership
Despite making up a significant portion of the hospitality workforce, women remain under-represented in leadership roles. In the United States, women account for approximately 52% of all employees in the hospitality industry, but only 36% occupy leadership positions. In Canada, the disparity is similar, with women comprising 58% of the hospitality workforce, yet holding only 34% of leadership roles. (Source: Diversity Social)
When it comes to hotel ownership and development leadership roles, women hold less than 10% of these positions. (Source: Skift)
Empathy as a Catalyst for Change
Women in leadership often bring an empathetic and collaborative approach to problem-solving, which is critical when addressing complex challenges like climate change and resource conservation. This approach fosters teamwork, encourages diverse perspectives, and leads to innovative solutions that are both practical and impactful.
I’ve seen this in action through initiatives led by women hoteliers who prioritize not only environmental stewardship but also community engagement. From introducing waste-reduction programs to supporting local economies, their leadership extends far beyond the walls of their properties.
A Commitment to Future Generations
Sustainability is about more than protecting the planet—it’s about ensuring a future where communities thrive, and guests can continue to explore the beauty of the world responsibly. Women leaders in hospitality are uniquely attuned to this balance, often leveraging their roles to champion efforts that prioritize both people and the planet.
In the hospitality industry, women leaders are at the forefront of driving sustainability initiatives, exemplifying a commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Notably, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has launched the “Responsible Stay” initiative, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing to promote sustainable practices across hotels in the United States
This initiative is spearheaded under the leadership of AHLA’s President and CEO, Rosanna Maietta, who will be guiding the association’s sustainability efforts. Similarly, Beth McMahon, President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC), has been a strong advocate for environmental responsibility within the Canadian hospitality sector, leading an all women team. At Green Key Global our Board Chairperson, Heather McCrory, is guiding us lead the charge in providing sustainability certifications that empower hotels to implement eco-friendly practices.
Notable Women Leaders in Hospitality
Several more women have made significant strides in leading sustainable practices within the hospitality sector:
Amy Hulbert, Vice President, Boutique and Upscale Brands at BWH Hotel Group
A 25-year veteran of the hospitality design industry, Hulbert joined the company in 2010 and now leads the brand team in helping promote the successful growth and performance of its upscale and boutique brands.
At the helm of the design department for BWH Hotel Group for nearly a decade, she led the design of two of BWH Hotel Group’s newest brands – Vīb® and GLō®, and developed the conversion boutique brands Sadie and Aiden, and rolled out various prototypes for the company’s legacy brands. Hulbert is an industry thought leader and frequently shares her insight in forward-thinking articles and industry panels focused on hotel design trends.
Beth McMahon, President & CEO of HAC
For over 20 years, Beth has developed and shaped policies that bolster Canada’s economic and community resilience through her work with member-led associations. She credits the “incredibly smart and dedicated women on my Boards of Directors and teams” as being instrumental in delivering meaningful impact.
At the Hotel Association of Canada, the entire staff team is comprised of talented female leaders, each contributing to the future of hospitality. And, as an industry that employs a majority of women, HAC proudly celebrates International Women’s Day today and every day.
Bethanne Edwards, Director of Sustainability at Innisfree Hotels
With a background in environmental science, Bethanne is working as Director of Sustainability at Innisfree Hotels.
She finds the rapid evolution of the hospitality industry both exciting and challenging as they work to implement more sustainable practices. As Innisfree Hotels moves beyond aspiration and into actionable strategies, Bethanne says she is “continually inspired by our hotel leadership teams, who are not only prioritizing the Green Key program but are also championing positive change for our communities and the planet.”
Chelsea Hershelman, VP of Design & Development at CoralTree Hospitality
With 9+ years in hotel industry and now working as the VP of Design and Development at CoralTree Hospitality, Chelsea gets the opportunity to work with incredible collaborators from design to operations and everyone involved in creating a building
She seeks to leave the places, properties and people that she gets to work with better than she found them.
Claire Cutting, Senior Director, Global Sustainability at Marriott International
Currently serving as a Senior Director, Global Sustainability at Marriott International, Claire has been an industry veteran for more than 14 years. With her love of travel, and background in hospitality and facility operations, one of her biggest passions is to further the hotel industry’s environmental responsibilities.
According to Claire, “Nothing is more gratifying than seeing the passion with which our hotels embed sustainability in their operations. Getting certified for these efforts then allows them to share their amazing work, and our guests feel comfortable knowing their stays are not only exceptional, but responsible as well.”
Denise Naguib, Global Vice President, Sustainable Operations and Stakeholder Relations at Marriott International
With more than 19 years in hospitality, Denise is the Global Vice President, Sustainable Operations and Stakeholder Relations at Marriott International.
One of her greatest pleasures is supporting her hotels in their sustainability journeys. And engaging them to pursue sustainability certifications is an incredible way to both support the hotel teams with identifying opportunities for continual improvement, and to our guests to understand what the hotels are doing to make a positive impact wherever they do business!
Heather McCrory, Board Chairperson at Green Key Global
A key industry influencer for 25+ years, Heather is now the Chairperson of our Board at Green Key Global.
According to her, “Sustainability and leadership both demand vision, resilience, and action. With 40 years in the hospitality industry, I’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary impact of strong female leadership. At Green Key Global, we are proud to support women who are driving innovation, fostering sustainability, and shaping a greener future for hospitality.”
Marina Elsener, Executive Director, Sustainability for Raffles & Fairmont
With more than 10 years in the hotel industry, Marina is the Executive Director, Sustainability for Raffles & Fairmont, two of Accor’s renowned luxury brands.
Over the past ~7 years, Marina has held progressive sustainability roles with Accor. With a diverse background in luxury hotel operations, Marina possesses a holistic understanding of the hospitality industry’s inner workings. Notably, Marina led Accor’s Zero Single-Use Plastic Initiative across North and Central America from 2020-2022, resulting in the elimination of all single-use plastics from the guest experience at over 100 hotels. In 2021, she was recognized as one of KML’s “Top 30 Under 30” in foodservice and hospitality. And, most recently, in 2024, she successfully led the achievement of third-party sustainability certifications for all Fairmont hotels globally.
Marina also serves on the Executive Committee of the American Hotel & Lodging Association Sustainability Committee. With a deep commitment to advancing sustainability in the luxury hospitality space, she remains dedicated to inspiring positive change within the industry.
Megan Brumagim, VP, Upscale Brands & Chief Sustainability Officer at Choice Hotels
With more than 13 years in the hospitality industry, Megan is now the Vice President for Upscale Brands & Chief Sustainability Officer at Choice Hotels.
She believes “endeavoring to make any company – and any hotel – more sustainable is a journey.” At Choice Hotels, they’ve relaunched the Room to be Green program across all brands globally, measured their Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon footprint for the first time, and installed three beehives at their corporate headquarters to help support local biodiversity. She further believes that “while there’s always more work to do, we’re proud of our progress at Choice Hotels because we know that all of our collective actions, large and small, can add up to a significant impact.”
Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of AHLA
Throughout her career, Rosanna has championed policies that drive positive change for the hospitality industry—and advancing the workforce and the women who work in it is a critical component of that.
According to her, “Women leaders are breaking barriers and shaping a more inclusive and responsible industry that provides access and opportunity to all. At AHLA, we are empowering women to lead with confidence, ensuring hospitality continues to thrive for generations to come.”
These women exemplify the growing influence of female leadership in promoting sustainable hospitality. Their efforts align with the industry’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced by initiatives like “Responsible Stay.” By prioritizing sustainability, they are not only enhancing guest experiences but also ensuring the long-term viability of the hospitality industry
Breaking Barriers and Leading by Example
While women’s representation in leadership positions across the industry is growing, challenges remain. Breaking through traditional barriers to lead in a male-dominated field is no small feat, but women have risen to the occasion, proving that their voices are essential to the conversation about sustainable hospitality.
As women leaders, we have the responsibility to pave the way for future generations, ensuring that our contributions leave a lasting legacy. Whether it’s by mentoring young professionals, advocating for sustainable policies, or sharing success stories, we have the power to drive meaningful change.
A Call to Action
The role of women in driving sustainability in hospitality is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity. Our industry is at a crossroads where decisive, innovative leadership is critical to addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow. Women have proven time and again that we are not just participants in this movement but leaders of it.
As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8th, it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of these leaders. Their dedication to sustainability serves as an inspiration, highlighting the critical role that women play in shaping a more responsible and eco-conscious future for hospitality.
To all the women in hospitality, whether you’re just starting your journey or are well-established in your career, know that your contributions matter. Your voice, your ideas, and your leadership are shaping a more sustainable future for our industry and beyond.
Let’s continue to lead with purpose, inspire those around us, and make a tangible impact on the world. Together, we can create a hospitality industry that truly reflects the values of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
