Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance

What Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance does

Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance (WHL Alliance) is a non-profit consortium founded in 2021 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that coordinates 33 member organizations working to advance women in hospitality leadership. The Alliance operates as a meta-organizational platform, amplifying the programs, messaging, and initiatives of its participating member organizations rather than delivering a single unified product. It serves two primary user groups: conference organizers, podcast hosts, and trade media seeking diverse women speakers, and women working across the hospitality industry who need access to leadership development, networking, mentorship, speaking opportunities, and media training resources. The organization has 5 employees and is led by founder Rachel Humphrey.

The Alliance's core deliverables include a Speaker Directory launched in August 2024 and hosted on the Softr platform to connect female hospitality executives with conference organizers, podcast producers, and trade media; a Media Training initiative launched in March 2025 offering a curated library of video recordings and downloadable PDF guides covering video interviews, podcasts, and panel preparation; a Resources & Support library featuring three PDF programs (Grow Your Voice, Build Your Brand, The Collective Power); and an Industry Events calendar highlighting events such as LendingCon, the Hospitality Hued Summit, and the NYC Women Leading Travel Leadership Exchange. The Alliance's technology stack is intentionally lightweight: a Wix-hosted website, a Softr-powered directory, and Google reCAPTCHA on contact forms. Member organizations include ForWard (AHLA Foundation), Unlocking Doors by Hilton, Women Own The Room by Wyndham, HERtels by Choice Hotels, HerOwnership (AAHOA), IHG LIFT, WINiT by GBTA, BLLA/TIEWN, Hospitality Hued, and the African Association of Women in Tourism and Hospitality (AAWTH).

The Alliance operates as a non-profit association rather than a revenue-generating business entity. No pricing model, funding rounds, or equity ownership structure is disclosed; the go-to-market motion is community-led, leveraging the networks of its 33 member organizations for outreach. Distribution and visibility are reinforced through earned media coverage in hospitality industry publications including Forbes, Hotel Management, Hotel Business, Asian Hospitality, and PhocusWire. Geographic reach extends beyond the United States to Canada, the Caribbean, and Africa via member organizations such as AAWTH, Women in Travel and Tourism International (Witti), and WITH-it, though the Alliance itself does not make a global footprint claim.

Name

Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance

Legal name

Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance

Website

https://whlalliance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance is a non-profit consortium of 33 member organizations, founded in 2021 in Atlanta, that advances women in hospitality leadership through a Speaker Directory, Media Training resources, an industry events calendar, and amplified member-organization programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hospitality Industry Association and Leadership Development

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (813920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Adult/Public Speaking Clubs & Community Organizations (EDAMAOAI), Customer/User Conferences & Client Advisory Boards (THAHAMAD)

Keywords

• Women leadership network
• Hospitality industry consortium
• Speaker directory platform
• Media training resources
• Professional development association

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Alliance is a consortium of 33 organizations that advances women in hospitality leadership by curating and amplifying member programs. Its directly delivered offerings include a Speaker Directory of female hospitality executives, a Media Training resource library (video/podcast/panel recordings plus PDF guides), downloadable Resources & Support PDFs on speaking and personal branding, and an Industry Events calendar. The primary beneficiaries are conference organizers, podcast hosts, trade media, and women hospitality professionals seeking leadership development.

Product overview

The Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance is a consortium-based organization (not a traditional software product) that offers a portfolio of programs and services to advance women in hospitality leadership. The core offerings include: a Speaker Directory (hosted on Softr platform) for connecting female executives with conference organizers and media opportunities; Media Training resources providing video recordings and PDF guides for developing media presence; Resources & Support featuring three downloadable PDF programs (Grow Your Voice, Build Your Brand, The Collective Power); an Industry Events calendar; and access to a network of 33+ member organizations. The Alliance functions as a meta-organizational platform that amplifies the programs and initiatives of its member organizations rather than operating as a single unified software product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Speaker Directory A curated database of talented female hospitality executives with subject matter expertise, hosted on the Softr platform. Serves conference organizers seeking to diversify their stages, podcast producers seeking interview guests, and trade media seeking publication experts.
• Media Training An online library of recordings covering video interviews, podcasts, and panels, with curated tools, training programs, and organizational partnerships to help women develop media skills from beginner to global stage levels. Includes downloadable PDF resources.
• Resources & Support Program A collection of downloadable PDF resources including Grow Your Voice (foundational speaking techniques), Build Your Brand (thought leadership and visibility), and The Collective Power (mentorship and organizational partnerships).
• Industry Events Calendar A directory and calendar of industry events relevant to women in hospitality, including LendingCon 2026, Hospitality Hued Summit, Hotel Data Conference, NYC Women Leading Travel Leadership Exchange, and WITH Awards.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Women Leaders in TravelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccelerate Women Leaders in Travel fosters a diverse community in hospitality, travel, and tourism, focusing on leadership development, relationship building, and empowerment through annual retreats with workshops, keynote speeches, and coaching.
• African Association of Women in Tourism and Hospitality (AAWTH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDedicated to fostering equal opportunities for all women of African descent operating in the hospitality and tourism industry.
• AHEADcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransforms the hospitality industry by intentionally uplifting and amplifying a culture representative of untapped talent through networking, recruiting, and exposure for students.
• Black Women of HospitalitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnites, inspires, and empowers women of color in the hospitality industry through resources, support, webinars, conferences, and events dedicated to career progression into senior leadership.
• Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) / TIEWNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Travel Industry Executive Women's Network (TIEWN) is a global organization founded in 2008 that empowers women in hospitality, tourism, and travel through leadership development and curated experiences. Powered by BLLA.
• Female Founders in HospitalitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA network of women building companies in the lodging and accommodations space, founded in 2022.
• ForWard (AHLA Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn AHLA Foundation initiative aimed at mentoring, educating, and leading women to the next level of their career. Elevating hospitality to the number one industry for women.
• HerOwnership (AAHOA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAAHOA's program launched in 2022 to foster, promote, and empower women entrepreneurs to pursue hotel ownership through networking and educational opportunities.
• HerteliercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn online media platform that enlightens and inspires women in hospitality to pursue, navigate, and nurture their careers at every stage through information sharing and conversation.
• HERtels by Choice HotelscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA program designed by women for women to empower female entrepreneurs throughout their hotel ownership journey.
• Hospitality Executive Women's Innovation CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrings together hospitality leaders and innovators to advance underrepresented communities and explore the role of technology in building communities and advancing careers.
• Hospitality HuedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMission focused on facilitating community for Black and Brown hospitality leaders across all segments to create more equitable and inclusive executive leadership teams and ownership groups.
• IHG LIFTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn owner growth program focused on creating hotel development opportunities for first-time hotel owners, helping unlock common barriers to ownership.
• Inspiring Women in HospitalitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFocused on achieving gender balance at all levels of hospitality, led by women.
• It's Personal Stories (Podcast)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA podcast series with over 200 interviews featuring prominent hospitality leaders sharing their career journeys. Founded in 2022 and recognized by the International Hospitality Institute as a top hospitality podcast.
• Latino Hotel Association (LHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDedicated to expanding the community of Latino and Hispanic hotel owners and operators through educational and networking opportunities for up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
• Light Her Way by G6coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA women's initiative launched in 2022 providing a franchise roadmap with knowledge and expertise for female entrepreneurs on the path to hotel ownership.
• New York City Women of Hospitality (NYCWOH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDedicated to creating a community of women and allies that fosters growth, education, networking, and professional development in the greater NYC area.
• RaizupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated to increase success and engagement in the workplace for women and underrepresented groups, enabling companies to attract, develop, and retain diverse talent.
• RIDE with Red RoofcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn initiative to expand diversity in hotel ownership and entrepreneurship for women and underrepresented groups via access to capital, educational resources, networking, and vendor connections.
• She Has a Deal (SHaD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreates new pathways to hotel ownership and development for women through education, mentorship, industry connections, and investment opportunities.
• Unlocking Doors by HiltoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilds and supports a pipeline of the next generation of Hilton hotel owners and suppliers through education, networking, and access to affordable capital.
• WINiT by GBTAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA GBTA membership community focused on advancing women in the business travel industry.
• Women in Tourism and Hospitality (WITHORG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished in 2017, hosts an annual summit dedicated to advancing women in leadership, C-suite, executive roles, and ownership. Delegates from across the US, Canada, and Caribbean.
• Women in Tourism and Hospitality International (WITH-it)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers support, networking, resources, and mentorship to women progressing in hospitality and tourism. Focuses on building, learning, connecting, and impacting women's economic and community power.
• Women in Travel (CIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAims to leverage the travel and tourism industry to provide women with opportunities for economic and individual potential through employability and entrepreneurship.
• Women in Travel and Tourism International (Witti)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps elevate women to senior leadership levels through raising awareness, increasing connectivity, celebrating successes, and convening industry stakeholders.
• Women in Travel THRIVEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA community and movement that propels women closer to equality in travel through connections, network, education, and tangible resources. All resources are free with no barriers to entry.
• Women Leading Travel (Skift Brand)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnites, inspires, and empowers executive women leaders by providing resources, support, and motivation for personal and professional growth in travel and hospitality.
• Women Own The Room by WyndhamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesigned to help overcome common barriers women face in hotel development and help them effectively open and run their hotels.
• Women's Travel Freelancer NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA global collective for fractional, freelance, and independent women working in travel and hospitality to help each other grow and trade recommendations.
• WORTH AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe leading association for women of recreation, tourism, and hospitality leadership, developing confident, connected women through mentorship, networking, and professional development.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• AHLA Foundation — ForWard: An AHLA Foundation initiative mentoring and educating women in hospitality, backed by the largest US hotel industry association — provides significantly more resources, brand authority, and corporate reach than the Alliance.

Direct peers

• Skift — Women Leading Travel: Skift's Women Leading Travel brand unites, inspires, and empowers executive women leaders in travel and hospitality — directly overlapping the Alliance's mission and target audience, with a comparable mix of events, resources, and editorial content.
• Women in Travel and Tourism International (WITTI): Helps elevate women to senior leadership in hospitality and tourism through awareness, connectivity, and convening — directly parallel to the Alliance's mission and a current participating member organization.
• BLLA / TIEWN: The Travel Industry Executive Women's Network, founded 2008, empowers women in hospitality and travel through leadership development and curated experiences — a longer-established direct peer and Alliance member.
• Hertelier: An online media platform that inspires women in hospitality through information sharing and conversation — directly comparable as a content-driven resource for the same audience, and an Alliance member organization.
• WORTH Association: The leading association for women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality leadership, providing mentorship, networking, and professional development — directly comparable in mission, audience, and programming.
• She Has a Deal: Creates pathways to hotel ownership and development for women through education, mentorship, and investment opportunities — overlapping the Alliance's leadership-development focus in hospitality, and one of its 33 member organizations.
• WINiT by GBTA: A GBTA membership community focused on advancing women in the business travel industry; comparable in serving women professionals in hospitality-adjacent travel, and one of the Alliance's 33 participating organizations.

Regional players

• African Association of Women in Tourism and Hospitality (AAWTH): Dedicated to fostering equal opportunities for women of African descent in hospitality and tourism — comparable mission with a regional (Africa) focus; provides the Alliance's only non-North American reach.

Emerging players

• Female Founders in Hospitality: A network of women building companies in lodging and accommodations, founded in 2022 — overlaps the Alliance's leadership-development scope with a narrower, founder-focused lens, and is an Alliance member.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/women-in-hospitality-leadership-alliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance