The GBTA Foundation is hosting the 2025 WINiT Summit in New York to empower women in travel and leadership

Published on October 24, 2025

The GBTA Foundation, the purpose-driven chapter of the Global Business Travel Association, successfully hosted the 2025 WINIT Summit, Awards and Gala at Civic Hall in New York City yesterday. Marking its 11th year, GBTA WINiT, an acronym for Women in Travel, has consistently served as a transformative platform for empowering women across the travel industry. The program provides mentorship, career training, cutting-edge research, and increased awareness aimed at dismantling barriers to career advancement.

This year, under the inspiring theme “The Power of Possibility,” the summit welcomed more than 170 professionals, industry leaders and allies from around the world. The gathering focused on celebrating achievements, sharing valuable ideas, and accelerating progress toward gender equality in Acts.

A day focused on learning to inspire and connect

The day-long event offered a rich agenda of discussions, interactive sessions and leadership workshops designed to inspire participants and encourage actionable strategies for inclusion. Sessions explored important topics including mentorship, equitable workplace cultures, and collaborative efforts to create opportunities for women in business travel. Participants emphasized how intentional investment and systemic change can drive tangible progress across the global travel ecosystem.

Among the highlights was a friendly conversation featuring Anna Walth, Head of the Women’s Empowerment Principles Secretariat at UN Women, who joined Bev Heinritz, Director of Foundation Programs at GBTA, on the main stage. The discussion focused on accelerating organizational progress towards gender equality and included a deep dive into the WINiT Path to Parity initiative. The Path to Parity, launched at last year’s summit, sets a ten-year goal to achieve gender equality in the business travel sector, closely aligned with UN Women’s global goals.

Bev Heinritz also unveiled groundbreaking new research by the GBTA Foundation, made possible with support from WINiT partner Corporate Travel Management (CTM). The report, now available on the GBTA Foundation website and the GBTA Member Center, highlights persistent gender gaps and underscores the importance of leadership development programs, inclusive policies, and workplace initiatives that enhance advancement opportunities for women in business travel.

Learn about leadership and industry influence

The summit culminated in the highly anticipated WINiT Gala and Awards Ceremony, where more than 220 participants gathered to honor individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the advancement of women in the travel industry. The event recognized exemplary leadership, advocacy and ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality.

GBTA WINiT Award 2025 winners include:

Pinnacle Awards

• Outstanding Woman of the Year: Lori Richus, ARC
• Most Innovative Leader: Michelle Shepherd, Emporse

Leadership Awards

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Tammy Roth, Marriott International

Awards for individuals and companies

• Distinguished Mentor: Trish Earls, American Express
• Distinguished Guide: James Pugh, Southwest Airlines
• Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Award: Kira Lyn Johnson, Delta Air Lines
• Creating a company culture for women to advance and succeed: Serco
• WatchHER: The Future of the Workforce: Parker Durand, student at Villanova University

In addition, the program recently announced its award winners Top 50 women in travelTo celebrate the achievements of women who are shaping the future of the industry through leadership, innovation and advocacy.

Through its summit, research, mentorship programs and awards, GBTA WINiT continues to serve as a powerful driver of transformation in business travel. By promoting inclusive cultures, celebrating trailblazers, and providing actionable strategies, the initiative helps ensure women not only thrive today, but also lead the future of the global travel industry.

The 2025 GBTA WINiT Summit, Awards and Gala reinforced the transformative impact of mentorship, leadership and inclusive workplace practices in the business travel industry. By celebrating trailblazers, uncovering important research, and promoting initiatives like the Path to Equality, the GBTA Foundation not only highlights progress, but also drives actionable change toward gender equality. As the industry continues to evolve, WINiT remains a strong platform ensuring women in travel are supported, recognized and empowered to shape the future of global business travel.