The Women Making a Difference.
Our Leadership Team
TIEWN Executive Team
FOUNDER & CHAIRWOMAN
Frances Kiradjian
Founder & CEO of TIEWN
Founder & CEO of BLLA, StayBoutique & Boutique Money Group
“I've spent most of my adult life advocating for women in all professions. To feel the energy in the room, when 500 women from countries around the world get together to discuss opportunities and realities in our industry, is a driving force behind the persistence to see us winning and it is what energizes me to continue this work. There is an innate ability to take the lead to make things happen and when it comes to women, particularly in travel and hospitality, we're rising fast and furious, with passion and purpose. There are so many amazing leaders who now want to ensure their legacies are left for those who are coming up and looking for advice through friendship and mentorship. What is a legacy if you can't share it? These are exciting times and in the next few years, women will have the opportunity to clearly seize the day. Carpe diem!”
PRESIDENT
Ariela Kiradjian
President of TIEWN
Co-Founder & COO of BLLA, StayBoutique, and Boutique Money Group
“Hospitality has needed a voice to to advocate for gender equality in our industry. Since the launch of TIEWN in 2008, we have seen a lot of active change in the industry. However, it seems to be that we’re making women “post children” for companies to “prove” that their inclusive. When you look at who actually controls money in the industry, it’s rarely women. This is why I am a part of TIEWN.”
Kris Potter
TIEWN Board Liaison
Founder of The Potter Co.
“As a female executive in the travel industry, I continue to witness the unique challenges we encounter in the workplace. That’s why when I was asked to be a Board member of the TIEWN group I didn’t have to think twice about accepting this role. I have had the pleasure of working with diverse group of women throughout my career and the topic of equality in top leadership roles available to women continue to be a big part of our conversations.
Not only do I enjoy being part of an organization whose passion is to unite, empower, and educate our members, I have met and befriended some of the most amazing women in our industry. Being part of this group teaches me something new and inspires me every day…regardless of which side of the table I’m sitting on.”
Board Members
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Andrea Hutchinson
Industry Relations Director at Questex Travel & Hospitality Group
“I believe women’s empowerment as a global initiative has come a long way. It still surprises me however, that the depth and persistence of gender exploitation still exists in so many forms. So much work has been done by so many who have gone before us. There is still more to be done.
It became apparent to me that it was not enough to sit back and watch, but that it had to be an imperative on my part to support sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth by promoting women’s economic empowerment in the public and private sector.
The gender pay gap, women in business, entrepreneurship and trade and training young women in skills for the future are initiatives that require collective action and collective consciousness. This will enable us to move towards a place where legislation, policies and initiatives on women’s economic and personal empowerment are at the forefront of our worldview.”
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Nile Tuzun
Founder & Chief Creative Storyteller at Studio Nilebrand
"A woman who possess self worth, confidence and freedom to choose in regard to their private and professional choices can live a life free of domination and fear. And only when a woman is educated, well informed and empowered she can contribute to the overall development of a balanced society. It is not only important to remind women of their power but it is absolutely necessary and we can achieve this first through education.
Invisible it may seem, the power of the modern female has always lied in their creativity, resources and their femininity. Through TIEWN’s many different women’s empowerment initiatives, my goal is to remind and to educate the modern female that they’ve always had the power in them to live a happy, fullfilled and successful life in or outside of the board room.”
Advisory Board Member
Jessica Kramer
Founder of Hospitality Advisory
"I think it is so important to have networks for women that facilitate another level of support and mentoring amongst ourselves. Men have always had built-in networks and clubs, organizations, and sports through which business is done and their accomplishments are celebrated. Even as women are generally welcomed into those spaces today, they don't always reflect our unique challenges and needs. My best opportunities in life have come through my relationships and as I become more senior in hospitality, it is so important to me to give back through mentoring and thought leadership. Building and promoting strong female hospitality leaders make our industry that much better. When Ruth Bader Ginsburg was asked how many women on the Supreme Court would be enough, her response was 9 female justices. I dream of an industry with female GMs, female startup founders in hospitality tech, female professors teaching the next generation of hoteliers, and women being given the same opportunities as men throughout the travel and hospitality industry. I want to celebrate and elevate the talented women around me."
Advisory Board Member & PR Director
Kim Marshall
Co-Founder of S’Well the Agency
“I’ve had a three-decade love affair with the travel industry. That romance led me to the hospitality sector and then to the front lines of one of the industry’s most popular offshoots – wellness and spas. And guess what? Women have made up the majority of employees in each of those sectors and yet, all these years later…only 4% are in C-Suite positions! How could that be?
I believe that groups like TIEWN can get to the bottom of what is holding us back and be one of the avenues that teaches women how to reach out and help each other along the road to success. It’s time we talked about “Mean Girls” syndrome, Ageism and the “shut the door behind you” mentality that have often plagued female executives who actually made it to top tier positions. That’s why I am delighted to help serve on the TIEWN Board – it’s time to share tools and learn to build each other up, not tear each other down, applaud our fellow females and mentor one another. As a professional storyteller and brand builder, I’m thrilled to be a part of the conversation about how fellow females can be Workplace Wellness Warriors for each other.”
Advisory Board Member and Head of Membership
JILL LANGLEY
Business Development Manager for MSC Cruises
The Cruise Division of MSC Group, the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has two distinct brands within its structure - the contemporary and luxury brands.
“I’m extremely excited to embark on this adventure with TIEWN and look forward to interactions with the travel community through my extensive involvement with the industry over many years.
From my first interaction with the TIEWN Women in Travel & Hospitality Conference in 2023, I was impressed with the level of knowledge and expertise of the attendees as well as the organizers (BLLA) and speakers.
I look forward to a fruitful and fulfilling journey with the TIEWN organization including the founders and this wonderful Board of Advisors.”