The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Foundation has announced its 2026 WINiT Top 50, honoring professionals who advance gender equity in business travel through innovation, mentorship, and support. This year’s recipients come from 36 organizations across 16 countries and five continents, reflecting the program’s expanding global reach. The list includes representatives from corporate travel firms, airlines, and consulting companies, with 40% of nominations submitted by teams outside the United States.
The WINiT (Women in Travel) initiative, now a 1,200-strong global network, centers on leadership development, professional connections, and mentorship. Bev Heinritz, Director of Foundation Programs at the GBTA Foundation, noted that the honorees are not only excelling in their careers but also creating opportunities for others. Each recipient will be awarded 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles in recognition of their contributions.
The 2026 Top 50 are divided into five categories, each with specific selection criteria. The “Women Innovating the Way We Travel” group recognizes 13 individuals driving transformative changes in business travel, including Sarah Boyd from Airlines Reporting Corporation and Stephanie Millichap from United Airlines. Their work demonstrates fresh approaches to industry challenges. Meanwhile, the “Global Leaders with Global Impact” category features eight professionals, such as Ana Paula Hernandez from BCD Travel and Suzanne Horner from Gray Dawes Travel, whose leadership extends the industry’s influence worldwide.
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A new category, “Allies in Action”, highlights two male leaders—Samuel Ross from Hilton and Johnny Schultheiss from Enterprise Mobility—who actively promote gender equity. Their inclusion signals a broader industry move toward inclusive leadership models. The “Rising Female Leaders” group includes 12 early-career professionals, such as Chelsea Carrasquillo from Southwest Airlines and Kristin Coss from American Airlines, who show strong potential for future leadership roles. The “FollowHer: Legends in the Industry” category celebrates 14 veteran leaders, including Tracy Loiacono from Corporate Traveler and Kimberly Parker from Southwest Airlines, who serve as mentors and advocates for women in the field.
The honorees will be celebrated at the 2026 GBTA WINiT Summit, taking place on October 27 in Dallas, under the theme Rise & Renew. The event will include sessions on leadership development, mentorship strategies, and gender equity, with participation from Enterprise Holdings, Career Frame, Airlines Reporting Corporation, and Cvent. Discussions will address resilience in leadership, allyship in the workplace, and enhancing travel safety for women, aligning with the program’s goal of building a more inclusive business travel sector.
Nominations for the 2027 WINiT Awards will open later this year, continuing the program’s cycle of recognition and professional growth. The 2026 honorees’ organizations, spanning travel management firms and airlines, demonstrate the industry’s broad participation. Unlike awards focused solely on technical skills, WINiT’s selection criteria prioritize impact and mentorship, setting it apart from other professional honors. The 50,000-mile reward from American Airlines, while symbolic, strengthens the program’s connection to the travel industry’s core operations.
