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hertelier x Yvonne Joseph: Elevating Black Women in Hospitality Leadership
During Black History Month, hertelier kicked off an exciting collaboration with Yvonne Joseph to launch a special series focused on empowering Black women in the hotel industry. But guess what? We’re not limiting it to just one month!
While the hospitality industry is making strides in diversity, Black women remain underrepresented in executive roles. This initiative goes beyond highlighting challenges—it’s about offering real, actionable strategies to break through barriers and lead with confidence.
And here’s the thing: the insights Yvonne shares aren’t just for Black women. Any woman looking to secure sponsorships, executive training, and leadership opportunities will find serious value here.
The Silent Struggle for Advancement
Black women are a driving force in the hospitality industry—from front desk managers to hotel executives, event strategists, and corporate leaders. Yet, when it comes to executive leadership, boardroom influence, and high-level decision-making roles, their representation remains limited.
Not due to a lack of talent or ambition, but due to restricted access to key opportunities.
Sponsorship, executive training, and leadership development are career game-changers. However, many Black women don’t know where to find these opportunities, how to secure them, or how to leverage them for real growth.
If working to transition from middle management to the executive level, this guide provides a roadmap to securing high-level career opportunities in hospitality.
Sponsorship vs. Mentorship: Why Black Women Need Sponsors, Not Just Mentors
Many women are advised to "find a mentor" to navigate their careers. While mentorship is valuable, it alone won’t get you into executive leadership.
💡 What’s the Difference?
Mentor – Offers guidance and career advice.
Sponsor – Advocates for you in decision-making spaces and creates opportunities.
Here’s How You Can Secure a Sponsor in Hospitality
✅ Identify high-ranking leaders in your company or industry who hold influence.
✅ Develop a strong personal brand so that when people discuss you, they know your expertise.
✅ Speak up in meetings, take on visible projects, and showcase leadership potential.
✅ Don’t wait—ask for sponsorship. Try this approach:
“I admire your leadership and would love insight into executive growth. Would you be open to sponsoring me in my career?”
Sponsorship accelerates careers. Without it, talent alone won’t get you into leadership.
Executive Training & Leadership Development: The Fast Track to Career Growth
Top executives don’t just learn on the job—they invest in leadership training to sharpen skills and expand influence.
Benefits of Executive Training
✔ Direct access to top hospitality executives ✔ Builds leadership confidence, negotiation skills, and executive decision-making ✔ Increases chances of being recruited for high-level roles
Where Black Women in Hospitality Can Find Executive Training Programs
✅ Cornell University’s Executive Leadership for Hospitality Professionals – A world-renowned leadership training program.
✅ AHLA’s ForWard Leadership Program – A women’s leadership initiative supporting female executives in hospitality.
✅ She Has a Deal (SHaD) MasterClass – Led by Tracy Prigmore, focusing on hotel ownership and investment.
✅ The Advanced Leadership Institute Positioning Black leaders and their allies for executive advancement.
📌 Pro Tip: Some of these programs may offer scholarships or employer sponsorships. Do some research then ask your company if they provide funding for leadership development.
Investing in executive training opens doors to high-level leadership faster.
How to Get Leadership Opportunities & Industry Recognition
Even with sponsorship and training, you need visibility to secure leadership roles. Here are some ways to position yourself for future opportunities.
✅ Build Thought Leadership
Start sharing industry expertise on LinkedIn, at industry panels, and networking events. Write articles, speak at conferences, and establish yourself as a go-to industry voice.
✅ Join Industry Boards & Committees Many hospitality organizations have leadership committees seeking diverse perspectives. Consider joining:
Hospitality Hued
The National Association of Black Hotel Owners
AHLA’s Women in Lodging (WIL)
Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
✅ Apply for Leadership Roles—Even If You Don’t Feel “Ready”
Studies show that men apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the qualifications. Many Black women hesitate until they meet 100% of the criteria. It’s time to apply with confidence.
Leadership doesn’t come to those who wait—it comes to those who actively position themselves.
Your Next Steps Toward Executive Leadership
Black women in hospitality belong in leadership, ownership, and boardrooms.
But securing sponsorship, executive training, and leadership opportunities requires strategy.
Start Today!
📌 Identify a potential sponsor in your company or industry. 📌 Apply for one executive training program this year. 📌 Increase your visibility by engaging in industry conversations.
You are the next wave of Black women shaping the future of hospitality. It’s time to claim your seat at the table.
Yvonne Joseph is an Independent Brand Consultant & Strategic Advisor specializing in leadership positioning, executive visibility, and industry influence for women in tourism. She helps high-profile executives, policymakers, and industry pioneers position themselves as credible, visible, and influential leaders—ensuring that women in tourism are not just in leadership but are recognized as the global voices shaping the industry.