GBTA WINiT Elects New Advisory Leaders, Launches International Women’s Day Event 

International Women’s Day on March 8 is a “global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.” Mark your calendar to join GBTA WINiT for a live virtual event: “Celebrating our Voices on International Women’s Day. A Day to #EmbraceEquity” (register here) 
 
The WINiT event is free and open to all to attend. Join this celebration of women’s voices and accomplishments as part of this worldwide engagement and collective action in advancing women’s equality.  
 
GBTA WINiT also welcomes two new elected industry leaders to its Strategic Advisory Board: Patricia Huska, Chief People Officer at American Express GBT and Laura Smith, Executive Vice President Global Sales & Customer Experience at Hertz Corporation. 
 
Both Patricia and Laura have been a part of the WINiT Advisory Board and have been active committee leaders. They will share the position most recently held by Beth Kinerk, who steps down to focus on her new role of Vice President of the GBTA Allied Leadership Council.  
 
As GBTA WINiT moves into the GBTA Foundation as a program in its “People and Planet” mission, the WINiT leaders are committed to accelerating advancement for all women, and to lay the foundation for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, continuing to progress toward gender equity in the business travel industry.   
 
Beth Kinerk said: “To my WINiT family, thank you for allowing me to serve as your Vice Chair. Although I am stepping down as the Vice Chair for WINiT in order to focus on my new role as Vice President of the Allied Leadership Council (ALC), I will continue my commitment serving on the WINiT Advisory Board. My advocacy and passion for our collective cause of awareness and inclusion remains stronger than ever.   
 
I want to thank Mick Lee and Dorothy Dowling for providing me this privilege to serve as Vice Chair. Your inspiration and friendship is something that I always cherish. I also want to thank Laura Smith and Patty Huska for taking on the responsibility to lead and grow WINiT. We are in such great and capable hands with both of you.”    

Michelle “Mick” Lee said: “In August 2022 I advised the WINiT board that it was important we commence the process for succession planning across the leadership team at WINiT.  
 
Beth has been a supporter, advocate, and adviser for WINiT since 2015.  I am incredibly grateful for the impact she has had to the organization and to me personally, and it is wonderful that we will be able to benefit from her continued presence on the Board. 

Beth’s recent appointment to the ALC provided the opportunity for two of our proven and senior board members to be nominated for Co-Vice Chair roles – Laura and Patti.  I think they will make exceptional partners and Dorothy Dowling, our Senior Advisor, and I look forward to working with them. This new structure will ensure a smooth transition and ultimately the continued leadership evolution of WINiT.”