Spotlight on Leslie Andrews, 2021 WINiT Top 50 Women in Travel Recipient

Leslie draws upon over 20 years of expertise in all facets of the Hospitality Industry and Higher Education. She has been asked to serve in various leadership capacities from leading travel programs to Academic Dean for an International school. Currently, Leslie is Director of Travel Category for JLL, as well as an ad hoc Professional Development Trainer, and Coach. Her academic experience includes college instruction, curriculum design, faculty development, and mentoring of adult learners. Activities: Co-Chair of Roosevelt University’s Heller Graduate School of Business Advisory Board, DePaul University ASK Mentor, member of Travel and Meetings Society (TAMS) Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Advisory Board Member for Travel and Leisure, ProcureCon Travel, and Southwest Airlines. Leslie is a pragmatic servant-leader relied upon for building innovative global travel and expense management systems, inclusive of custom organizational compliance practices. Additional areas of expertise include transformational facilitation, experiential learning, and faculty leadership. Leslie’s specialties include Hospitality Industry Leadership, Change Management, Performance Management, Diversity Consulting, Faculty Leadership, Group Facilitation and Moderator.

Why is the existence of a group like WINiT important in the industry?

Organizations such as WINiT are truly important to the industry, as they provide a safe place for women in industry to grow and thrive without fear or judgement. The programming provided within WINiT prepares women for successful executive careers within Hospitality. As we know the issues many women face in industry are unique to women, and WINiT provides guidance to successfully navigating these topics for personal success.

How do you feel about receiving this award from WINiT?

I am humbled to receive the award alongside so many amazing women. Celebrating women in our industry serves as a signal to women everywhere: “you can be successful in the Hospitality Industry.” As the industry transforms, we will need to attract and retain the best talent.

What advice would you give to women just starting their careers in business travel?

As you build your career in business travel, be sure to raise and nurture your business acumen, know the impact of your product/ service in the big scheme of things, and remain open to learning new methodologies.