Left to Right Melanie Neff (CIIC Account Director), Amy Sedeño, (CIIC Vice President), Jennifer Barnwell (Curator Hotel and Resorts President), and Yazmin Perez (CIIC Senior Account Executive)

International Women’s Month allows us to reflect on the achievements and accolades of the women within our agency and clients. At CIIC, we recognize the importance of empowering women by showcasing their talent, expertise, and leadership. Through a focused approach encompassing mentorship, content amplification, networking, and celebration of achievement, our impactful initiatives provide avenues to strengthen the voices of professional women.

Providing Mentorship and Guidance

CIIC's mentorship programs are finely tuned to address the unique needs of women, providing guidance, support, and resources to navigate careers. Pairing mentees with seasoned professionals allows for valuable guidance, support, and insights to navigate the challenges of a career in hospitality. This mentorship extends to CIIC's internship programs, providing hands-on experience and access to industry resources, thereby fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

One shining example of the transformative power of our internship program is highlighted in the blog post "My Study Abroad Highlights," penned by a former CIIC PR Graduate Intern. From navigating cultural nuances to mastering the art of effective communication across borders, the intern's journey serves as a testament to the global perspective and professional growth fostered within CIIC's dynamic community.

Amplifying Voices Through Content

Through compelling content creation across various mediums such as digital media, speaking opportunities, and social media, CIIC amplifies the voices of women leaders in hospitality. By sharing their experiences and expertise, coverage aims to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders. Our dedication to showcasing diverse perspectives not only enriches the industry dialogue but also fosters an inclusive environment for aspiring women leaders to thrive.

Through strategic media placements and thought leadership initiatives, CIIC was able to showcase Curator Hotel and Resorts President Jennifer Barnwell as an expert in the hospitality industry, as well as a dedicated wife and mother. Through our efforts in Thought Leadership initiatives, she has been featured on the Hospitality Daily Podcast, Skift Megatrends panel, along with The Savvy Ventures Radio Show, The Informed Podcast, Checking in with Anthony and Glenn, Barnwell was named by Hotel Management as one of 2023’s Most Influential Women in Hospitality.

Facilitating Networking and Collaboration

CIIC proudly facilitates networking and collaboration through thought leadership events, workshops, and networking opportunities. By fostering a supportive community, CIIC empowers women to share knowledge, resources, and best practices, driving collective success. A notable example is Yazmin Perez and Amy Sedeno's presentation at Crescent Hotel & Resorts' 2023 Commercial Conference, where they shared best practices for professional growth and development, specifically LinkedIn, underscoring CIIC's commitment to meaningful connections within the industry.

Additionally, our agency has coordinated numerous speaking opportunities on behalf of our clients at prestigious events, including the Independent Hotel Show, ILHA Inspire Conference ILHA Inspire Conference in the “Facing the Future: Hospitality Leaders on Shifting Travel Trends, Opportunities and Next Gen Guests” panel.

Celebrating Achievements

CIIC proudly celebrates and shines a spotlight on the accomplishments of women leaders in the hospitality sector by actively promoting their recognition in esteemed publications and reports. By showcasing inspiring figures, CIIC not only honors the individual's achievements but also ignites a spirit of ambition and excellence among aspiring professionals, propelling the industry forward into a more inclusive and dynamic future.

To underscore our commitment to celebrating women leaders, CIIC played a crucial role in championing our client, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, by highlighting the accomplishments of key female executives. Through our partnership with Women Leading Travel & Hospitality, we facilitated the prominent recognition of Chief Commercial Officer Dawn Gallagher in the prestigious 2024 Top Women in Travel & Hospitality Report. Furthermore, we proudly honored Nancy Johns, Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing & Digital Solutions, in Questex's Hotel Management as one of the 'Forty Over 40' Hospitality Leaders for 2024. These initiatives reflect CIIC's dedication to promoting gender diversity and acknowledging the outstanding contributions of women in shaping the hospitality industry's landscape.

As a WBENC certified woman-owned and operated agency for over 27 years, CIIC inherently understands the importance of supporting and celebrating women and our initiatives stand as beacons of progress - for our clients and our team. By providing mentorship, amplifying voices through compelling content, facilitating networking opportunities, and celebrating achievements, CIIC is not merely striving for gender equality but actively driving positive change.

Empowering Women: CIIC PR's Impactful Initiatives