AHLA Foundation

We're LESS THAN ONE MONTH away from ForWard Conference 2025—it's not too late to register! 🎉 Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience. Just take it from Sarah Dinger: this is your chance to elevate your leadership and connect with inspiring women in the industry.

As part of our continued commitment to preventing trafficking and supporting survivors, we’re excited to announce the 2025 NRFT Survivor Fund grant process is now open! 🌟 If you’re part of a survivor-serving organization, or know one doing impactful work, encourage them to apply by submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) before April 9th! For more information, email NRFT@ahla.com. The grantees will be announced at the NRFT Summit on July 30th, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Thanks to Eliza McCoy, MPA (she/ella) for representing the Foundation, and to all the members from Red Roof, Extended Stay America, and Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. who joined us at the Atlanta Coalition Build to End Human Trafficking on March 25! We appreciate your participation in this important event, which brought together leaders from the transportation, hospitality, and law enforcement sectors to develop shared strategies in the fight against human trafficking in Georgia.

As #WomensHistoryMonth comes to a close, we’re proud to have celebrated incredible women leaders in hospitality all month long. From trailblazers to mentors, these are just ✨SOME✨ of the many women shaping the future of our industry and empowering others to rise alongside them. But the celebration isn't over! Join us in May at the Forward Conference in Atlanta, where we’ll continue to put the full power of women on display. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by some of the most dynamic women in hospitality. Register today! https://hubs.ly/Q03f5qSP0

We asked our immediate past chair, Julienne Smith at IHG Hotels & Resorts, what power means to her. Here's what she had to say: "Power is acting with humility, perseverance, kindness, and strength; being vulnerable and seeking truth. Power is acting upon conviction on what’s right and remaining steadfast - despite all odds. Power is embracing your influence and using it to lift others together more than yourself alone." We're grateful for her leadership on our Board of Trustees! #WHM2025 #WomensHistoryMonth

True power is rooted in character and excellence. Just ask Lexy Coley at Omni Hotels & Resorts: "[Power] means integrity, doing the right thing even when no one is looking. It is doing your work to the highest standard." #WHM2025 #WomensHistoryMonth

Ann Christenson at Aimbridge Hospitality is one of our Board of Trustees members. We asked her about her superpower: "My superpower is the ability to see potential in people before they see it in themselves. Throughout my career, I’ve found the greatest fulfillment in mentoring and empowering others, helping them unlock opportunities they never thought possible." #WHM2025 #WomensHistoryMonth

For Linda Theisen of Hilton Supply Management, POWER is about advocating for yourself and others: "It’s about self-assurance, resilience and the ability to advocate for yourself. Too often, women second-guess themselves or hesitate to take credit for their contributions. At every stage of my career, I’ve seen the difference it makes when women step into their power—not just for themselves, but for the next generation of leaders watching them." #WMH2025 #WomensHistoryMonth

“What you learn from obstacles or challenges often has a more profound impact than lessons learned from successes.” Wise words from our very own Jennifer Fugolo on embracing challenges. Read more in HOTEL MANAGEMENT Magazine — thanks, David Kong, for the feature!

We asked Beverly Behrens from Remington Hospitality about her SUPERPOWER: "Curiosity is my superpower as it drives learning, innovation, and personal growth." #WHM2025 #WomensHistoryMonth