When we consider travel’s current state and future, it is apparent that Black female entrepreneurs are and will continue to play an important role. For example, the five entrepreneurs listed here are just a few of the numerous Black women influencing the travel business. They are more than just entrepreneurs; they are leaders, innovators, and storytellers. Their contributions are influencing the way we travel, one journey at a time. Furthermore, the work of these five women teaches us that travel is more than just sightseeing; it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect.
1. Evita Robinson – The Community Builder
Evita Robinson is the driving force behind Nomadness Travel Tribe, an online community that has transformed black travel. With over 20,000 members, Nomadness is a movement. Evita’s mission was to create a platform where people of color could share their stories, wisdom, and inspiration. The end effect is a thriving community that defies prejudices and celebrates variety. But Evita’s impact extends far beyond community development. She also ensures that Black travelers are seen, heard, and catered to.
2. Kellee Edwards – The Adventurer
Kellee Edwards is a woman of many talents. As a pilot, scuba diver, and explorer, she’s a pioneer in every sense of the word. Kellee’s passion for adventure has taken her to some of the world’s most remote corners, and she’s breaking barriers along the way. But what sets Kellee apart is her commitment to diversity in travel. Through her platform, she highlights destinations often overlooked by mainstream media and shares stories that broaden our understanding of the world. Her work is a reminder that the spirit of adventure knows no bounds.
3. Martinique Lewis – The Change Maker
Martinique Lewis is a force to be reckoned with. As a diversity in travel consultant, her mission is clear: to make the travel industry more inclusive. Martinique’s work addresses the challenges travelers of color face and offers practical solutions to improve their experiences. Her impact is visible in her ABC Travel Greenbook App, a global resource connecting travelers to the African Diaspora.
4. Stephanie M. Jones – The Necessary Disruptor
Stephanie M. Jones is the visionary Founder & CEO of the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance, Inc. (CHEA). CHEA is a pioneering organization dedicated to transforming the travel and tourism landscape through innovative, sustainable initiatives that empower BIPOC businesses. With an impressive track record as a travel and tourism thought leader, Jones has introduced award-winning programs that leverage tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and wealth-building among small, underrepresented BIPOC tourism enterprises. She is also the first Black woman to launch a podcast for the travel and tourism industry showcasing innovators, change agents, and necessary disruptors creating positive change in the industry.
5. Tiffany Aliche – The Financial Educator
While Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche may not be a traditional travel entrepreneur, her influence on the travel industry is undeniable. As a financial educator, Tiffany has empowered countless individuals to take control of their finances and, by extension, their ability to travel. Her practical, relatable advice helps people break down the barriers that may prevent them from seeing the world.