Sriramya Prathi, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”? When I first got into this business, I hated the idea of being a salesperson. It felt pushy and uncomfortable. But after sitting through countless webinars and vendor presentations, I realized sales doesn’t have to be […]
Laura Adams, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? I didn’t originally plan to work in the travel industry. Early in my career, I found myself in a position with a tour operator specializing in travel to Cuba. That experience opened my eyes to an industry I had […]
Susan Blume, CTC – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? My career started out as a part time job when I was 19 years old to make some extra money and help out a family friend who owned a travel agency that was growing very quickly. The more I […]
Norman Wray, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? I love travelling and exploring new places. I also love to help others. With that combination, it was an easy choice for me; so after early retirement from my job, I went full-time. Can you share a moment in […]
Usha Rao, CTC – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? My college degree was in the hospitality industry in India, but due to various circumstances I found myself needing to pivot away from it. I have always loved interacting with people and wanted to travel the world. So given […]
Jennifer Feeney, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? I was inspired by travel from a very young age. Growing up in New Jersey, my family made travel a regular part of our lives — trips to the Outer Banks, the West Coast, Ireland (my father’s birthplace), and […]
Stacey Cabell, CTIE – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? In the beginning, it wasn’t some big glamorous dream. I was a young mom on a very tight budget, but I still wanted my kids to experience travel and make memories together. I spent a lot of time figuring […]
Leah Wright, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? I have always loved to travel but didn’t get a chance much since my children are 8 years, as one graduated the other is entering Middle School. So I started taking Spring Breaks with my daughter and asking her […]
Joyce Britton, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? Travel had always been something I loved, but it wasn’t until April 2025 that it became something I understood. I embarked on a transatlantic cruise from Port Canaveral to Barcelona, a journey that unfolded slowly, and deliberately, across open […]
Tonya Adkism, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? Back in 2010, I was traveling frequently, and friends and family would constantly ask me to help them plan and book their vacations. I realized how much I genuinely enjoyed creating memorable travel experiences for others. Seeing their excitement—and […]