Pauline Churchill, CTC – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? It was after I had moved from Britain to the United States and a friend needed some extra help. I asked a million questions, learned an airline system and how to deal with suppliers. It was a gradual journey. […]
Nuh Kimbwala, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? I love inquiry and the art of exploration. I believe travel is the gift that keeps on giving beyond measure and centers us in our being and becoming in relation to other cultures and places in our shared world. […]
Sara Ortiz, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? Growing up, I was captivated by shows like “The Love Boat” and “Fantasy Island,” which sparked my early interest in a travel career. The appeal of beautiful destinations always fascinated me. My first travel industry job was with a […]
Narkis Eserig, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? Pandemic hit, I had to find something I could do remotely as I had 2 young kids at home. I found out that I could become a travel advisor/agent and can do it from anywhere. I was already very knowledgeable with […]
Bruce Holt, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? I absolutely love traveling, and planning trips down to the smallest detail. Defining moment was transiting the Panama Canal, seeing the initial attempt to dig the canal….wow… Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This […]
Michelle Shumate, CTC – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? I’ve always loved planning trips—for myself, my family, and my friends. I realized early on that I enjoyed the research and organizing part just as much as the actual traveling. After my husband realized how often friends were asking […]
Shay Sabatino, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? I worked in banking for many years and was ready for a change. My husband was actually the one who gave me the idea to pursue a career in travel when I was planning one of our vacations. I […]
Michele Cartwright, CTA – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? When I started researching my first cruise in 2007, I became obsessed — in the best way possible. I dove deep into every detail. And after that first cruise? I was hooked. I began sharing my experiences and growing […]
Alex Pinelo, CTIE – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? Ever since I can remember I wanted to be in the travel business. Initially I wanted to be a pilot, but that soon changed after I took my first cruise. I fell in love with cruising and 40+ years […]
Wendy Burk, CTIE – Alumni Spotlight
What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment? Michigan State University and the University of Hawaii both had Travel Industry Management programs. That was an initial spark. But it was Hawaii. Our family would travel there each year, and from my first visit on it has continued […]