7th Annual Women & Diversity Forum
Note: The Women & Diversity Forum is an optional session and takes place prior to the official Convention dates.
The Forum also requires a separate registration and fee to participate. Please see the full session description for more details.
Date: Sunday, October 20th
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $189 (billed to property statement) - Includes light breakfast, lunch, beverages and afternoon snack.
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel by Friday, September 27th to avoid being billed the registration fee of $189 USD. No shows will also be billed the full registration fee.
Join us for our 7th Annual Women & Diversity forum, taking place on Sunday, October 20th, in conjunction with our Annual Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. We are preparing an impactful agenda focuses on celebrating women and diversity in our brand, industry and hotels.
The Women & Diversity forum is an inclusive event featuring a mix of content designed to inspire, connect, and energize our audience while providing useful takeaways to enhance your work and personal life. This event is open to all of our valued BWH Hotels family members.
Featured Speakers
Rashmi Airan
As a first-generation immigrant of Indian descent and the eldest of three daughters, Rashmi was raised with lofty expectations for achievement. Besides being a devoted mother of two, she excelled as a lawyer, graduating with honors from Columbia Law School. After gaining experience at several major corporations, she embarked on an independent law practice in Miami, Florida.
During the housing boom, she was drawn into collaboration with a local real estate developer who later engaged in questionable business practices. Driven by her desire for financial success and to provide the best life for her children, Rashmi developed an ethical blind spot and refrained from questioning her client’s actions, despite her inner voice urging her to do so. Her involvement led to a federal prison sentence for bank fraud, along with a multi-million-dollar judgment against her future earnings, mandated community service hours, and three years of supervised release.
During her six months in federal prison, Rashmi found inner peace and self-forgiveness. This life-changing experience humbled her greatly but also imparted invaluable personal and professional lessons. She realized that living with remorse is one thing but allowing it to define one’s identity is another.
Click HERE to read her full bio.
Mercedes Blanco
Mercedes Blanco is a Corporate Leader Executive with over 15 years of experience in Travel & Hospitality, she is passionate about creating value through digital-tech solutions, as well as fighting for women empowerment. Prior to The Hotels Network, as Chief Partnerships Officer, she worked at BCV a Rategain Company, Microsoft and AC Hotels by Marriott among others.
She has two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees under her belt, including Tourism Management from IE Business School and a PDP in Digital Marketing from Harvard University.
Mercedes has been a dedicated member of the travel industry at-large. She is active member of the Sales Americas Advisory Board at HSMAI, and founding member of Women in Travel THRIVE. She was recognized as Top 50 Women in Travel by WINiT by GBTA and one of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds by HSMAI.