The GBTA WINiT Awards celebrate the trailblazing women who lead, inspire, and drive change. These remarkable women are recognized for their exceptional leadership, unwavering resilience, and unshakable confidence. We are excited to honor their outstanding achievements on a global scale, alongside the allies and organizations who champion their success.
Nominations will run June 2, 2024 – August 29, 2025.
The WINiT Top 50 Awards will be announced October 1, 2025. Pinnacle Award winners will be announced at the GBTA WINiT Gala on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Why Nominate?
By nominating a woman, you are acknowledging her work. You are telling the world that she is extraordinary and has an impact on others. You honor her accomplishments and contributions to the workplace.
Who Can Be Nominated?
We accept nominations for women leaders in the business travel-related industry worldwide. Previous nominees have included women from diverse backgrounds — executives, journalists, businesswomen, and media. We encourage diverse nominations of people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities. All nominees must hold a current position in a travel-related company or organization.
Pinnacle Awards
Outstanding Woman of the Year
Recognize the most talented and impactful woman in the industry. This is an extraordinary woman who inspires those around her.
Most Innovative Trailblazer
Celebrate women professionals who have broken traditional barriers and demonstrates a commitment to technological innovation.
Best Mentor/Coach – Female
Recognize a woman leader who is determined to elevate women in the travel-related industries.
Best Mentor/Coach – Male
Celebrate a male leader who is making a determined effort to elevate others and champions women in travel-related industries.
DEI Leadership Award
Recognize a female leader who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing for diversity, equity, and inclusion in business travel.
WatchHER: Future of the Workforce Award
Celebrate a woman from high school, college or university who has demonstrated exceptional impact through her achievements in academics, leadership, or extracurricular activities.
Company Achievement Award
Celebrate a company or organization that has created initiatives to support the professional development and advancement of women and are actively measuring and/or reporting its success.
WINiT Top 50 Awards
These are the women who are reinventing themselves and the workplace. They are leaning in and creating momentum that will be felt by those beyond their community and field. They are the new role models, who are driving the cultural shift towards lifetime learning and innovation.
Nominations in for the WINiT Top 50 can be submitted in any of the following categories:
The WINiT Top 50 - Women Innovating the Way We Travel
Is it a better product, a game-changing process, or an idea that improves the journey of the business traveler? This award honors the visionary and who has inspired others to join them in their efforts.
The WINiT Top 50 - Global Leaders with Global Impact
The Global Leaders with Global Impact Award recognizes a female leader who has made a significant impact on a global scale. These women are committed to making a positive difference in the world.
The WINiT Top 50 - Rising Female Leaders
Celebrate early career professional women who are high-performing future leaders. They represent the future of the industry, driving change and are identified as a thought leader. This award recognized a woman who is in the early stages of her career and is poised for continued success.
The WINiT Top 50 - FollowHER: Legends in the Industry
Recognize an exemplary leader in the business travel industry. She has been dedicated and committed to advancing women in the industry. She inspires and drives change.
How are Award Recipients Chosen?
Nominations are reviewed by our Selection Committee based on the information submitted. The Selection Committee members are each asked to evaluate the top nominees for each category on a ten-point scale. Nominee scores are averaged, and the highest-scoring nominee will win the award category. In the event of any conflict of interest where a committee member may need to review a nomination from their company or themselves, a colleague or any other scenario that may represent a conflict), a ‘stand-in’ committee member will evaluate the nomination and provide a score.
Meet the Selection Committee
Thank you to the 2024 WINiT Awards Selection Committee for your time, dedication, and thoughtful consideration. Your commitment to recognizing and uplifting exceptional women and allies in our industry is truly appreciated and makes these awards possible.
Anne Feeney
Assistant Vice President, Global Sales
Enterprise Mobility
Emma Wilson
VP Global Marketing
SABRE
Laura Choules
Sr Director, Global Sales
Global Hotel Alliance
Linda Bekoe
CEO
APLBC
Kari Bigot
Vice President, Corporate Business Development
The Travel Team
Danielle Bilbao
Executive Director, Global Corporate Accounts
Accor
Cari Wurzbacher
Manager Government and Corporate Accounts
United Airlines
Janis Cannon
Advisor
GBTA WINiT
Mark Ziegler
Sr Travel Manager
NetApp
Robin Handley
SVP, Sales Enablement
Direct Travel
Robyn Grassanovits
Industry Leader
2024 WINiT Award Winners and WINiT Gala
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