All are welcome!
NYSTIA acknowledges and advocates the need to cultivate diversity, equitability and inclusion (DEI) of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries of New York State. We encourage, equip and solicit best practices in workforce development, board building, and marketing and welcoming to diverse audiences (customers, visitors and guests).
NYSTIA's DEAI Committee meets virtually on the last Friday of every month to discuss new initiatives and outcomes, plan future events, share DEAI resources and New York State case studies, present on panels, and more. NYSTIA's DEAI Committee is open to all NYSTIA members!
Mission Statement:
The DEAI Committee will serve the members of NYSTIA by providing education, information and resources that support and encourage a more diverse, equitable and inclusive NYS tourism industry.
"This committee has accomplished so much within the past few years, and we are looking forward to continuing the work. We would love to see new faces with new ideas on how to move the conversation forward for the industry, its workforce, and the audience we want to reach."
- Olga Luz Tirado
NYSTIA DEAI Committee Co-Chair
Founder & President, O Communications & Solutions
“We are excited about how this committee can propel this conversation in our industry. Consider joining this committee and share your expertise in setting a plan of action that will lead to a stronger and unified visitor environment in New York State.”
- Nigar Hale
NYSTIA DEAI Committee Co-Chair
Executive Director, Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce
Join NYSTIA's DEAI Committee:
2024 NYSTIA's DEAI Committee Members:
Linda Ayares - Public Affairs Volunteer, Red Cross of Greater New York
Gerard Carroll - Senior Director of Advertising, Advance Media NY
Todd Garofano - Executive Director, Discover Schenectady
Nigar Hale - DEAI Committee Co-Chair, Executive Director, Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce
Tim James - Senior Sales Manager, Visit Rochester
Nikita Jankowski - President/Founder, Belesai Communications
Danae Jones-Persip - Senior Manager of Travel Trade and Programs, New York State Division of Tourism at Empire State Development
Karen Kuhl - Executive Director, Tour Cayuga
Nicole Mahoney - Committee Founder, CEO, Break the Ice Media
John Percy - President & CEO of Destination Niagara USA
Cassandra Razzi - Senior Digital Sales Manager, Orange 124
Olga Luz Tirado - DEAI Committee Co-Chair, Founder & President, O Communications & Solutions
Stacey Toussaint - Managing Director and Founder, Inside Out Tours
Rachele Markle - NYSTIA Staff Liaison