We asked six team members at Destination Toronto to share their perspectives on empowerment in tourism and hospitality, highlighting how the industry can uplift and support women at every stage of their careers.
Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day is also a call to action for accelerating gender parity. This year’s United Nations IWD theme is: “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
Kevie Carr, Event Planner
What does empowerment mean to you, and how has it shaped your journey in the tourism industry?
“Empowerment, to me, means having the confidence, resources, and support to create memorable and meaningful experiences. In the tourism and events industry, it has shaped my journey by allowing me to bring people together, spark joy, and craft unforgettable moments. Whether it’s designing engaging events, elevating guest experiences, or fostering connections, empowerment has given me the ability to think creatively, adapt, and make a lasting impact—all while having fun along the way!”
What is your favourite woman-owned Toronto business?
“My favorite woman-owned Toronto business is SugarKane on the Danforth. Owned by three incredible sisters, they serve up mouth-watering Caribbean meals while creating an amazing, vibrant atmosphere in the city. Their passion for food and community makes them a true gem in Toronto!”
Kelly Jackson, VP, Destination Development
How can the tourism industry better support and empower women at all levels, from frontline roles to leadership positions?
“No matter the industry or sector, encouraging women to see themselves as innovators and actively creating space for idea-sharing is key. When you couple that with consistent informal and formal recognition of individuals' contributions, you promote diversity of thought, build confidence and help women see the impact they can have.”
What is your favourite woman-owned Toronto business?
“The Rolling Pin bakery in North York. Three words: Crème brûlée donut.”
Aslihan Arikan, Sales Coordinator
How can the tourism industry better support and empower women at all levels, from frontline roles to leadership positions?
“Throughout my career in the tourism industry, including roles at the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) and Destination Toronto, I've had the privilege of working alongside women of all ages in various capacities. While women are well-represented across the industry, advancing into higher-paying leadership positions remains a challenge, often due to persistent gender biases. To break these barriers, the industry must actively promote gender diversity in leadership by fostering inclusive hiring practices and implementing targeted training and mentorship programs that equip women with the skills and opportunities needed to advance. By embracing these initiatives, the tourism sector can create a more equitable environment that empowers women at all levels, driving both innovation and sustainable growth.”
What is your favourite woman-owned Toronto business?
“One of my favorite woman-owned businesses in Toronto is Tubiscakes. Her creativity with baked goods is incredible, and she can accommodate various allergies and dietary restrictions. While she doesn’t have a storefront, she operates out of a commercial kitchen and maintains a high level of professionalism and kindness.
I first discovered Tubiscakes online when I needed a cake and specialty cookies for my sister’s baby shower, and she exceeded my expectations. As a bonus, she’s an avid traveler and often supports local Toronto cafés, sharing her favorites on her Instagram stories.”
Audree Atendido Director, Creative Marketing
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a woman in tourism, and how have you found empowerment through your ability to navigate them?
“I’ve spent nearly 20 years working in Creative and Marketing at Destination Toronto, and I’ve been fortunate to feel acknowledged, supported, and respected for my contributions. But I also recognize that this isn’t a given for all women in our industry—tourism and marketing, like many fields, still have biases that can create barriers to leadership and recognition.
I’ve certainly encountered moments where I was underestimated—whether it was having to prove my strategic thinking in a room where I was assumed to be the ‘creative one’ or ensuring my voice was heard in high-level discussions. To navigate this, I show up authentically, trust my skills and experience, and lead with confidence. But confidence also means staying open, curious, and always learning. Most importantly, I put in the work—earning success and, in turn, the respect of others when it’s not automatically given.
Challenges are inevitable, but I’ve found empowerment in mastering my own energy and reactions. No matter the circumstances, I choose to lead with kindness and respect—towards myself and others—knowing that how I show up is always within my control. And through my actions—whether it’s championing the voices of women on my team or ensuring credit is given where it’s due—I hope to inspire and uplift the incredible women around me.”
What is your favourite woman-owned Toronto business?
“Makeway in West Queen West has been on my radar for years as a standout woman-owned business in Toronto, celebrated for its commitment to empowerment, representation, and community. As North America’s first and only sneaker boutique for women, Makeway is entirely run and funded by women. Founded in 2020 to address the barriers women have historically faced in sneaker culture, it offers a safe, inclusive, and community-driven space that goes beyond retail—it’s a platform for celebrating and amplifying women in fashion, sports, and streetwear.
What sets Makeway apart is its deep ties to Toronto’s sports scene, particularly its partnerships with the Toronto Raptors and the newly established Toronto Tempo WNBA team. These collaborations extend beyond product drops, actively engaging in the city’s athletic culture and championing women in sports. Through exclusive designs and community initiatives, Makeway has amplified the visibility of women’s basketball while reinforcing the importance of inclusivity in both fashion and athletics.
It’s inspiring to see a business that not only carves out space for women in this industry but also uses its influence to uplift others—something I admire.”
Denise Belgrove, Account Manager Partnerships
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to build a career in tourism, and how can they advocate for their own empowerment?
“Three things immediately come to mind for me, that I think would serve someone well who is just starting out. First, lead with authenticity. People appreciate when you are genuine, it’s important to let your personality shine through along with your experience, knowledge and skills. Second, be in the room. Engage with industry associations, volunteer for committees, boards, events or any opportunities that will help you network and learn. It’s a great way to build your knowledge about the industry and to build your resume of engagement. And finally, Be your own advocate. Don't be afraid to put your name forward, or apply for positions which have the potential for career advancement. Think strategically, be open to diverse roles and experiences, which can help you build a well-rounded skill set.”
What is your favourite woman-owned Toronto business?
“Mary's Brigadeiro on Danforth is a must hit. Quality chocolate, amazing cookies and lots of Yumminess.”
Rebecca Koole, Digital and Content Specialist
What does empowerment mean to you, and how has it shaped your journey in the tourism industry?
“Empowerment for me is owning my own voice, building connections and redefining leadership. As a young professional, I am learning that titles aren't everything. It's about influence, collaboration and lifting others as I grow. Finding mentors and supporting other women in the industry has been incredibly impactful in my career. I've really worked on my confidence. Once I started believing that my perspective mattered, others did too. Now that I've found my voice, I look for ways to amplify other women's voices.”
What is your favourite woman-owned Toronto business?
“My favourite woman owned business in Toronto is in the Annex, A Different Booklist, and is co-founded by Itah Sadu. There are many inspiring independent authors to choose from here. You can find books that you might have otherwise missed at other bookstores. They specialize in books from the African Caribbean Diaspora and the Global South.”
