Deidre Mathis is an award-winning hotelier, accomplished author, and avid world traveler who founded Wanderstay Hospitality Group (WHG) in 2018—a pioneering multi-concept hospitality brand based in Houston, Texas. Under her leadership, WHG encompasses Wanderstay Houston Hostel, a 24-bed hostel, and Wanderstay Boutique Hotel, a 10-room boutique hotel, both recognized for their innovative approach to hospitality. Mathis made history as the first Black woman to own and operate a hostel in the United States.In addition to running her hospitality brand, Mathis is the Director of the Wander Abroad Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing passports and study-abroad scholarships for underrepresented college students. To date, the foundation has funded 19 student scholarships and provided 6 passports, helping young adults access global experiences.An avid traveler who has explored over 50 countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, Mathis shares her travel insights in her book, Wanderlust for the Young, Broke Professional. She regularly speaks on topics like affordable travel, study-abroad benefits, and startup funding, captivating audiences with her expertise and passion.Mathis holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University, a master’s in Corporate Communications from Bowie State University, and a graduate certificate in Tourism Management from the George Washington School of Business. Her achievements include prestigious recognitions such as the 2023 Influential Woman in Hospitality Award by Questex’s Hotel Management, the 2021 BeyGOOD Small Business Grant, and the 2019 Tory Burch Fellowship. In 2020, she was named to the Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.Mathis is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and is married with three small children.Selected Accomplishments:Pitch Competitions and Grants: Secured over $205,000 in awards, including:1st Place, Bank of America/Mastercard GROW YOUR BIZ Competition1st Place, Urban League Local and National Pitch Competitions1st Place, Houston Liftoff CompetitionBeyoncé’s BeyGOOD/NAACP Small Business Grant RecipientProfessional Development Programs:Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Houston Cohort 35Tory Burch 2019 FellowNew Leaders Council (NLC) 2018 Houston FellowLeadership Houston, Class 371863 Pipeline Program Cohort 2