Stephanie M. Jones is the visionary Founder & CEO of the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance, Inc. (CHEA), a pioneering organization dedicated to transforming the travel and tourism landscape through innovative, sustainable tourism initiatives that empower BIPOC businesses. With an impressive track record as a travel and tourism thought leader, Jones has introduced award-winning programs that leverage tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and wealth-building among small, underrepresented BIPOC tourism enterprises.As a distinguished serial social entrepreneur and advocate for social impact, her leadership has given rise to significant initiatives like Blacks in Travel & Tourism, powered by CHEA, which aims to level the playing field for Black-owned travel businesses and entrepreneurs by preparing them for equitable industry opportunities. She has also launched the Black Tour Operators Network, Diversity Tourism Academy, and the Future of Black Tourism, each designed to foster inclusivity and access in tourism.Jones's consultancy extends to destinations and brands, including Visit Lauderdale and LA Tourism, where she develops programs that marry community-based tourism with corporate DEI, ESG, and minority supplier development strategies. Her innovative work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including one of 2024’s Most Influential Women in Travel by TravelPulse, 2024 Journey Woman Lifetime Achievement Bessie Award and 2022 Travel+Leisure Global Vision Award.An influential figure in tourism development, Jones serves on several advisory boards, including the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. Northstar Travel Group’s Black Travel Advisory Board and the Hurtigruten Group’s Black Traveler Advisory Board. Her expertise and dedication to social entrepreneurship in tourism earned her a spot as the only U.S.-based finalist in the 2021 UNWTO’s Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism. Jones is an Executive Member of the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences.Through her latest venture, Disrupt for Change, a media company on a mission to disrupt the travel & tourism industry, Jones is the executive producer & host of “The Necessary Disruptor with Stephanie M. Jones" podcast, featuring insightful discussions with industry disruptors. A transformational speaker, she frequently delivers keynotes at national and global conferences, addressing crucial topics like DEI, sustainable tourism, and the Black travel movement, underscoring her role as a leading voice in shaping the future of travel and tourism.
Listed skills include Public Relations, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Event Planning, and 26 others.