In celebration of Women’s History Month this March, we’re introducing a group of remarkable women redefining hospitality and travel leadership.
These industry leaders are breaking barriers, fostering inclusion and driving innovation across hotels nationwide.
Lesley Goldwasser, Co-Owner, The Betsy – South Beach
In addition to being co-owner of The Betsy – South Beach, Lesley Goldwasser is managing partner of GreensLedge, an investment banking firm headquartered in NYC with offices in London, Tokyo and Seoul. Her visual arts curation at The Betsy has garnered worldwide attention, as she assembles exhibitions in over 20,000 square feet of wall space across nine separate galleries and property-wide hallways and stairways. She is also The Betsy’s curator of ambient music, having created expansive and varied playlists from 25,000 multi-genre musical works that play in an intentional and unique rotation throughout the hotel’s public spaces. Goldwasser’s commitment to giving back is reflected through her significant philanthropic work, including serving as international board chair of Zara’s Center, an after-school haven for vulnerable children in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (her hometown), which she established with her daughter, Rachael Goldwasser Plutzik, in 2008. Goldwasser is also co-president of the Plutzik Goldwasser Family Foundation, which supports education, youth, literature and Jewish communal causes. She is also a founding board member of the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival, which is in residence at The Betsy, and a board member of WOPHA (Women Photographers International Archive), a nonprofit founded to support the role of women in photography.
Allie Singer, VP of Commercial Strategy & Asset Management, SkyBeach Resort
Allie Singer, vice president of commercial strategy and asset management at Willner Realty & Development Co., leads the vision and growth behind SkyBeach Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. With more than 15 years of experience in hospitality, Singer has built a reputation for blending strategic leadership with creativity and community-driven development. Over the past year, Singer has been instrumental in guiding SkyBeach Resort through a major repositioning, which included large-scale renovations; the launch of SkyBeach Marina and the property’s new Mediterranean restaurant, Luma; and expanded lifestyle programming and strategic partnerships that strengthened the resort’s market presence and guest experience. She was recently named a Business Observer 40 Under 40 honoree, which celebrated her as a rising leader shaping the future of Florida’s business and hospitality landscape. Singer’s approach continues to elevate SkyBeach Resort as a community-centered destination while reinforcing the positive impact of women in the industry.
Sara Becnel, President, Sandestin Investments LLC
Sara Becnel is a hospitality-focused developer dedicated to creating experience-driven hotels and resort destinations rooted in thoughtful design and a strong sense of place. Her passion for travel and guest experience was shaped early on, growing up alongside her father, developer Tom Becnel, and gaining firsthand exposure to the development process behind landmark hospitality projects. She earned a degree in economics from Rollins College and built a strong operational foundation at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, where she served as director of retail and, later, executive director. In those roles, Becnel oversaw large-scale renovations, including a multimillion-dollar transformation of the Baytowne Conference Center. Now, as vice president of development, Becnel has played an integral role in delivering notable hospitality and mixed-use projects, including Hotel Effie, a 250-room luxury hotel featuring expansive meeting space, a luxury spa, a fitness center, and the area’s only rooftop pool and lounge, and Osprey Pointe, a luxury condominium development designed for short-term rentals. She is currently leading development on The Cascade, a 24-story luxury residential tower overlooking the Gulf.
Maggie Stokes, Corporate Director of Operations, Arlo Hotels
Inspired by Arlo Hotels’ avant-garde ethos and open-minded approach to hospitality, Maggie Houston Stokes joined the boutique hotel company in 2016 as general manager of Arlo NoMad. Following a highly successful tenure, she went on to help open Arlo Midtown in May 2021, ushering in the brand’s next flagship hotel in New York City. In July 2023, Stokes was appointed Arlo’s first corporate director of operations, a role that draws on more than 15 years of experience in hotel operations and employee engagement. Prior to Arlo, she held senior leadership roles with global hospitality brands including InterContinental and Hilton.
Heather Berti, SVP of People Services, Arlo Hotels
Heather Berti, SVP of people services at Arlo Hotels, has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality human resources, reflecting the vital role women play in shaping workplace culture, training and employee development across the industry. Berti is passionate about building inclusive, people-first environments throughout Arlo Hotels’ portfolio in New York City, Chicago and Miami. Since joining the brand in 2016, Berti has been instrumental in strengthening Arlo Hotels’ internal culture. Under her guidance, Arlo Hotels has earned recognition for its company culture, diverse workforce and strong employee retention.
Arnelda Broadaway, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Goodtime Hotel
Arnelda Broadaway is a hospitality and events professional with over 20 years of experience leading luxury catering sales, event strategy and brand activations across premier hotel properties nationwide. As director of sales and marketing at The Goodtime Hotel, she brings her signature energy and guest-centric approach, driving revenue and elevating the hotel’s position as one of Miami Beach’s most sought-after destinations. She has successfully led conferences, galas, brand activations and high-stakes meetings for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Recognized by Women We Admire in 2024 and Boutique Hotelier’s Hidden Heroes Award in 2025, Broadaway is known for her flawless execution and ability to anticipate client needs. Broadaway also serves as the senior project manager for the Udonis Haslem Foundation, a nonprofit that supports children and families in historically marginalized neighborhoods throughout South Florida through programs focused on youth development, mental health, community accessibility, small business support and affordable housing.
Misty Pacheco, Director of Sales, The Pensacola Beach Resort
Misty Pacheco serves as director of sales at The Pensacola Beach Resort, where she works closely with the hotel team to drive group business and elevate meetings and events across the property’s newly renovated event spaces. With more than 24 years of experience in hospitality in both Florida and New York City, Pacheco brings deep market knowledge and a relationship-driven approach. conAt The Pensacola Beach Resort, Pacheco continues to strengthen partnerships with local organizations, support the regional tourism economy and set a new standard for Gulf Coast events.
Yosie Crespo, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Perry Hotel Naples
Yosie Crespo serves as director of sales and marketing at The Perry Hotel Naples, where she oversees strategic sales plans, marketing campaigns and community outreach, positioning the property as a premier destination for both travelers and locals in the Naples-Collier County market. Crespo brings nearly 25 years of experience in luxury hotel and corporate sales, with past leadership roles at Trump Hotels, Accor Sofitel, Don Shula’s Hotel & Golf Courses, Wyndham, Marriott, Hilton and IHG. Known for her strategic, relationship-driven approach, Crespo is focused on driving awareness, building meaningful partnerships and guest loyalty while supporting continued community engagement at The Perry Hotel Naples.
Kierra Moore, General Manager, Arlo Chicago
Born and raised in Chicago, Kierra Moore is a hospitality leader whose career reflects the resilience, excellence and community-driven spirit of her hometown. She brings more than a decade of hospitality expertise to her role at Arlo Hotels, shaped by both her lived experience and her eight years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Transitioning from military life to hospitality, Moore carried forward a commitment to discipline, equity and people-first leadership, values that continue to guide her work. In 2023, Moore joined Arlo Chicago as director of operations and quickly emerged as a standout leader. Less than a year later, she was promoted to hotel manager, an achievement that underscores the importance of representation and opportunity in hospitality leadership. Today, the mother of four leads with purpose, resilience and a passion for empowering others.
Jennifer Hiblum, General Manager, Arlo Wynwood
Jennifer Hiblum serves as general manager of Arlo Wynwood, the first hotel to open in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood Arts District when it debuted in 2022. With more than 20 years of experience in boutique lifestyle hospitality, Hiblum is known for her hands-on leadership style and passion for highly personalized guest service. A native New Yorker, she spent nearly 15 years in the competitive Northeast market, where she honed her expertise as a high-level operator. Her career includes general manager roles with leading New York City hospitality brands, such as Viceroy Hotels & Resorts and Sixty Hotels. After relocating to Miami in 2019, Hiblum served as general manager of residences by Armani Casa, overseeing all back-of-house and resident-facing operations for the globally renowned luxury brand. In her current role, Hiblum leads day-to-day operations while cultivating meaningful community partnerships that celebrate Wynwood’s creative spirit and uphold Arlo’s signature “come as you are” ethos.
Jennifer Lombard Knight, General Manager, Hotel Effie Sandestin
Jennifer Lombard Knight serves as general manager of Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection, where she oversees day-to-day operations and leads the team in delivering distinctive, high-touch guest experiences rooted in Southern hospitality. With more than 18 years of global hospitality experience, Lombard Knight has worked across all hotel departments and international markets, bringing a thoughtful, people-driven approach to leadership. In her role, she is focused on expanding Hotel Effie’s programming and amenities, evolving its food and beverage offerings and strengthening wellness experiences at Spa Lilliana.
Sinem Kaya, General Manager, Novotel Miami Brickell
Sinem Kaya began her hospitality career as a customer relations manager in Istanbul, Turkey, before moving to Miami in 2009. She quickly rose into prominent guest experience leadership positions across the city at renowned establishments such as Conrad, Four Points by Sheraton and W South Beach. In 2012, Kaya joined Accor, taking on key roles that included overseeing guest services for the openings of SLS South Beach and The Redbury. She went on to serve as general manager of Kimpton Angler’s Hotel in South Beach before returning to Accor in 2023 as complex general manager for SLS Brickell and SLS LUX Brickell. Now, as general manager of Novotel Miami Brickell, Kaya guides the property’s continued evolution as a modern hub in the heart of the city, elevating service, operations and guest experience. Originally from a small town in Turkey, Kaya grew up surrounded by nature and a close-knit community that shaped her values and resilience. She now proudly calls Miami home and embraces the opportunity it has brought into her life.
