5 women thriving in hospitality and travel: Personal success stories

Barbara Muckermann’s journey to becoming President of the Cruise Line company Silversea is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Germany and now living in Monaco, Muckermann’s love affair with the sea began at an early age. Her childhood dreams of exploring distant shores and exotic destinations fueled her ambition to pursue a career in the travel industry and travel the world.

After earning her MBA from London Business School and Columbia University, Muckermann set sail on her professional journey, working her way through the ranks with determination and grit. Along the way, she faced challenges and setbacks, but she never wavered in her belief that luxury cruising could be more than just a mode of transportation—it could be a transformative experience.

Today, as the head of Silversea, Muckermann’s leadership is defined by her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. She is not just a President; she is a visionary, guiding her team towards new horizons and inspiring others to pursue their passions with courage and conviction.

Christine Gaudenzi, currently the Director of Marketing for Francis Ford Coppola Resorts/Hideaways, is a master storyteller. She weaves narratives that inspire and captivate audiences around the world. But her journey to success has been marked by more than creative genius; it’s been shaped by a deep-seated love for travel and a tireless dedication to her craft.

From her early days as a young marketing assistant, Gaudenzi knew she was destined for greatness. Armed with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she quickly rose through the ranks, earning the respect and admiration of those around her.

“Generous mentors throughout my career I think are the biggest factors to my arriving where I am now, blissfully working for Francis Ford Coppola’s collection of hideaways. Each of my mentors, including Chip Conley, truly invested their wisdom and experience in me with a balanced approach of letting me also carve my own creative path and take some risks.”

Today, Gaudenzi’s work is a testament to her creativity, as she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of luxury hospitality and travel.

“Most of all, I’m glad that I can role model for my young adult children that a woman can be a single parent who cherishes every milestone in their lives and moments together as a family. Ensuring some traditions always happen while I’m actively pursuing a career for both my own intellectual interests and desire to be productive while I provide them with the best education, and an occasional great getaway as a family.”

Diana Olivares’ journey to becoming General Manager of Latam Mexico is a testament to her unwavering determination and commitment to excellence. Born and raised in Mexico City, Olivares’ love for hospitality was instilled in her from a young age as she watched her parents build their own successful restaurant business from the ground up.

Inspired by their example, Diana set out to forge her own path in the world of luxury hospitality and travel, determined to make her mark on the industry. After years of hard work and dedication, she rose through the ranks, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues and peers.

Today, she leads with grace and purpose, guiding her team towards new heights of success and inspiring others to pursue their passions with courage and conviction. She is a shining example of what it means to be a leader in the modern world, proving that with humility and determination, anything is possible.

Maya Latinovic, currently the Vice President of Global Sales at Virgin Hotels, has been an avid traveler since an early age. Originally from Canada and now based in Miami, she represents the essence of leadership, diversity, and inclusion in the hospitality and travel industry.

Armed with a strong academic foundation and an unwavering commitment to excellence, she ventured into the dynamic realm of hospitality after working in Finance for years. She has always been home-based, so travel has been immersed in her everyday life since day one, and now, more than ever.

“Curiosity to see the world it’s just something I was born with. Learn the local language, eat the food and experience it all. Everything I ever received has come from travel, professional growth or personal growth.”

As the VP of Global Sales at Virgin Hotels and through her global explorations, Maya Latinovic plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s ethos of inclusivity and innovation. Under her leadership, Virgin Hotels has implemented various groundbreaking programs focused on diversity and inclusion, setting a new standard for the industry.

Maya Latinovic’s impact extends beyond the boardroom. She actively engages in community outreach programs and mentorship initiatives. Her passion for uplifting women and underrepresented minorities in the hospitality sector is extremely clear.

Originally from Brazil, Graziella Makdissi’s path to success has been paved with a deep love for hospitality and a relentless pursuit of perfection. From a young age, Makdissi was drawn to the world of luxury travel, captivated by the idea of creating unforgettable experiences for others. After improving her skills in sales and marketing, Makdissi found her calling as the Director of Luxury Leisure Sales at the new The St. Regis Longboat Key.

In her role, she has transformed her passion into a thriving career, curating bespoke experiences for discerning travelers and helping them create memories that will last a lifetime. Her journey transcends business achievements, encompassing personal growth through exploring various cultures during her travels.

Through these firsthand experiences, she not only enriches her understanding of the world but also leaves a positive imprint on the lives she encounters along the way.

“For me, success in the field of hospitality and travel has been built on a combination of experience, skills and enthusiasm. Also important is a continued commitment to excellence, constant development and a passionate dedication to providing exceptional experiences to our guests.”

These stories underscore that true success is not just about reaching the top; it’s about staying true to yourself, following your passions, and making a positive impact on the world around you.

Natalia Ordonez Durand , a contributor writer and Female Founder at BP Journey, introduced HOLA! to this inspiring list of women. For those seeking a career in travel and adventure, visit bpjourney.com.