Bessies Society
A distinguished circle of Bessie Award winners
Since the first Bessie Awards in 2019, the Bessies Society has grown to include more than 40 celebrated creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders recognized for their impact in travel.
Membership in the Bessies Society is by invitation only, extended exclusively to individuals and small business founders who have been honored with a Bessie Award. Together, these honorees form a prestigious community that represents the very best of innovation, leadership, and vision in the travel industry.
Who’s Recognized
The Bessies Society welcomes individual honorees and small business founders. Large corporations, government entities, and brand-led campaigns are celebrated through the Bessie Awards but are not part of the Society.
✨ In short: the Society honors the people behind the impact — the creators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers shaping the future of travel.
Member Benefits
Bessies Society members enjoy recognition and exclusive opportunities, including:
Lifetime ticket to the Bessie Awards
Invitation to the Bessies Finalist Dinner, an intimate gathering of finalists and Society members on the eve of the Awards
An influential role in selecting future winners, with Society members’ votes carrying special weight in the process
Prestige & recognition as part of a distinguished community of honorees
Exclusive access to a private online space for connection and collaboration
Networking opportunities to spark meaningful partnerships and ideas
Celebrating Excellence
The Bessies Society honors not only the achievements of its members, but also their continued contributions to making travel more inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
Members of the Bessies Society by Wanderful.
Cat Jones
Founder of Byway, a travel startup promoting sustainable and off-the-beaten-path journeys.
Christine Diaz
Co-Creator of On Airplane Mode, a platform inspiring meaningful travel experiences.
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka
Founder of Conservation Through Public Health, advancing wildlife conservation and public health in Uganda.
Kirstie Pike
Co-Creator of On Airplane Mode, a platform inspiring meaningful travel experiences.
Jaylyn Gough
Founder of Native Womens Wilderness, empowering Indigenous women through travel and leadership programs.
Marinel M. de Jesus Esq.
Co-leader of Himalayan Women Trail Leaders, empowering women in the Himalayas through trekking and sustainable tourism.
Millette Stambaugh
Writer and travel storyteller exploring the transformative power of solo travel for mothers.
Mingmar Dolma Sherpa
Co-leader of Himalayan Women Trail Leaders, empowering women in the Himalayas through trekking and sustainable tourism.
Shivya Nath
Founder of The Shooting Star, highlighting resilient communities and sustainable travel practices.
Sojourner White
Founder of Sojournies, train travel queen
Alexa West
Creator of Solo Girl's Travel Guide, empowering women to travel solo confidently.
Arabella Bowen
Co-founder of SoloTrvlr, a platform supporting solo travelers with disabilities.
Catarina Rivera
Dynamic public speaker, DEIA consultant, and content creator advocating for disability inclusion and accessibility as a disabled Latiné woman.
Kim Callender
Founder of SoloTrvlr, a platform supporting solo travelers with disabilities.
Nikki Vargas
Senior Editor of Fodor's Travel, Published Author, Founder of Unearth Women
Stephanie Jones
Tourism consultant, speaker, and strategist advancing equity for Black-owned businesses and communities in global travel.
Vanessa Fondeur-Adams
Founder of Latina World Travelers, promoting Latinx representation in travel.
Iris Serbanescu
Founder of wmnsWORK, a platform supporting women in the travel industry.
Jen Ruiz
Travel blogger and author at Jen on a Jet Plane
Jessica Serna
Creator of My Curly Adventures
Olivia Christine Perez
Travel content creator focusing on outdoor exploration and storytelling.
Roshni Patel
Founder of The Wanderlust Within
Rue Mapp
Founder of Outdoor Afro, connecting Black Americans with nature.
Wanda Duncan
Creator of Black Women Travel Podcast, amplifying Black women's voices in travel.
Anna Pollock
Founder of Conscious Travel, advocating for sustainable and ethical travel practices.
Christine Lozada
Travel content creator known for her adventurous spirit and storytelling.
Christine Winebrenner Irick
Founder of Lotus Sojourns and the Soul of Travel Podcast
Lebawit Lily Girma
Travel journalist and advocate for equitable tourism practices.
Meera Dattani
Creator of Unpacking Media Bias, promoting diverse narratives in travel media.
Shivani Ashoka
Creator of Unpacking Media Bias, promoting diverse narratives in travel media.
Tara Cappel
Founder of Sojrn, a platform for women travelers seeking meaningful experiences.
Vincie Ho
Founder of RISE Travel Institute, focusing on diversity and inclusion in travel education.
Alessandra Alonso
Founder of Women in Travel CIC, supporting women in the travel industry.
Alex Temblador
Writer and advocate for inclusive travel narratives.
Gabby Beckford
Founder of Packs Light, inspiring young travelers to explore the world.
Glo Atanmo
Travel content creator known for her vibrant storytelling and cultural exploration.
Lola Akinmade
Photographer, author, and co-founder of Local Purse, promoting local artisans through travel.
Preeti Suri
Founder of AdventureTripr, a platform connecting travelers with unique experiences.
Sara Mansouri
Co-founder of Local Purse, promoting local artisans through travel.
Cherae Robinson
Founder of Tastemakers Africa, connecting travelers with authentic African experiences.
Evita Robinson
Founder of Nomadness Travel Tribe, a community for travelers of color.
Kate McCulley
Founder of Adventurous Kate, inspiring solo female travelers.
Martinique Lewis
Diversity in travel advocate and founder of the Black Travel Alliance.
Annette Richmond
Founder of Fat Girls Traveling, promoting inclusive travel experiences.
Deidre Mathis
Founder of Wanderstay Hotels
Jessica Festa
Founder of Jessie on a Journey, focusing on sustainable and ethical travel.
Kelley Louise
Founder of Impact Travel Social Club, promoting social impact through travel.
Lisette Austin
Founder of Traveling My Roots and Jetset Lisette
Oneika Raymond
Travel journalist and TV host, inspiring others to explore the world.
Wendy Lee
Founder of Empty Nesters Hit the Road