SCOTTSDALE, Az. — Hospitality industry veteran David Kong has launched DEI Advisors, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and other minority groups to achieve their career aspirations and advance the industry at all upper-executive levels.
Through interviews with industry leaders, DEI Advisors aims to share inspiration and guidance on how to overcome conscious and unconscious bias, feel comfortable in seeking advancements, triumph over structural barriers, establish networks, advocates and mentors, find strength and resilience in the face of adversity and better integrate their work and personal life.
The interviews will be distributed through social media channels and can also be accessed through DEIAdvisors.org. Some interviews already available include Geoff Ballotti (Wyndham Hotels & Resorts), Heather McCrory (Accor Hotels), Jagruti Panwala (Wealth Protection Strategies; 2019-2020 AAHOA Chairwoman), Mary Beth Cutshall (Amara Capital), Melissa Maher (Industry Executive), Peggy Berg (Castell Project), Sylvia Douglin (well-known trainer) and Renie Cavallari (author of Head Trash).
“I formed DEI Advisors as a non-profit organization to collect and share insights and learnings from industry leaders. While many companies are doing wonderful work in the areas of DEI, individuals must also be responsible – and feel empowered – for their own personal growth and career aspirations. Essentially, we’re aiming to prepare future leaders in the industry for the driver seat of their own journey, where they get to truly help create and advocate for their own destiny,” says Kong, principal and founder. “I’ve always been a champion for diversity, inclusion, and equity in the industry,” Kong said. “I’m now thrilled to take my passion and turn it into something that I truly hope will impact lives, change career trajectories, and make a difference.”
