Unifying & Mobilizing

Travel Professionals Of Color

Message From The President

Betty Jones, President

Greetings From TPOC Family,

Many have stated, this year has turned into a COVID tsunami, wiping out everything in its path. Each week introduces another twist and turn to the storm. In many destinations we are worse off than we were in March. I pray all is well with you and yours and your spirits are up and whatever you do, do not become discouraged. Your resiliency through this will show your clients you were in it to win. They will be a witness to your story of perseverance. “THIS TOO WILL PASS”

I am pleased to announce the newest TPOC board member, Dr. Jan Roy. She comes to us with a very impressive background and will serve as our Educational Director. She is a professor, author, and motivational speaker. She has a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration from Roosevelt University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from National Louis University, both in Chicago, IL. Dr. Roy also holds a PhD in Business Leadership from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN and has her Certified Travel Agent (CTA) Certification. We look forward to her ideas as we strengthen and revise our educational component. She will also work closely with our Heritage and History team.

As I mentioned in previous newsletters our number one goal is growth, and sustainability within the association. I am excited that we have forged a partnership with host agency KHM Travel Group, headquartered in Brunswick, Ohio. Currently listed as number 40 on Travel weekly’s 2020 Power list. We feel KHM will serve as advocates for representation and recognition for all people within the travel industry as they are committed to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity, inclusion, and equality.

We’re still growing! We would like to welcome our newest corporate member, Ron Gulaskey, Associate Vice President North America, National Accounts & Trade Relations with Celebrity Cruises and our newest associate member, Richard Krieger, Director with Sky Vacations, headquarters in New York, NY. We also welcome individual members, Karan Morrow, owner & travel consultant with Where2Next? Travel LLC in Atlanta, Georgia; Cheryl Jones, manager of Unique Weddings and Tours in Staten Island, NY; Cynthia Kerford, manager of CJS Travel Connections, located in Mesa, Arizona.

We can’t forget most recent additions, Tatjana LaGrone, manager of Dream Vacations by Tati, located in Elizabeth City, NC; Latasha Parker, manager of Diva with a Passport, located in Browns Mills, NJ; Laurence Pickney, manager of ZenBiz Travel, located in New York, NY; Delores Washington, manager of All Out Travel, located in Sun Lakes, AZ; Rosa Simmons manager of Shine Away Travel, located in Aiken, SC and Deneen Williams owner of Persona luggage tags located in Bowie, MD. I personally welcome each of you to the TPOC Family. Welcome aboard!

Betty Jones, President
Travel Professionals of Color