Global Conversations with Jeannette

Meet Jacqueline Pulido. Based in Mexico, she is the former A320 Captain for Volaris Airlines. She comes from a linage of travel professionals, her father was a pilot and her mother was a flight attendant. Jaqueline broke a glass ceiling while at Volaris Airlines, as the company's first woman pilot. She’s also the co-author of the book, Latinas in Aviation: Stories of passion, power, and breaking into the aviation industry. Now, as a mom, she continues her work in aviation as an Airbus 320 Type Rating Instructor and as an Aviation Safety Advocate.

Lizzie takes us on a virtual trip to the state Quintana Roo in México. The region is also known as the “Mexican Caribbean," which includes Cancún, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Listen as Lizzie shares more about her journey, including a pivotal moment as a teenager while traveling with her family in México, that inspired her to pursue a career in the travel and tourism industry.

Listen to my most heartfelt interview of all-time. Growing up, travel icon Samantha Brown inspired me to dream of working in the travel industry. Seeing the beauty of the world through her show was a true gift. And now, I have the great honor to interview her. Listen to her journey from living in New York to nearly missing (and boldly going) to her audition for the "best job in the world," to hosting a new show for the Travel Channel. It’s an inspiring story and testament to Samantha’s commitment and determination to achieve her dreams. From the Travel Channel to PBS, Samantha continues to pave the way for more women who aspire to work in the travel space. Now, she shares her love of family, community, and her show, Samantha Brown’s Places to Love. Find out what the number one question she gets asked is. In this conversation, I learned and gained even more admiration for Samantha. And I promise you will, too!

As we celebrate and honor Black History Month, there’s a must-read guidebook for every traveler — Moon U.S. Civil Rights Trail: A Traveler’s Guide to the People, Places, and Events that Made the Movement by Deborah D. Douglas. In this conversation, listen as Deborah shares about the historical U.S. Civil Rights Trail and movement. Discover what two or three-day itineraries you can plan for future trips while listening to her playlist on Spotify, U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Also, Deborah talks about everything from her childhood, her role models, and college to her inspiring career as an award-winning journalist, author, and Eugene S. Pulliam Distinguished Visiting Professor of Journalism at DePauw University.

On this week's episode, I chat with Dorji Dhradhul. He is the Director General of the Tourism Council of Bhutan. He shares the history, culture, and magic of Bhutan - and how the country is a living cultural museum. Dorji was the former Governor of the Gasa District in Bhutan that is also known as the Land of Happiness. He also wrote a book called Escapades Awakenings.

On this week's episode, I chat with Jennine Cohen. She's the Founder of Women Travel Leaders. Listen how Jennine helps women in the travel industry become the best versions of themselves. Jennine is a respected travel industry leader, luxury and adventure travel expert, and life coach for high performing travel industry professionals. She is frequently called upon as a media source and has been quoted in Travel & Leisure, AFAR, National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler, Vogue, Yahoo Travel, Fortune, Forbes, Vox News, and others. She was also selected as a Forbes Changemaker.

On this week's episode, Rodrigo Esponda Cascajares takes us on a journey to Los Cabos. He is the Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board and a member of the Tourism Diplomacy Council. Two years ago, I heard Rodrigo giving a presentation at ILTM Cannes on Los Cabos and its progress towards more sustainable tourism. Listen to our conversation, as Rodrigo shares how Los Cabos has been since reopening in June. And why Los Cabos continues to be a unique destination - from its UNESCO World Heritage sites, marine life like whale sharks, whales, sea turtles and more.

On this week's episode, I chat with Mickela Mallozzi. She is a four-time Emmy® Award-winning Host and Executive Producer of the travel series, Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi on PBS. As a former dance instructor in New York City, find out what inspired her to combine her passion of music, dance and travel - into her popular travel series, now in its third season. Mickela also shares about her family roots in Italy, DNA Travel, her love of airports, and much more.

Meet Leslie Rangel. As an award-winning journalist, Leslie shares about her Latin roots, the city of Austin, and her inspiring journey that lead her to be the morning anchor at Fox 7 Austin. Along the way, Leslie discovered yoga that was life-changing. As a result, she received her certification for teaching yoga, training in trauma-informed yoga, and meditation. Currently, she's learning Advanced Yoga Psychology with a licensed psychotherapist, yoga, and meditation teacher. Listen to our conversation, as Leslie shares how yoga can help journalists. And why she started The News Yogi.

For over 11 years, Beth Santos has been paving the way for more women in travel. As the Founder of Wanderful and the Women in Travel Summit, she has created a growing global community of women travelers. In this episode, Beth shares more about herself including her family roots in Portugal, her travels abroad to how she's been adapting and thriving during the pandemic. Also, Beth shares why she organized an ongoing virtual event, Moving Foward an Anti-Racism Town Hall for the travel industry.

Meet Fin Gómez. He's a White House Producer for CBS News. Fin has accomplished many firsts in his career, including being the first Latino on the White House Correspondent's Association Board. He's covered four presidential campaigns to date. On this episode, Fin shares about his Latino roots and inspiring stories of travel - to all 50 states in the US and 63 countries he's visited around the world.

For anyone who still has South Africa on their bucket list, Sonto is definitely the woman you want to know. On this episode, we get to know Sonto on a personal and professional level. As the former Global Manager of Business Tourism at South African Tourism (SAT), Sonto is now the CEO at the Limpopo Tourism Agency. Recently, her leadership at the Limpopo Tourism Agency was awarded the Top Gender-empowered Organization in Tourism by the Standard Bank Top Women Conference. This year, Sonto gave the keynote address to Limpopo Women in Tourism.

Hugo Balta shares why Hispanic and Latino voices in the media matter. He comes with an extensive background working as a journalist and producer in the media at MSNBC, Telemundo, ESPN, and NBC. Hugo is a diversity and inclusion specialist – and the former President of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Now, Hugo is the News Director at WTTW, the PBS station in Chicago, and the Host of Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices.

Learning about the African influence and culture in Latin America with Kim Haas. She's the Executive Producer and host of a new travel series currently airing on PBS. On this episode, Kim shares what propelled her to specifically focus on Afro-Latino issues for the past ten years. On the show, Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas, she explores and tells the much-needed stories of Afro-Latinos.

From Italy to the Yucatan jungle of México, Rocco Bova shares his worldly journey to becoming General Manager of the Chablé Yucatán. We further discuss how wellness, hospitality, and México are all aligned.

Over the years, Simon Mayle has been paving the way for The LGBTQ+ community and luxury travel. He's a strong voice and leader as the Event Director of ILTM Americas, ILTM Latin America, and PROUD Experiences. Simon shares who were his role models, how got started in the travel industry, how the public can amplify the LGBTQ+ community and be more inclusive. Such an insightful conversation, you don't want to miss it!

Let's meet Ernest White II. A journalist and travel writer, who worked hard for many years in the travel industry. Black, gay, and paving the way for a more inclusive travel movement. As the producer and host of television docu-series FLY BROTHER with Ernest White II, his show is now airing on Public Television Stations and Create TV nationwide.

What's happening in México? Listen to my conversation with Cairo Bermúdez in Spanish. She's a reporter and producer for the show, "México un Mundo de Turismo" on México Travel Channel.

Bella Cruz on the importance of accountability, mentors, and coaches. Author of the best-selling book, Accountability Performance: A High-Performance Coaching Tool for Leaders, Bella shares why mentors and coaches are different but equally important for a successful career.

What's happening in the cruising industry? Listen to my conversation with Dan Blanchard, the CEO and Captain of UnCruise Adventures. Based in Alaska, UnCruise Adventures is a non-traditional cruise line that focuses more on wilderness and unique experiences.

Let’s talk about Africa. Ever wanted to know more about this magical continent? Listen to my conversation with Kojo Bentum-Williams. He is the Senior Expert for Communications in AFRICA at the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the Managing Editor and Publisher of Africa’s leading travel and tourism publication, VoyagesAfriq Travel Magazine.

Who is Jeannette Ceja? Find out in this sneak peek of Global Conversations hosted by Jet Set with Jeannette.