She Leads, We Celebrate: Women of Tourism in Belize

Belize City, Belize, March 21, 2025– The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) hosted the She Leads, We Celebrate: Women of Tourism in Belize Networking Event today at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza. The event served as a platform to recognize and celebrate some of the remarkable women shaping Belize’s tourism industry.

This initiative is part of a month-long campaign launched in celebration of International Women’s History Month, observed annually in March. The primary objective of the campaign is to amplify the voices of women in tourism, promote their businesses, and inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs and professionals.

Through a nationwide nomination process from February 18 to February 26, twenty-five exceptional women from various fields within the tourism industry were identified, including hospitality, tour operations, cultural preservation, and culinary arts. Their inspiring stories have been shared throughout the month via a dedicated social media campaign under the hashtag #SheLeadsTourism, celebrating their contributions to the sector.

This morning commenced with welcome remarks delivered by Mrs. Michelle Bowers-Flowers, Director of Marketing, followed by remarks from CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports, and Diaspora Relations, Nicole Usher-Solano, who spoke on the theme, Women Who Lead: Shaping Tourism’s Future. The keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Lucy Fleming, a pioneer in Belize’s tourism landscape and co-founder/co-owner of The Lodge at Chaa Creek, who shared insights into leadership, resilience, and innovation. The event also featured an engaging panel discussion with three dynamic women in tourism, representing diverse aspects of the industry: Timotea Mesh (Founder, San Antonio Women’s Cooperative), Megs Yearwood (Owner, Barefoot Services), and Rebecca Rath (General Manager, Pelican Beach Resort). 

Each nominee was officially recognized for their achievements, reinforcing BTB’s commitment to empowering women in tourism. The event concluded with a networking cocktail sponsored by MADISCO, fostering meaningful connections and future collaborations.  The BTB extends its gratitude to sponsors, Courts and MADICSO, for their support of this initiative and their contributions to making this event a success. As we celebrate women’s achievements in tourism, we remain committed to fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and opportunities for future female leaders in the industry. 

For more information about the She Leads, We Celebrate Campaign follow the BTB’s social media platforms.

The 2025 Women in Tourism nominees include:

1. Simone Sleeuw – Bella’s Backpackers Guest House & Good Vibes Tours
2. Nalleli Yacab – Benque House of Culture
3. Sonia Castellanos – Rolson Hotel & Cocina
4. Desiree Arzu – Wabagari Dance Group Belize
5. Azucena Galvez – Clarissa Falls Resort
6. Rebecca Rath – Pelican Beach Resort
7. Uwahnie Martinez – Palmento Grove Garifuna Eco-Cultural & Healing Institute
8. Marguerite Miles – Belize River Lodge
9. Nedia Chaplin – Freelance Dive Instructor
10. Timotea Mesh – San Antonio Women’s Cooperative
11. Megs Yearwood – Barefoot Services 
12. Monique Vernon – Fragments of Hope
13. Shadini Zabaneh – Mayan World Destinations
14. Aretha Pelayo – Captain Jak’s
15. Norma Estrada – Belize Diamond Adventures & The Belize Food Tours
16. Tiffany Ferguson – Grand Caribe Belize Resort
17. Cecilia Lara – Reef Day Spa
18. Brianna Boyd – The Bonefish Hotel & Blue Marlin Beach Resort
19. Andrea Rodriguez – Kuchriments
20. Ruth Flores – Belize Aggressor IV
21. Rashida Guerra – Tour Guide 
22. Monique Lamb – Belize Aggressor Liveaboard
23. Marcela Lara – Programme for Belize
24. Shari Bowen – Think Big Consulting
25. Nahomy Usher – Belize City Tacos