The Importance Of Supportive Networks For Women In Hospitality

Forbes

2 days ago

Women's networks can create a supportive environment in the workplace.
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Women who work in the hospitality industry can benefit greatly from supportive networks, which are important for increasing representation in leadership and fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry. These networks, which can offer guidance and a sense of community, help women thrive in a challenging and competitive field.
Supportive networks provide access to experienced women within their profession who can offer advice, share their invaluable insights and help younger professionals navigate the mercurial nature of the fast-paced industry. Networks help women overcome systemic barriers and ingrained biases that hinder their career progression, particularly in leadership roles. Sharing experiences, imparting knowledge and celebrating accomplishments can promote a sense of belonging and encourage women to advocate for themselves. Networks can open doors to new career opportunities, training programs and networking events that can accelerate career paths. By increasing the visibility and support for women in leadership, networks contribute to a more equitable and productive workplace.
Women bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table, enhancing decision-making processes and driving innovation across the board. When women feel supported and valued, they are more likely to be engaged, satisfied and committed to their profession. A more diverse, satisfied workforce can better understand and cater to the needs of a wider range of guests.
Leora Halpern Lanz, Associate Professor of the Practice, Boston University School of Hospitality Administration and Amy Latimer, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality, recently offered opinions on supportive networks for women.
Lanz says relationships must include spaces of encouragement, mentorship and advocacy.
Cydney Scott for Boston University Photography
Creating supportive networks for women in hospitality is essential. Hospitality is a global, human-centered industry built on relationships, and those relationships must include spaces of encouragement, mentorship and advocacy. Over the past decade of teaching and mentoring students in this field, I've found it critical to help foster safe, collaborative spaces. For example, through an important organization very dear to me personally, HSMAI (Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International) and ensuring that I brought back the student chapter after the pandemic years, or through something as personal as coffee meetings or dinners with former students in New York City, I purposefully connect women who I know will support each other and grow together in this demanding yet deeply rewarding industry. (For the record, I do have wonderful relationships with my male former students too. I find this generation of young professional very supportive of women rising to new heights.)
In fact, some of the most meaningful connections I've helped facilitate occurred well after the students' graduation. In a particular situation, I consciously introduced women who are former students of mine, to each other - in cities including New York, Boston, Miami and even Paris - knowing they will find friendship and like-mindedness. These women share an understanding of the hustle, creativity and care that hospitality demands, and they are grateful for their expanded 'women in hospitality networks.'
But for me, this isn't only about the emerging generation. Just as powerful is the energy I see in seasoned women hospitality professionals, those with decades of experience in food service, lodging, tourism and senior care too. Because I strongly believe in the power of collaboration, women's toughness and the long-lasting friendships that this industry has helped me develop throughout my career, I've recently brought several women together who are in our late 50s, or 60s and 70s because I know we can do something special. To me, it's abundantly clear women in hospitality want to continue to contribute at all ages. We are determined to share our knowledge and collaborate in meaningful ways, making space for others to rise. We want to boost the knowledge and careers of emerging female leaders in hospitality and service. I am confident that these intergenerational, intentional networks of smart, savvy women will continue to shape the future of hospitality. I'm so glad to be a part of that effort.
While I was always of the mindset that it is important to include men in such networking groups, I have a deeper appreciation for women helping women, because frankly, we do have the compassion and empathy needed to boost each other emotionally and intelligently. We can relate to one another at various points in our lives and careers. And we are proud of each other's successes, in a genuine and impactful way.
Latimer says women in her network bring a wealth of experience.
Delaware North's Corporate Asset Group
I can't stress enough how important it is to have a strong network of women – it's something I rely on in both my personal and professional life. When I connect with women in the industry, it's not just about swapping ideas, it's about having a trusted source for advice on everything from product to strategy to decision-making. There's real value in being able to pick up the phone and say, 'This is what I'm dealing with. Have you been here before? How did you handle it?'
That doesn't mean I don't seek out insights from men, of course I do. But there are moments when I need a perspective that speaks directly to my experience. It's especially helpful when I'm talking to another woman who has managed leadership challenges and understands the nuances of strategy and decision-making from a similar lens. I'm not looking for an echo chamber. I want someone who can help me think through every angle. The best conversations happen when I'm talking to someone who's been in my shoes, whether they're in my industry or a different field.
Building these networks isn't just about professional growth. It's about creating a space where women can lift each other up and ensure that no one has to figure it all out on their own.
A woman can be a trusted source of advice.
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This industry is powered by relationships, and when those connections are authentic, cross-generational and rooted in shared purpose, they become powerful for professional growth. For women navigating a global, fast-paced field that is still very much dominated by men at the top, these networks are more than mentorship opportunities. They're critical infrastructure. They offer access to referrals, collaboration, strategic guidance and a sense of shared momentum. I know from my experience in positions where I reported to majority male boards or bosses, that female support is essential to building confidence and developing our careers. I've also witnessed male leaders paying lip service to supporting women, through non-inclusive ways that pit women against others (maybe not intentionally, but by dismissing communication or because of lack of EQ).
Over the past decade, I've prioritized creating these connections, whether by supporting student chapters of hospitality organizations, mentoring young professionals or introducing former students to one another in cities like Boston, New York, Miami and even Paris. I've seen remarkable friendships and collaborations emerge from these introductions.
And as I've matured in my career, it has become critically important that I support and encourage women with my years of experience too. For example, I've recently brought together women with decades of experience in restaurants, lodging, tourism and service — fabulous women and long-time friends who still have enormous energy, intelligence and creativity to contribute. These seasoned professionals are now collaborating in new ways, proving that experience is an invaluable asset, not a finish line. I'm not convinced companies appreciate this power of women with experience. I'm so blessed that I'm able to bridge generations of women – students, junior to mid-level executives and more recently, savvy women in hospitality - who are aligning our insights and influence to shape the future of this industry together.
The best relationships are built over time.
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One of the most valuable things about having a supportive network of women is that, more often than not, someone has already faced the challenge you're dealing with. I've found that women in my network bring a wealth of experience, whether it's institutional knowledge, hard-earned lessons or perspectives from different levels of leadership. And the best part? They don't just share the wins—they talk about the tough parts, too. I love that. The women I've surrounded myself with are not afraid to admit what they found challenging, or even what they've gotten wrong. The warning signs, the things to consider, what didn't go according to plan and how they tackled it. That's how real support works—it's about making sure the next woman up is prepared, informed and confident in her own decisions.
I also believe in leaning into these networks regularly—not just when I need something. The best relationships are built over time, with check-ins, lunches and coffee catch-ups that have no agenda other than staying connected. You have to put pennies in the jar, you can't just withdraw. And every time I take the time to invest in these relationships, I walk away feeling energized. That's the power of women supporting women.