FOUNDATION PROGRAMS 30 UNDER 30 The Destinations International 30 Under 30 Program spotlights a cohort of rising professionals who are already making meaningful contributions to destination organizations and the broader travel and tourism industry. Each year, thirty individuals under the age of 30 are selected from around the globe, reflecting a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that represent the future of the industry. Through curated learning experiences, peer connection and exposure to industry leaders, the program supports early-career professionals as they build leadership skills, expand their professional networks and engage in forward-thinking dialogue. Alumni of the program form a growing global community committed to collaboration, innovation and long-term impact within their destinations and organizations. The Destinations International Foundation plays a vital role in advancing this initiative by underwriting registration and travel expenses for each honoree to attend Destinations International’s Annual Convention. In 2025, the foundation also raised more than $11,000 in program support, reinforcing its commitment to cultivating the next generation of destination leaders. The foundation extends its sincere appreciation to founding program partner SearchWide Global.
MELISSA BERNAL Destination Experience Coordinator, Visit Greater Palm Springs NICK PRICE Senior Manager, Sports & Events, Destination DC NOHEMI REYNOSO Communications Manager, Pick Ellijay RACHEL NOGALSKI Director of Experience & Events, Tulsa Regional Tourism
RAELYN DESSART Senior Sales & Events Supervisor, Visit Central Florida Sports
SIRI EMEREJE Marketing Manager, Discover DeKalb CVB
REBEKAH COURTNEY National Sales Manager, Louisville Tourism
TAYLOR MELANGTON Event & Communications Manager, Visit Indy
RYLEE GOVOREAU Destination Services Manager, ATL Airport District CVB SHAUNA FITZGERALD Association Conferences Support, Fáilte Ireland
TYLER DUPLANTIS Destination Sales Manager, Explore Houma VALERIA AYALA Media Relations Coordinator, Discover Puerto Rico
2025 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (RISING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS PROGRAM) This leadership development initiative continued in 2025 as a complementary pathway to the 30 Under 30 Program, supporting early-career professionals from partner organizations through curated learning, mentorship and networking opportunities. Participants engaged through the Annual Convention, leadership webinars, networking experiences and a structured mentorship program, with additional access to discounted certificate programs to support ongoing professional growth.
AIMY THAI Marketing Manager, Destination Toronto
CHARLOTTE MOODY Director of Sales, Visit Macon
KIIRA GRANT Tourism Standards and Training Specialist, Bermuda Tourism Authority LAUREN BROWN Marketing & Social Media Specialist, Visit Austin LEA NELSON Brand and Content Coordinator, Visit Quad Cities LYDIA WILLIAMS Industry Communications Manager, VISIT FLORIDA MALLORI JOHNSON Director of Destination Services, Visit Corpus Christi MARY PEYTON CARPENTER Senior Director of Marketing, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
MACKENZIE SHIELDS Digital Media Specialist, JNS Next
AUGUST ERICKSON Development Manager, Miles Partnership
GEENA BEVENOUR Marketing Manager, Tourism Economics
SAMANTHA GERHART Associate Director, Madden Media
ALLIE MAY Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Brand USA ANSLEY CONNOR ROBERTS Content and Social Media Manager, Visit Savannah
ELISE CAMERON Creative Services Manager, Visit Aurora ERIN SINCLAIR Travel Media Manager, Destination Greater Victoria GABE WASYLKO Senior Social Media Manager, Destination Cleveland JEN WINGATE, CMP Senior National Sales Manager, Visit Baltimore KATLYN SOUTHERN Marketing and Communications Manager, Cartersville Museum City
AUBREY CALDWELL Sports Event Coordinator, Visit Lake Charles
BENJAMIN LANDIS Marketing Manager, Discover Santa Clara
CAMERON MOLLOY Communications Specialist, Visit Mesa
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