WomenTHAT Our Story

After stepping down as CEO of an International Hotel Chain in 2024, I was contacted by women of all ages, across our industries and around the globe, asking the same question: how do we ensure women continue to have a strong future? 

That question stayed with me. Over six months, I thought about the extraordinary opportunities our industry had given me. Travelling the world, building a career, and meeting people that had shaped my life. I knew we had to do more.

In September 2024, while speaking at a conference, the idea came: we needed something new. Not just a network or event series, but a movement. A movement that does diversity differently, one grounded in allyship so that women aren’t walking this journey alone but supported by everyone. Because when women thrive, our whole industry is stronger.

And so, WomenTHAT was created. 

Sarah Derry 

On 3 December 2024, Sarah Derry with the help of Lynn Lewis-Smith and Dr Stacey Ashley brought together twelve women over lunch to ask: what do we need to do to continue progress, to ensure women are in the leadership conversations and create a vibrant, diverse industry?

This was a question many senior leaders including Sarah have been asked by women across the industry over the past 18 months.

From that simple beginning, a gathering of Women across the Hospitality, Accommodation, Travel, Tourism & Events was born. What started as a bi-monthly lunch group quickly grew into a founding community, bringing together leaders who wanted to share, support and imagine a bigger, bolder future for women.

But as we grew, one thing became clear: this wasn’t just about what we needed it was about who we are and how we act.