In this episode of the Necessary Disruptor Podcast, host Stephanie M. Jones engages in a thought-provoking conversation with award-winning travel journalist Lebawit Lily Germa from Bloomberg News. Together, they tackle the complex landscape of sustainable tourism, challenging the narrative of tourism as a savior for communities in the Global South.

Drawing on her extensive experiences living in various regions, Lily explores the importance of equitable and inclusive solutions that empower local communities, debunking misconceptions and urging a shift away from the saviorism mentality.

00:00 Introduction to the Necessary Disruptor Podcast

00:58 Meet Our Guest: Award-Winning Travel Journalist Lebawit Lily Girma

02:43 Lily's Journey from Law to Travel Journalism

05:45 The Realities of Sustainable Tourism

10:47 Challenging the Savior Narrative in Tourism

16:28 Understanding Global South Communities

18:15 Lily's Mission and Personal Connection

29:40 The Future of Sustainable Tourism

Here's how to connect with Lebawit Lily Girma:

Instagram: @sunandstilettos and @tourismlens_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lebawit/

Website: https://tourismlens.com/

In this episode of the Necessary Disruptors show, host Stephanie speaks with Sherry Rupert, the CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA). They discuss the importance of preserving indigenous cultures through tourism, creating equitable opportunities, and sustaining local communities. Sherry shares her personal journey into advocating for indigenous tourism and highlights the role of AIANTA in promoting cultural heritage and fostering economic growth within tribal nations. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities in the tourism industry, emphasizing the need for inclusion and responsible partnerships. This episode sheds light on the essential work being done to amplify underrepresented voices and redefine the narrative of American history through indigenous tourism.

00:00 Welcome to the Necessary Disruptors Show: Exploring Indigenous Tourism

01:34 Sherry Rupert's Journey into Indigenous Tourism Advocacy

07:06 The Role of AIANTA in Championing Indigenous Tourism

14:02 Challenges and Opportunities in Indigenous Tourism

16:53 Partnerships and Representation in the Tourism Industry

32:35 Vision for the Future of Indigenous Tourism

37:13 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Learn More

Learn more about Sherry and AIANTA

Website: www.aianta.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-rupert-0900021a9/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aianta_official

Pivoting with Purpose: A Journey Through Disruption in Travel

In this episode of the Necessary Disruptor Podcast, host Stephanie M. Jones engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Denella Ri'chard, a former cruise corporate executive turned talk show host. The discussion delves into Denella's remarkable career journey, her resilience in the face of the global pandemic's challenges, and her successful pivot from the corporate world to creating and hosting the nationally syndicated 'Traveling with Denella Ri'chard' show. The episode highlights themes of disruption, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the importance of leveraging one's network and creating new paths in industries like travel and tourism. Denella shares insights on the significance of featuring small Black businesses and destinations, the profound impact of her decisions to create opportunities where none existed, and the importance of divine guidance in her pursuit of success. Stephanie concludes the episode by emphasizing the power of disruption to inspire positive change and encourages listeners to be catalysts themselves.

00:53 Diving Deep with Denella Ri'chard: Pivoting with Purpose

03:38 From Baton Rouge to Global Stages: Denella's Journey

07:48 Breaking Barriers: Denella's Transition into the Travel Industry

11:31 Facing the Pandemic: A Necessary Pivot to Television

16:07 Amplifying Black Businesses and Communities Through Travel

19:47 Creating Your Own Path: Lessons in Disruption and Innovation

33:03 The Power of Faith and Vision in Achieving Success

Connect with Denella:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denella/

Website: https://www.travelingwithdenella.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingwithdenella/