Meet the Author – Stephanie M. Jones, MBA
Stephanie M. Jones, MBA is a global thought leader in tourism marketing & development, business coach, and a champion for underrepresented small and micro-entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the travel & tourism industry. Over the past 12 years, she’s launched multiple award-winning sustainable tourism and cultural heritage tourism initiatives that use tourism as a tool for economic empowerment and social equity. She is the former CEO of Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA), current CEO of Disrupt for Change, founder of the Diversity Tourism Academy and executive producer and host of "The Necessary Disruptor" Podcast.
As a seasoned social entrepreneur, marketer, and a respected consultant to global travel brands, destination marketing organizations, and tourism boards, Jones develops programs that bridge the gap between community-based tourism and the mainstream travel trade. Her initiatives have helped local, tourism and hospitality businesses become better positioned to grow scalable, sustainable, and profitable businesses—without compromising their identity or culture.
Recognized by Travel + Leisure, Journey Woman, TravelPulse, and the UNWTO, Jones brings unmatched expertise, deep industry knowledge, and a relentless commitment to leveling the playing field for underrepresented tourism & hospitality SMEs in the global travel & tourism industry.