Women in Leadership 2025

MCHA is dedicated to leadership and excellence in hospitality. The Annual Women in Leadership event is designed to recognize women leaders within our member organizations who serve as role models, advocates and supporters of excellence in hospitality; whether a rising star or a woman already shining at or near the top. Nearly fifty percent of all positions in hospitality are filled by women. Whether you’re a woman looking to move up or a supervisor/manager overseeing a team, understanding how to build future leaders is a valuable tool and can provide your team with a competitive edge.

At this event you'll hear about...
The personal journey of the speakers and how they achieved their leadership roles. Explore how to navigate up through the ranks. Understand how to better assist women to lead with excellence.

Event Details:
Friday, April 25, 2025
The Inn at Spanish Bay
8am - Registration, Breakfast & Mimosas
9am - Program & Recognition

Additional details on MCHA Panelists coming soon!

RESERVE TICKETS, SPONSOR AND NOMINATE

2025 Keynote Speaker: Cassandra Costello, San Francisco Travel Association

At the San Francisco Travel Association, Cassandra oversees government and external affairs, public policy, and the organization's three nonprofit boards. She also drives strategic planning and implementation and manages the SF Welcome Ambassador Program, as well as organizational operations such as human resources and IT.

Prior to her work at SF Travel, Cassandra dedicated 13 years to the City and County of San Francisco. For the first six years, Cassandra was the Chief of Staff for two members of the Board of Supervisors focusing on media relations, transportation and land use policy and constituent services. Building on her policy work, Cassandra then joined the Recreation and Park Department in their Business Development department building consensus among stakeholder groups, lessees, labor unions,  community organizations, elected officials and city leadership, while generating revenues back to park operations.

Cassandra currently serves as the Chair of the California Travel Association, and on the Boards of the Downtown SF Partnership, the San Francisco Benefit District Alliance, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee, U.S. Travel Association Government Affairs Committee and as a Trustee of the International School of San Francisco. Cassandra makes her home in San Francisco’s Sunset District with her San Francisco Fire Department husband and two school aged children.

Fireside Chat with local hospitality leaders:

Barbara Causley, California Rodeo Salinas - General Manager
Espi Rodriguez, Portola Hotel & Spa - Director of Housekeeping
Andrea Ferrara, Atrium Hospitality - Enterprise Sales Director

Emcee & Moderator: Kathleen Lee, Pebble Beach Company

Thank you to our 2025 T&D Program Sponsor California American Water for encouraging growth and leadership opportunities to our Hospitality employees

Thank you to our event partner:

Thank you to our event sponsors: