Trailblazers of Group Travel: Women of Influence

The Trailblazers of Group Travel: Women of Influence initiative celebrates the dynamic women shaping the group travel industry.

Whether they're mentors, visionaries or brilliant leaders, their contributions deserve to be honored. In this Special Report, we've spotlighted some of the remarkable women across the industry who truly make group travel thrive!

Ragan Andrew, CTP
Owner & Travel Curator, Adrift Tours & Travel

Ragan Andrew is the visionary behind Adrift Tours & Travel, a boutique agency specializing in purpose-driven group travel experiences. With a heart for connection and culture, she curates unforgettable journeys for faith-based, senior, and women-centered groups. A dynamic speaker and collaborative leader, Andrew empowers communities through travel. Her work reflects her passion for storytelling, healing, and meaningful exploration, making her a trusted guide for clients seeking more than just a vacation—she offers transformation through travel.

"[Being a woman leader in the group travel industry] means being both a pathfinder and a bridge. I get to create spaces where people connect deeply—with each other, with culture, and with themselves. As a woman, I lead with heart, intuition, and strategy, and I'm honored to model what leadership can look like when purpose and people come first."

Sandy Borowsky
Owner, EVP Tours, Starr Bus Charter & Tours

Sandy Borowsky is a dynamic leader in the motorcoach and group tour industry, serving as Executive Vice President and third-generation owner of Starr Bus Charter & Tours. With over 25 years of experience, she has grown Starr's tour division, launched the successful College Break Bus program, and forged meaningful and long-lasting industry partnerships. A respected voice in tourism, Borowsky is known for her innovation, industry involvement, and commitment to creating unforgettable travel experiences for thousands of loyal customers each year.

"It's been incredibly meaningful to carry our family business forward—especially navigating it through the pandemic. I'm also especially proud of starting and growing College Break Bus, a transportation service that helps students get home and back to school during academic breaks—while keeping countless cars off the road and making life easier for families. It's been a fun and rewarding journey—and on those busy move days, there's never a dull moment! Watching that program thrive has been one of the highlights of my career."

Shirley Davis Conner, CTIS, CSTP, TMP, CHME
Principal, Conner Hospitality Consulting | Executive Director, Metro Memphis Attractions Association

Shirley Davis Conner got her start in hospitality as a hotel front desk clerk during college. Later, when working in both operations and sales at hotels and attractions, she was tasked with learning about the group travel industry and has never looked back! A native Memphian, Davis Conner quickly learned to share her love of the area by building interesting itineraries so motorcoach groups would visit not only Graceland, but also many of the other great attractions throughout the Mid-South. Her career now includes working with clients to promote group travel throughout the Deep South, as well as Upstate New York.

"An early boss taught me the value of being involved, so I volunteer at conferences, I join associations, and I network with others every chance I get. I believe in staying involved and staying current and I encourage others to do this as well. The more we can learn from each other, the stronger our industry will be."

Jaclyn Leibl-Cote
President & CEO, Collette

Jaclyn Leibl-Cote is the President and CEO of Collette, the longest-running guided tour operator in the United States. A third-generation leader in the family-owned company, she has held numerous roles within the organization. Today, she leads with a traveler-first mindset, often joining tours to stay connected with guests' experiences. As Collette's first woman CEO, Leibl-Cote is committed to innovation, authenticity, and continuing her family's legacy of delivering unforgettable travel moments.

"Being a woman leader in this industry is both an honor and a responsibility. I'm proud to represent women in a space that hasn't always welcomed many of us at the table. My goal is to help others lead with confidence, compassion, and vision—because our perspectives are powerful and essential."

Barb Mock
President, Travel With Barb

Barb Mock holds CSTP certification, leads a CSTO-certified company, and is a two-time recipient of the Torch Award for Ethics. An active member of SYTA and a Trustee on the SYTA Youth Foundation Board, Mock is passionate about leadership, fostering teamwork, mentoring others, and creating meaningful opportunities through travel. Her industry honors include being named one of the Top 10 Influential Women in Student Travel (2016), receiving the Groups Today Tenacity in Travel Award (2020), the Youth First Award (2024), and the Patriotic Employer Award from the Department of Defense. Most recently, she was named a 2025 Enterprising Woman of the Year.

"I hope my influence contributes to elevating our industry not through one voice alone, but through the mutual sharing of best practices, open collaboration, and a shared commitment to ethical, student-centered travel. By learning from and supporting one another, we strengthen the foundation of what we do. My goal is to be part of the ongoing work that moves our industry forward and leaves a lasting, positive impact for future generations."

Stacey Ray
Founder & CEO, Sisterhood Travels | Podcast Host, Life. Reimagined. with Stacey Ray

Stacey Ray is a powerhouse in women's group travel and the founder of Sisterhood Travels, a transformative movement redefining how women 45 and up explore the world. With bold vision and unwavering passion, she has empowered thousands of mature women to travel fearlessly, often turning first-time travelers into lifelong explorers. Her expertly curated journeys foster deep connection, personal growth, and lasting sisterhood. Ray's influence is reshaping the industry—creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and inspired to claim the world as their own.

"I lead with intention. I'm proud to challenge the outdated ways of doing things, especially when it comes to how women 45 and up are represented and served. I want to keep raising the bar and showing that leadership doesn't have to follow the old rules to be powerful."

Edited by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.

This article originally appeared in the Sept/Oct '25 issue of Groups Today.