ABOUT
Women in Tourism Caribbean
Our Sponsors:
Our Story
Founded in 2021 by Stacy Cox, a Bahamian-born, Turks and Caicos-based tourism leader, Women in Tourism Caribbean (WITC) began as a vibrant Facebook community with a simple but powerful goal: to celebrate the women of Caribbean tourism and give them a platform for visibility, growth, and empowerment.
What started as informal virtual networking sessions quickly grew into a dynamic regional movement, uniting women from every corner of the industry. From front-line hospitality staff to executives, entrepreneurs to educators, WITC connects and elevates women at every stage of their tourism journey. Our mission is to equip, encourage, and inspire, creating a collaborative space where voices are amplified, contributions are recognized, and opportunities are shared.
Our Mission
At Women in Tourism Caribbean (WITC), we connect, empower, and celebrate Caribbean women in tourism by creating opportunities for growth, recognition, and leadership.
We do this through:
Professional Development
that builds essential skills and deep industry knowledge
Meaningful Networking
that fosters genuine relationships and opens new doors
Advocacy
that ensures women’s voices are heard in key industry decisions
Mentorship
that supports and guides the next generation of tourism leaders
Recognition
that celebrates women’s contributions, innovations, and achievements
We envision a Caribbean tourism industry where women are equally represented at every level, celebrated for their impact, and empowered to lead the innovations that strengthen our communities and economies.
Our Impact
Since our founding, WITC has become a trusted network and catalyst for positive change in Caribbean tourism. Together, we have:
Connected 13,000+ women across 20+ Caribbean territories
Facilitated 10 virtual events
Featured 100+ women through digital platforms and WITC spotlights
Forged strategic partnerships with leading industry organizations
We are driving a movement that honours women’s contributions while inspiring the next generation of leaders in Caribbean tourism.
Our Board
Leadership Team
WITC is guided by a diverse leadership team of tourism professionals who bring decades of combined experience and a shared passion for advancing women in the industry.
Stacy Cox | Founder
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Stacy Cox is a veteran tourism professional with over 25 years in the Caribbean hospitality industry. Since 2011, she has served as CEO of the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association. In 2019, she launched Women in Tourism Caribbean, a platform celebrating and empowering women across the region’s tourism sector. Stacy has held executive roles at leading resorts, served on several regional tourism boards, and is passionate about mentorship, education, and community development.
S. Omega Simmons | Event Support
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S. Omega Simmons is a PR, marketing, and media strategist. She is the Founder & CEO of SOS Media, Co-editor and Head Writer of the Destination Turks & Caicos Islands magazine, and creator of CaribCon a conference for Caribbean creatives. Omega serves as a Board Director for the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, President of the TCHTA Young Leaders Forum, and a member of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Marketing Committee. Known for her strategic vision and commitment to female empowerment, she continues to craft campaigns and platforms that inspire, connect, and elevate voices across the region.
Stephanie Pereira-Phillips | Social Media Lead
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Stephanie Pereira-Phillips is a Trinidadian tourism professional based in The Bahamas. With a degree in International Tourism Management and hands-on experience in several of Nassau’s leading hotels, Stephanie has built a career rooted in enhancing visitor experiences. She is the founder of a consultancy specializing in social media management, customer service training, and customer journey mapping. Passionate about the intersection of marketing and service, Stephanie is committed to helping tourism businesses across the Caribbean elevate both their brand presence and the quality of their guest interactions.
Rachel Gregoire | Treasurer
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Rachel Gregoire is an accomplished hotelier with over 12 years of luxury hotel management experience and the current Assistant Director of Residence at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos. A dedicated leader and community advocate, she serves as President of the Ritz-Carlton Community Footprints program and is the recipient of The Ritz-Carlton’s first Leader of the Year Award and the JW Marriott Award for Excellence. Rachel is also a published author whose works inspire resilience, financial literacy, and hope in both children and adults. Her passion for service and leadership is matched by her vision to one day establish a Premature Foundation in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Tessie Duran Tonaco | Secretary
Our Approach
At WITC, we are guided by values that shape everything we do:
Community Over Competition
We champion an environment where women support, uplift, and celebrate each other, knowing that our collective success strengthens the entire industry.
Authentic Connection
We create spaces – both virtual and in-person – where women can form genuine relationships grounded in shared experiences, trust, and mutual respect.
Practical Empowerment
We focus on delivering tangible opportunities, resources, and tools that help women thrive in their professions and entrepreneurial ventures.
Caribbean Identity
We honour the richness, diversity, and resilience of our region, embracing the unique cultural contexts, challenges, and strengths that define Caribbean tourism.
Holistic Well-being
We recognize that true success blends professional achievement with personal wellness, and we design experiences that nurture both.
Our Partners
Our Sponsors
WITC proudly partners with leading organizations that share our commitment to empowering women and strengthening the Caribbean tourism industry:
Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)
The Shore Club
interCaribbean Airways
Beach Enclave
Tropical Shipping
Turks and Caicos Collection
Beaches Resort Villages & Spa
SOS Media
Tiffany Minnis
Kia Connolly Motors
TKCA
HAB
Join Our Community
WITC welcomes women at every stage of their tourism journey – from students and emerging professionals to accomplished executives and entrepreneurs. Together, we are building a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful Caribbean tourism industry, where every woman’s contribution is valued and every voice is heard.