We Travel for Women+: Michelle Edling, WeTravel

Hi, readers! I’m Michelle and I currently reside in an outside suburb of San Antonio, Texas, with my husband and 3 dogs.

My professional background and experience spans 10 years within Talent Acquisition (TA) and HR, with various well-known companies implementing recruitment practices and strategies.

I’m now honored to oversee all WeTravel’s global hiring for its Sales and Marketing departments – and I find such pride in being part of the company’s growth, with an incredibly talented and diverse team.

Before WeTravel, I worked in various industries, but never in Travel! When I saw that WeTravel was hiring for their TA team, I was eager to branch out to a new industry and company that just so happened to incorporate an incredible balance of flexibility and culture that I was seeking professionally.

This industry has given me a positive and different perspective –  women can truly make a difference within the entrepreneurial space within travel. I find it incredibly encouraging seeing such a thriving, inclusive community and network that continues to evolve. The wealth of insider knowledge and perspective within travel and how many women are wanting to share their experiences makes it exciting for other women to feel well-informed and prepared as they continue to explore the world.

As a woman in travel, I absolutely feel empowered. Unlike other industries, the community groups and events (virtual and in-person) that the industry creates, makes it encouraging to feel supported through exploration of a new destination, initiative, or the power of knowledge around the globe. With living in the U.S, I felt from some time now the importance of world travel and embracing new experiences and cultures. Representation matters in all facets and when I’m seeing a full diverse spectrum of nationalities of women working hard to push this industry forward, it validates that I am somewhere I want to be. 

Of course, we all know that more can be done to bridge the pay gap and to increase equal opportunities (just like the common theme across most businesses), however, it’s truly empowering and progressive to see how global entities and governments are recognizing and understanding how much of a significant impact women have within this specific industry and the benefit of having women leading the way and being decision makers. 

I think it is all about really taking the time to research your travel destination and exploring those options of female led tours, events and business or supporting organizations that share supporting women groups and the community as part of their mission. 

Taking time to slow down and acknowledge the accomplishments and successes of women from the past and present is incredibly empowering and exciting to see for what’s to come for the future. 

I am a true believer that women can do anything, resulting in more trailblazers to pave the path for future generations and leading the way for further inclusion and opportunities. 

It’s genuinely nice to see that the climate has been improving amongst women where instead of “friend-emies” there is a sisterhood of support where women support women to be a better version of themselves.