Vision

To create a dynamic and inclusive community of female leaders who uplift and empower one another, fostering a culture of mutual support, mentorship, and shared success as we navigate the transitions in our personal and professional lives.

 

 

Mission

"Her Seat at the Table" is a program dedicated to building a safe space where female hospitality and events industry leaders can connect, grow, and thrive together. We are committed to mentoring, supporting, and paying our successes forward, ensuring that our community remains strong and vibrant, continually inspiring and empowering each other to reach new heights in our careers and lives.

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Our Story

Connie Cay-Santos and Aracelly Delgadillo, respected leaders in the events and hospitality industry, crossed paths numerous times while working on client projects. Their shared passion for elevating experiences and driving meaningful connections allowed them to admire each other’s thought leadership and authentic voices, often shared on platforms like LinkedIn. Their mutual respect grew as they navigated parallel journeys, overcoming challenges and celebrating successes in a competitive industry.

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In 2024, during the CMEE Experience, an industry event that gathers leading events and hospitality industry professionals, Connie and Aracelly reconnected in person at a pivotal time of transition in their careers. Their conversation quickly delved into the complexities of navigating leadership as women, particularly during moments of change and uncertainty. They reflected on female leaders' unique pressures and the often-overlooked need for spaces that foster genuine connection and support.

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As they shared their experiences, it became clear there was a significant gap in their professional environment—a lack of intentional spaces where women in leadership could come together not only to share their journeys but also to uplift and empower each other during critical times of growth and transformation.

From that moment, the vision for HER Seat at the Table began to take shape. Connie and Aracelly imagined a community where women could come together intentionally to share successes and build each other up through mentorship, collaboration, and honest conversations about the challenges they face. They were determined to create a program where connections would transform into impactful actions, empowering women to lead confidently and resiliently.

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They envisioned HER Seat at the Table as more than a virtual network. It would be a platform for hosting intentional engagements—pop-up sessions, collaborative meetups, and open discussions on pressing industry topics. Every other month, they would gather women leaders in the hospitality and events space to challenge, inspire, and elevate one another. These connections would create ripple effects of positive change, building a foundation of mutual support and shared success.

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To bring this vision to life, a conscious decision was made to create HER Seat at the Table as a special project managed and run under CAY VII INC. This structure allows for fast, informed decision-making while ensuring the initiative is strategically managed and supported within a trusted framework.

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And so, HER Seat at the Table was born. Backed by their expertise and unwavering commitment, Connie and Aracelly are fostering a vibrant community of women who thrive individually and lift others as they rise. Their mission is clear: to create a space where female leaders can grow, share their voices, and pass their successes forward, ensuring the next generation of women in the industry is inspired and empowered to take their seats at the table.

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​​Join Us!

There is no cost to becoming a member, and we encourage you to help complete a member form so we can understand your needs and how we can help our community thrive together. We invite you to follow HER Seat at the Table and connect with Connie and Aracelly on LinkedIn to learn more about how you can get involved. Watch for announcements as we share our next #IRL meet-up event when we want you to have a sit at our table.

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Be Our Host!

We invite venues to collaborate with us as hosts for our meaningful gatherings. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your space to like-minded hospitality and event leaders, who will explore its potential for future client events while participating in a curated discussion with Her Seat at the Table. If you're interested in future opportunities, please reach out to Connie or Aracelly.

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