Women in Buses Newsletter
February Issue

WIB Day Recap     Share Feedback     Events     New Members     Book Club     Milestones

MARKETPLACE & Women In Buses Day RECAP
WIB_One_Word

In Your Own Words

Connections, Recognition, Networking, Together, Partnerships, People, Unexpected, Fun & Community

<div style="text-align: center;">Read the full WIB Day article from ABA →&nbsp;</div>

Share Your Feedback!  
<div style="text-align: center;">Women in Buses Day SURVEY →&nbsp;</div>

 

We would like to recognize our award winners once again, what amazingly deserving women!

Main_Tour_Connection
Savannah Fernandes of Truway Transit Group
WIB Operational Excellence Award Recipient
Other_award
Chris Rackmyre of The Maine Tour Connection
WIB Leadership Award Recipient
 
 

The WIB Council was thrilled to host so many enthusiastic delegates
during the Women in Buses Day event at ABA’s Marketplace.

What a way to kick off the year!

We focused on recentering and finding an individual theme for each attendee for 2026. One word, INSPIRING!
We welcomed two engaging speakers, presented awards, hosted a fun-filled networking event, and even had cupcakes.
WIB_Day_delegates
WIB_Day_1
Sponsors
At Women in Buses Day, K&G Coach Line was incorrectly listed as a Bronze Sponsor. They are a valued Gold Sponsor. We apologize for the error and thank them for their generous support.

Thank You

Thank you to our sponsors for making this fabulous event possible!

SAVE THE DATE

A Special Welcome to our New Members

  • Paola Agudelo, Busbud
  • Judy Alexander, Norwin Express Tours
  • Carol Anderson, DCTrails
  • Selen Aydin, TEMSA
  • Jamie Barut, Polynesian Adventure Tours
  • Kasey Blain, Pax Training
  • Maggie Boyden, Explore Charles County
  • Kristal Carroll, United States Senate
  • Katie Demuth, Visit Reno Tahoe
  • John Fernandes, Boston Symphony Orchestra
  • Jenny Figueroa, Daimler Coaches North America
  • Sarah Focke, Visit Kearney Nebraska
  • Tammy Goodbrake, Adventure Enterprises, LLC Dba: Adventure Bus & Charter
  • Lori Greteman, Windstar Lines Amy Gross, AAA Travel
  • Sara Hirschberg, Virginia Living Museum
  • Wendy Hollingsworth-Cox, Georgia Coach Lines, Inc.
  • Sarah Kroos, Adventure Bus and Charter
  • Tiffany Mack, Adventure Bus and Charter
  • Brianna McClintock, TCS
  • Akiko Nishimiya, Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)
  • Michael Oh, Polynesian Adventure
  • Devin Orr, Boston Symphony Orchestra
  • Teresa Paolini, Northeast Unlimited Tours
  • Danielle Powell, Anderson Coach & Travel
  • Karen Reynolds, Georgia Coach Lines
  • Calais Salamone, Gray Lines New Orleans
  • Laura Sanford, Sheplers
  • Sharla Savage, C&S Tours, LLC
  • Lori Shoup, Lenzner Lines
  • Jennifer Solis Sanchez, Seneca Niagara Resorts & Casinos
  • Brianne Steffensmeier, Excite Experiences
  • Ariel Taschereau, Nonantum Resort
  • Ashleigh Trout, Informa Connect Travel
  • Janine Vellucci, Hotel Downstreet
  • Zainab Wurie, Courtyard by Marriott Washington DC/ US Capitol
WIB Quarterly Book Club

Join us for our Q1 read, it’s not too late to jump in!

The book, “Fans First” by Jesse Cole is our first of four books this year. Change the game, break the rules and create an unforgettable experience. This part memoir, part playbook dives into the genius behind the Savannah Bananas and how they have come to be a household name.

The meeting date will be announced soon for Q1 Book Club, looking at the end of March.

If you are interested in joining, email wib@buses.org.

<div style="text-align: center;">Join Book Club →</div>

Fans First
Upcoming Events

WIB Webinar Series

Wednesday, March 4, 2:00 pm ET

Give to Gain: Join us to learn how three powerhouse leaders paved their way while gaining insights you can immediately put into practice. When Women Rise, We all Rise!

Panelists:

  • WIB Leadership Award Winner, Chris Rackmyre The Lobster Lady/President, The Maine Tour Connection

  • WIB Operational Excellence Award Winner, Savannah Fernandez, Vice President, Safety at Truway Transit Group (Star Shuttle and Cline Tours)

  • Suzanne S. Thornburg, Capital & Colonial Trailways, CEO/President, recently appointed Chair of the Trailways Board of Directors

Save the Date.

<div style="text-align: center;">Register NOW!</div>

Shaping our Next Topic

In February, The Travel and Tourism Committee of Women in Buses hosted an awareness seminar about Human Trafficking and the Hospitality Industry.

We are exploring the possibility of continuing this conversation at our next webinar opportunity in June and would value your input.

Please take a moment to complete this brief survey to help us determine what your interests would be. Thank you!

<div style="text-align: center;">Provide INPUT!</div>
Milestone Moments:
Celebrating Women Who Lead
ABA’s very own Julie Davis has been promoted to
Vice President of Marketing & Membership.
 
She was thrilled to share the news and is excited to continue to
help shape the direction ABA is headed as an organization.
 
Congratulations, Julie!
Julie Davis
Have someone in your company who deserves recognition?
Send us their “Milestone Moment” — a recent achievement, promotion, project success, or inspiring story worth celebrating.
 
Let’s shine a spotlight on the women who lead, elevate, and inspire. 💛
 
 

Got Questions?

Reach Out Now

MCI is a Proud Sponsor of Women In Buses