March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the visionary women making waves in the hospitality industry. From groundbreaking chefs and restaurateurs to marketing powerhouses and luxury hoteliers, these women are redefining excellence in food, drink, and travel.

Valentina De Santis – The Visionary Behind Passalacqua, Lake Como’s Most Luxurious Retreat

Sitting at the heart of Lake Como, Passalacqua is an 18th-century Italian masterpiece framed by towering pine-covered mountains and the sparkling blue waters of the lake. While known for its elegance and historic charm, Passalacqua is also paving the way for the future of hospitality—led by one of Italy’s most successful female hoteliers, Valentina De Santis.

A third-generation entrepreneur with a deep passion for her heritage, Valentina was named one of Forbes’ 100 most successful Italian women in 2021. Her family has been an integral part of shaping the dreamy Lake Como we know today, owning the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo since 1973. Now, she is redefining luxury with Passalacqua, which opened in 2022 and was crowned the best hotel in the world just a year later.

Her vision is about more than luxury—it’s about crafting deeply personal experiences, ensuring that guests feel a true sense of belonging, and elevating Italian hospitality to an art form.

Amanda Toups – A Culinary Force for Community Impact

Amanda Toups, co-owner of New Orleans’ award-winning Toups Meatery and co-founder of the nonprofit Toups Family Meal (TFM), is redefining what it means to use food as a force for good. Originally launched as a pandemic relief initiative, TFM has since evolved into a vital resource for families in New Orleans struggling with food insecurity.

Beyond her community work, Amanda is a powerhouse in the culinary world, earning multiple accolades, including the Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Leading from the Heart award and the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality. Her approach to hospitality is one of resilience, generosity, and commitment to her city.

Nina Compton – A Champion of Caribbean Cuisine in New Orleans

Originally from St. Lucia, Nina Compton has become one of the most celebrated chefs in the U.S. with her restaurants Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro (BABs) in New Orleans. Her vibrant, Caribbean-inspired Louisiana cuisine has earned her a James Beard Award for Best Chef: South and widespread acclaim.

In March 2025, she will release her highly anticipated book, Kweyol/Creole: Recipes, Stories, and Tings from a St. Lucian Chef’s Journey. A true culinary ambassador, Nina’s work brings the rich, complex flavors of the Caribbean to the global stage.

Eileen Andrade – Blending Cuban Heritage with Global Inspiration

Eileen Andrade is redefining Miami’s dining scene with her eclectic approach to Cuban cuisine. As the creative mind behind Amelia’s 1931, Finka Table & Tap, and Barbakoa, she seamlessly fuses her Cuban roots with global influences, drawing inspiration from Korean, Peruvian, and South American flavors.

With each restaurant, she tells a story—one of heritage, travel, and culinary innovation. Her latest reinvention of Amelia’s 1931, featuring a speakeasy-style dining experience, has only solidified her reputation as a rising star in Miami’s restaurant world.

Luciana Giangrandi – The Michelin-Starred Innovator Behind Boia De

Luciana Giangrandi is the co-owner and co-chef of Boia De, one of Miami’s most acclaimed restaurants, earning a coveted Michelin Star for its inventive approach to modern Italian cuisine. Alongside her husband, Alex Meyer, she has created an inclusive, welcoming space that prioritizes diversity and equity in the restaurant industry.

With a team that is over 50% female and 35% BIPOC, Luciana is proving that leadership in hospitality should be as diverse as the communities it serves. Her dedication to fostering talent, creating a positive work culture, and crafting incredible food has set a new standard for excellence in Miami’s culinary scene.

Andrea Moreno – The PR Powerhouse Behind South Beach Wine & Food Festival

A Miami native and graduate of FIU’s School of Hospitality Management, Andrea Moreno is the marketing and PR director of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF). Under her leadership, the festival has grown into one of the country’s most successful food and wine events, raising millions for hospitality education.

Andrea’s expertise in branding, strategy, and communications has helped elevate the festival’s profile, ensuring it remains a must-attend event for food lovers and industry professionals alike.

Gina Genna – Redefining Luxury Hospitality at InterContinental Miami

As director of marketing for the InterContinental Miami, Gina Genna is shaping the future of one of the city’s most iconic hotels. Her work blends luxury, lifestyle, and business travel, positioning the property as both a premier conference destination and a vibrant urban retreat.

With over two decades in the hospitality industry, Gina’s leadership has been instrumental in evolving the hotel’s brand identity and attracting a new generation of travelers to Miami.

Melissa Araujo – Bridging Honduras and Louisiana with Soul

At Alma Café in New Orleans, chef Melissa Araujo brings the bold flavors of her native Honduras to the Louisiana food scene, creating dishes that honor both her heritage and her adopted home. A two-time James Beard Award semifinalist, she is a fierce advocate for sustainability and community empowerment.

Beyond the kitchen, Melissa is dedicated to uplifting the Latin American community, hiring an all-Latina back-of-house team and hosting educational programs for aspiring chefs. She’s proving that food is a powerful vehicle for representation, storytelling, and social change.

Amarys Koenig Herndon – Redefining the Flavors of the South

As chef and co-owner of Palm&Pine in New Orleans, Amarys Koenig Herndon is putting a fresh spin on Southern cuisine by blending Louisiana traditions with influences from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. A James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: South 2024, her restaurant is not just about food—it’s a cultural hub, celebrating the communities that shape the region’s diverse flavors.

Her standout dishes, like Lemongrass Fried Chicken Gumbo and Corner Store Crudo with Big Shot Pineapple Nuoc Cham, pay homage to culinary history while pushing boundaries. Through her cooking and storytelling, Amarys is advancing the conversation about the evolution of Southern cuisine.

To learn more about the people shaping hospitality read our Voices series and we hope you enjoyed Women’s History Month!