To celebrate International Women’s Day and this year’s Inspiring Inclusion theme, we took the opportunity to highlight the incredible women who lead the way at Uniglobe. Diversity in leadership is so important to us, and we’re proud to have these amazing women contributing to our organization while inspiring and empowering those around them. Throughout the week of International Women’s Day, we shared their stories and the impact they have on Uniglobe and the industry. Here’s a recap of the exceptional women who help shape the Uniglobe family every day.
Amanda Close
After completing her Travel and Tourism diploma, Amanda began her travel career with Uniglobe in 1986 and through the years she has gained experience in sales, operations, and management in corporate, leisure/cruise, meetings and events. During this time, she also completed her provincial instructor diploma which provided her the ability to teach the travel and tourism program and set the foundation for the role she has today as VP, Global Operations.
Amanda has been instrumental in developing and implementing the many programs that today are standard components of the Uniglobe business model. Some of her hobbies include dancing, painting, puzzles, and travel.
“To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.”
– Amanda Close
Besty Geiser
Betsy Geiser’s impactful two-decade career in the travel industry began at Uniglobe Travel USA, LLC, in 1999. Progressing from Franchise Support to Director of Contract Administration, she showcased exceptional versatility.
She was instrumental in the development and growth of the Home-based program, now known as Uniglobe Travel Center, where she currently serves as Vice President. In that role, she oversees supplier relations, membership engagement and sales. Betsy also helps shape the industry’s future through her leadership in various boards. She serves as Vice President of The Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH) and was formerly on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Betsy holds certifications as Certified Travel Associate and Certified Travel Industry Executive.
“Change is about embracing discomfort and seizing control. If you cling to comfort, you’ll remain stagnant.”
– Betsy Geiser”
Ritika Modi
Ritika Modi pioneered the concept of travel franchising in India and other South Asian countries two decades ago. She envisioned the value offering and the unique business opportunities that this network could bring to the independent travel business owners who had the appetite to grow but lacked a global standard and association which was much needed to propel their businesses by becoming a part of the bigger eco-system & global community. Under the leadership and able guidance of a travel veteran, UNIGLOBE in no time has expanded to 50+ locations across India, with an annualized turnover of over INR 2,500+ Crores, making it the largest single-brand travel franchise network in the South Asia Region.
Ritika as an entrepreneur, launched her own travel company – Mod Travels, in the early nineties PAN India, which today is a leading name in the Indian travel industry diaspora.
Ritika is a mother of two and likes to spend her free time golfing and reading. Taking it as her responsibility to work for those who need help, she supports several social causes and leads a variety of projects involving child education and to protect the environment.
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then, you are an excellent leader”
– Ritika Modi
Laura Koreman
In 2002, Laura Koreman joined Uniglobe as a 21-year-old newcomer to the travel industry. Armed with little knowledge but fueled by ambition, she embraced a hands-on, learn-by-doing approach, gaining expertise across various facets of the business and evolving into a versatile professional. Today, Laura holds the position of Regional Manager for Uniglobe Travel Holland, a testament to her growth from an entry-level role to a seasoned leader within Uniglobe. The foundation of her professional trajectory is rooted in consistency and discipline, principles that have propelled her success. Notably, Laura attributes her continual development to a deliberate practice of embracing discomfort, a strategy that has expanded her capabilities both personally and professionally.
“Don’t overthink – it leads to unproductivity.”
– Laura Koreman
Tracy Bartram
Tracy Bartram joined Charlwood Pacific Group (CPG), parent company of CENTURY 21 Canada, Uniglobe Travel International, Real Property Management and Centum Financial in 1982. In 1996, she was appointed senior vice president and chief financial officer of CENTURY 21 Canada. Tracy is currently executive vice-president of all CPG companies. In her role, she leads and oversees the financial, legal, and administrative departments. Her extensive experience in finance and corporate services make her an indispensable asset to the CPG team. Tracy has also been named one of the top 40 entrepreneurs under 40 by Business in Vancouver magazine.
