Carla Vaca Pinacho
Carla Vaca Pinacho has a diverse background that extends beyond her current role. Her journey began in the luxury hotel industry, where she not only learned the intricacies of her role but also fell in love with the people behind the service. Carla brings both expertise and passion to her work, making her an invaluable asset in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the travel and tourism industry.
Her experience leading student-led organizations focused on Latinos and international students marked the beginning of her DEI journey. Through operations-focused internships, she honed her skills in project management, relationship building, and innovative problem-solving. Additionally, her study abroad research and program experience in Sustainable Tourism in the Galapagos helped her develop a deeper love for the community engagement work that her team advances. With this diverse range of knowledge, Carla has helped lead and manage several key initiatives. Currently, Vaca Pinacho is developing social media management strategies and plans for clients, providing Spanish translation for media campaigns, overseeing the development of inclusive partnerships for Miles Partnership, and helping coordinate staff DEI engagement, education, employee-led DEI Committee, Team Green and Supplier Diversity program at Miles Partnership.
By participating in and attending events focused on the growth of diverse audiences in the Travel and Tourism industry, Carla has gained a deep understanding of how to lead destination marketing efforts through the development of community engagement and marketing efforts. Carla's commitment as an advisor for Travel Unity, her volunteer work with Latino Travel Fest, her help managing the Tourism Diversity Matters 2023 conference and her role as the founder of the Latinos in Travel Network have all provided her with significant expertise in working with diverse audiences.
Carla hopes to continue to commit her knowledge and efforts to improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives throughout the industry. She believes that the current and upcoming talent of destination leaders can be the source of positive change and growth.