Speakers

Sharon is a passionate advocate for sustainable development in tourism through regenerative practices. As a champion for sustainability, she focuses on climate and social justice, and host community empowerment models that place host communities at the heart of tourism. In her current role at Nomad, she has been instrumental in leading transformative impact initiatives and designing community empowerment tourism models that prioritize restoration over extraction. She brings to the summit a wealth of knowledge in sustainable tourism and intends to raise awareness on how social, environmental and economic issues in tourism overlap, and how adopting intersectional frameworks such as regenerative tourism can spark collaboration , foster shared understanding and drive meaningful inclusion in the tourism system, making the “leave no one behind” principle a lived reality in tourism.

A passionate Hospitality and Tourism professional boasting over 12 years in making a significant impact in the industry Joan Ndung’u currently manages Africa’s Leading Hotel Residences - The Residences at Leopard Beach Resort and Spa – An award-winning hospitality product located in the heart of the World-Famous Diani Beach on the South Coast of Kenya. Joan Ndung’u strongly believes that for the hospitality and tourism industry to remain sustainable; the industry must understand the needs of the emerging traveler and their influences in choosing travel to various destinations. This knowledge will by far and large be critical in informing decisions that will guide product and service innovation that shall support the entire ecosystem in remaining relevant in the wake of these emerging needs.

Amy Scarth is an applied social scientist (PhD) and independent research consultant specialising in complex systems, tourism and human-environment dynamics around Africa’s protected areas. With experience across the private, non-profit and public sectors, she brings both academic depth and practical insight. Amy has worked extensively with last-mile communities in fragile contexts and is currently developing The Whys, an Insight Studio in DR Congo.

Julie is a skilled sustainability consultant with experience spanning over 20 years. Her focus lies in sustainable development and business transformation. Learnings over the course of her career led Julie to be part of the initial group of thought leaders who found Weeva – a SaaS platform that will enable the travel industry to adopt a measurable and holistic sustainability practice that goes beyond pledges and marketing ploys and recalibrates operations for improved performance and positive impact - in 2021. Weeva launched to market in January 2023. Prior to this Julie advised a diverse range of clients on their sustainability journey, including the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Wolwedans, The Long Run, National Geographic, Tswalu Kalahari, Fireblade Aviation, and Oppenheimer Generations. However, she has also worked on transformation and sustainability at well-known corporate institutions such as Standard Bank, Distell, BMGi, the National Australia Bank, and National Geographic. Julie holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce (NMMU) coupled with a post-graduate certificate in Executive Development (GIBS), Six Sigma (Black Belt), and Program Management Certifications. She is a member of NOW Partners - a global partnership of over 100 senior business leaders united to accelerate the economic evolution of business for good.

Mary Njoroge works as Accounting & Administration Manager at Painted Wolves Limited. Following previous roles within the accounting and administration sector in Kenya, Mary has risen through the ranks at Painted Wolves Limited. Mary was awarded for being the best candidate in the Certified Public Accountant exams. Mary shares her expertise and experience with other Kenyan women via a women empowerment group that supports young mothers who survived violence to continue their education.

Mr. Adidwa is a leader who is passionate about entrepreneurship and technology. He takes pleasure in channelling this passion through sourcing innovative solutions, that address current problems within the African continent and taking these solutions to market. Daniel has attained his BA Degree in Integrated Marketing Communication and a Diploma in Account Management from the AAA School of Advertising, a certificate in Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies and A certificate in CS50 Computer Science from Harvard, and has completed a course in User Experience (Ultimate Guide to Usability and UX) from Udemy. He has worked for various communications agencies, where he worked on various local and international blue-chip accounts, consulted for various state and private companies, and is involved in other high impact projects. He is passionate about the African continent, its people and the stories behind African communities. He believes that technology can play a large role in getting the world to experience real African communities. He has been a Vice-Chairman of the youth steering committee of the Regional Tourism Association of Southern Africa (RETOSA) and held the role of founder and former CEO of Tour2.0 (the leading provider of unique urban, cultural and community tourism experiences in South Africa). During tenure at Tour2.0, his team has managed to stimulate the cultural and community tourism sector within South Africa, by building a unique product base of over 70 unique urban, cultural and community tourism experiences, and was in the process of expanding to 5 territories on the African continent before the pandemic hit.

Portia Pearl Siyanda Sifolo has a wealth of experience and prodigious knowledge in the tourism sector. She is currently a senior lecturer for Management, Business Leadership, and Entrepreneurship subjects in the Department of Tourism Management at the Tshwane University of Technology. She is a Y2 National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researcher. She is a candidate in the 21/23 Future Professors Program by the Department of Higher Education & Training. Portia completed her Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) which focused on the nexus between supply chain management and stakeholder management for the balanced and optimal growth of the tourism sector. She has a passion for leadership in tourism and digitalisation within the tourism supply networks in the SADC region as economic development initiatives. Her scientific interests include digital procurement of tourism establishments in Africa. She has co-authored in different books, published research papers in academic journals, and participated in both domestic and international conferences.