INSIGHTS
Celebrating FCM’s inspiring female trailblazers for International Women's Day
As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, we’re spotlighting the three ambitious and resilient leaders named to GBTA WINiT’s Top 50 and awards in 2024.
Organised by the GBTA Foundation, every year WINiT celebrates women who lead, inspire and motivate their organisations and the wider travel industry. Let’s learn more about these inspiring female changemakers.
Karly Ash, Head of Global Account Management
Winner of Top Female Mentor award
Advancing women in the workplace. It’s a commitment Karly has always strongly demonstrated in her 12+ years with FCM Travel. Her continued mentorship has fostered professional growth among her fellow colleagues and elevated women into leadership roles.
Karly has an unwavering dedication to gender equity which has not only shaped individual careers, but means she’s been highly influential in creating meaningful, long-lasting change for all women in the industry.
On winning her award, Billy McDonough, FCM President, Americas said “Karly is an incredibly selfless and inspiring leader who embodies the true essence of mentorship. A fierce advocate committed to the support of young female professionals, Karly is truly deserving of this honour, and I can’t wait to see the positive impact she will continue to have on our business for years to come.”
Sandra Espada, Chief Product Officer, FCM Travel
Honouree of Women Innovating the Way We Travel
With a keen eye on the evolving digital landscape and a passion for addressing unmet needs, Sandra’s focus is always on customer experience. Throughout her time at FCM Travel, she’s succeeded in revolutionising digital experiences and making business travel smoother than ever.
With over 20 years’ of experience in product management and technical consulting, Sandra is skilled in orchestrating diverse teams and navigating intricate organisational landscapes with agility. She has led the development and launch of various digital tools and products including the FCM Platform (desktop and mobile versions), our game-changing travel approval flows and FCM Extension.
On receiving her accolade honouring visionaries and those who inspire others, John Morhous, Chief Experience Officer said: “An industry trailblazer, Sandra’s transformative work and approach to product innovation has been nothing short of inspiring. I am thrilled that she is receiving this much-deserved honour and being recognised for the way that she continues to revolutionise the business travel world.”
CHARLENE LEISS, PRESIDENT, FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP AMERICAS (FCTG)
Honouree of FollowHer: Legends and Mentors
Charlene’s commitment to the progression of women in business travel is evident in the fact this isn’t her first WINiT accolade. With 30+ years’ experience in the industry, Charlene has always been deeply committed to the advocacy and advancement of women at every stage of their careers.
Her unwavering dedication has had a profound impact on the success of many women in FCM and across its parent group. She started the FastTrack employee recognition and advancement programme, and formed FCTG Americas’ Womenwise chapter.
On her recognition as a leader committed to advancing women in travel, Chris Galanty, Global Corporate CEO at FCTG said “Charlene is one of the most accomplished and impactful leaders in our industry, with her influence extending far beyond the walls of FCTG. She has long been a true champion for women in the workplace, so I’m incredibly proud to see her being honoured and celebrated for the way she is driving positive and meaningful change in our business.”
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