David Kong has launched DEI Advisors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and other minority groups through diversity, equity and inclusion to achieve career aspirations.
“I formed DEI Advisors as a nonprofit organization to collect and share insights and learnings from industry leaders,” said David Kong, principal and founder. “While many companies are doing wonderful work in the areas of DEI, individuals must also be responsible—and feel empowered—for their own personal growth and career aspirations. Essentially, we’re aiming to prepare future leaders in the industry for the driver seat of their own journey, where they get to truly help create and advocate for their own destiny.”
Kong was president and CEO of BWH Hotel Group until he retired at the end of 2021. He joined Best Western Hotels & Resorts in 2001 and was named CEO in 2004.
Inspiration
Through interviews with industry leaders, DEI Advisors hopes to share inspiration and guidance to help individuals navigate their careers by learning, among others, to:
- Overcome conscious and unconscious bias
- Feel comfortable in seeking advancements
- Triumph over structural barriers
- Establish networks, advocates and mentors
- Find strength and resilience in the face of adversity
- Better integrate their work life and personal life
The interviews and insights will be distributed through social media channels including YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn and also can be accessed through DEIAdvisors.org.
Some of the interviews immediately available for viewing at launch include Geoff Ballotti (Wyndham Hotels & Resorts president and CEO), Heather McCrory (Accor CEO, Northand Central America), Jagruti Panwala (Wealth Protection Strategies founder and CEO; 2019-2020 AAHOA chairwoman), Mary Beth Cutshall (Amara Capital founder and managing partner), Melissa Maher (Expedia senior VP), Peggy Berg (Castell Project founder and president), Sylvia Douglin (Crestline Hotels & Resorts director of training) and Renie Cavallari (author of "Head Trash").
“I’ve always been a champion for diversity, inclusion and equity in the industry,” Kong said. “I’m now thrilled to take my passion and turn it into something that I truly hope will impact lives, change career trajectories and make a difference.”