IGLTA Foundation awards wmnsWORK scholarship to innovator Analise Sesay

Thursday, March 14, 2024

In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) Foundation is delighted to announce Analise Samantha Delphine Sesay (she/her) as the chosen awardee of the wmnsWORK scholarship for its September 2024 intake. The wmnsWORK initiative champions the empowerment of women and nonbinary individuals in the travel sector by offering financial support, access to educational materials, and mentorship through a 12-week online accelerator program.

“Through Common Healing, Analise Samantha Delphine is creating a global network where resources flow freely across borders, fostering a more inclusive and supportive travel industry for everyone,” said John Tanzella (he/him), IGLTA President/CEO. “We are thrilled to celebrate Analise as the recipient of our IGLTA Foundation wmnsWORK scholarship, and can’t wait to see the impact of Common Healing in the years to come.”

“I’m grateful to receive the opportunity to participate in an entrepreneurship incubator dedicated to women and nonbinary tour operators and hoteliers like wmnsWORK with support from IGLTA and the IGLTA Foundation. It feels like a huge relief to have these organizations backing my vision, providing resources for navigating the unique business model of tour operators, and helping me vet partnerships that are grounded in respect and reciprocity,” said Analise Sesay (she/her), Founder of Common Healing and wmnsWORK scholarship recipient.

Analise is the visionary behind Common Healing, an innovative endeavor aimed at fostering a sense of unity among cultural practitioners worldwide via travel. The core mission of Common Healing is to establish a global network of support that transcends geographical boundaries, facilitating the free flow of resources. Analise’s path with Common Healing showcases her dedication to perpetual innovation and envisioning a better future:

• In 2019, it began as a temporary healing center in South London.
• By 2020, it transformed into a virtual educational platform.
• In 2021, the focus shifted towards internal healing and consolidating its base.
• 2022 saw a resurgence with an emphasis on “Participatory World-Building,” a concept aimed at designing inclusive environments that cater to the aspirations and necessities of Black and Brown LGBTQ+ creatives, cultural practitioners, land caretakers, and collaborative entities ranging from accommodation providers to culinary experts and transportation services.

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