Stella Cruz Ortiz is one of five David Riddell Scholarship recipients who will be attending SITE Global Conference 2025 thanks to the generous support of SITE Foundation.
Here is Stella’s winning essay, where she details the impact the incentive travel industry has made in her life and career so far.
One of the most transformative experiences in my career was accompanying my first FAM trips to Monaco.
In my second year with the Monte-Carlo SBM resort, I had the opportunity to collaborate with regional destination partners on these trips. It was not only my first international business trip but also a significant moment of personal and professional growth.
Despite having spent over a year promoting the properties, the prospect of traveling to Monaco felt daunting. It was my first time meeting my Monaco-based colleagues in person and two client groups were visiting the Principality back-to-back.
My goals for the trip were to get acquainted with the destination and the SBM properties, while working with the hotel teams to engage with the clients to ensure a smooth visit. The new environment and the high expectations of the events made the experience both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Initially, I was anxious, questioning whether I was ready or worthy of the responsibility that came with such high-stakes trips. However, navigating through this experience allowed me to confront feelings of self-doubt and overcome imposter syndrome.
I realized that my training, preparation, passion for travel, and my commitment to do good work were valuable assets. The opportunity to interact with industry professionals and clients in such a spectacular setting bolstered my confidence and validated my role within the industry.
That business trip was a turning point in my career. The skills I developed — ranging from high-level client engagement to effective networking and relationship building — have been instrumental in my subsequent role at New York City Tourism + Conventions. More importantly, it reaffirmed my passion for the incentive travel industry and motivated me to welcome opportunities that push the boundaries of my comfort zone.
The connections I made during these trips proved invaluable, extending far beyond the immediate trip. Several professionals I met in Monaco later became colleagues as I became more involved with the SITE Northeast Chapter and its Board of Directors.
Over the past four years, my work with SITE Northeast and the SITE Global Young Leaders Committee has allowed me to connect with industry professionals worldwide, support each other through career challenges, and gaining insights into diverse cultures and practices. My involvement in the association has been a source of continuous growth and inspiration, putting into practice SITE’s vision of building and bridging cultures.
I never thought this would lead to direct involvement in hosting the SITE Global Conference in New York City. As part of the co-host team, through NYC Tourism + Conventions, I had the opportunity to contribute to the event’s success, assisting with various marketing elements.
One of my proudest achievements was securing SITE’s presence on two billboards in Times Square — a true “pinch-me” moment for myself and for the organization.
The 2023 conference also presented another personal challenge: public speaking.
I was invited to co-host and emcee one of the general sessions. I accepted the challenge, faced my anxiety around public speaking, and addressed a crowd of over 200 meeting and incentive professionals. This marked another milestone in my professional development, further boosting my confidence and communication skills.
My journey with SITE, from involvement in local chapters to playing a role in a global conference, has deepened my appreciation for the organization’s mission and the power of incentive travel to create meaningful connections across cultures.
As I look forward to the upcoming SITE Global Conference, I am eager to build upon these experiences, forge new connections, and continue learning about this dynamic industry.
