2017 W.I.T.H. It! Video, Clara Carter, Peggy Cooper and Denise Jackson
2017 W. I. T. H. HONOREE Interview – Denise Jackson and Peggy Cooper
2017 W.I.T.H. Awards Lucy Burni, Burni Enterprise
2017 W.I.T.H. Awards Julia Slocombe, Smart City
2016 Acknowledgements – Women in Hospitality and Tourism
2016 Women Visionary Luncheon Program Event Video
2016 Visionary Women Leading the Way – BIOS
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Christine “Shimo” Shimasaki, CDME, CMP
Managing Director of empowerMINT.com and event impact calculator Destination Marketing Association International
Christine Shimasaki, CDME, CMP joined Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) in 2009 as managing director of empowerMINT.com and the Event Impact Calculator. Ms. Shimasaki (or Shimo as she is known) brings over 16 years of destination marketing and 10 years of hotel experience to her role. Prior to joining DMAI, Shimo served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Shimo has been named a #CMP30 Influencer by Convention Industry Council, one of the “25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry” by Successful Meetings, and a “Meeting Trendsetter” by MeetingsFocus. She earned her Masters’ Degree in Business Administration at San Diego State University. She has served the tourism industry as a board member to PCMA, Convention Industry Council’s (CIC) APEX Standards Review Committee, co-chair of the Performance Measures Initiative for DMAI, chair to DMAI’s Accreditation Board. Recently Shimo authored the Event Room Demand Study, quantifying for the first-time the volume of rooms booked outside the contracted room block and is a member of European Cities Marketing (ECM) Summer School faculty.

Julia Slocombe
Julia Slocombe joined Smart City Networks in September 1997 and currently serves as Vice President of Operations. In this role, Ms. Slocombe oversees the management of operations at facilities in the western United States where under her leadership, her team has met financial and operational performance targets at locations associated with Smart City’s regional facilities.
Ms. Slocombe has developed her telecom staff to meet the growing demands of both the internal and external customers. Recently, Ms. Slocombe played a pivotal role and displayed her strong relationship management skills during a competitive public proposal process that led to long term contract awards at three convention centers; San Diego, Anaheim and Washington State. Additionally, she was invaluable as project lead and negotiated the successful contract renewals for the Santa Clara Convention Center and the Long Beach Convention Center. The exclusive 20-year technology agreement for the Santa Clara Convention Center includes Smart City’s newest product, Neutral Host Distributed Antennae System design, installation and management. These contract awards represent an additional fifty years (50) of retention business for Smart City. All locations assigned to Ms. Slocombe have flourished under her guidance and remain vital company assets.
Ms. Slocombe is a member of the Board of Directors for the Neighborhood House Association, the San Diego chapter of Executive Women International (EWI) and she also serves on the taskforce for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Women’s Leadership 2015 and 2016.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition and General Management from the State of New York at Oneonta. Ms. Slocombe has been recognized by the White House Communication Agency for excellence in customer support and is a 2013, 2014 San Diego Top Tech Exec Nominee.
Karima Zaki, CHA
Karima Zaki knew she wanted to be an American well before she and her family immigrated to the United States.
Earning a bachelors in International Political Science and a masters in German Language Arts, she seemed headed to law school until she got bitten by the hotel bug late in her college career.
Zaki started with Hyatt Hotels as a management trainee in an industry that at the time had no women at the General Manager Level. Determined to break that glass ceiling, Zaki worked for a decade to finally reach a GM appointment. Going on to be promoted to positions such as Area Vice President, running the 2000 room Hilton San Francisco, negotiating the largest union contract with Unite H.E.R.E and being charged with the full responsibility to oversee the construction and development of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront are a few ways that Zaki made her mark in the industry.
Wanting to serve the grander purpose of the San Diego region, the city she now calls home, Zaki also held key positions within industry related organization. She was chairman of the Hotel/Motel Association, The Convention and Visitor Bureau, the Site Selection Committee for the Mayors Task Force on Ballpark planning, amongst a host of other affiliations.
Embracing the broader scope of the Hospitality Industry, Zaki became Founding Principal Strategist of ABOVE thirty thousand feet, a consulting firm that helped struggling hotels survive the economic storm that threatened the industry for years after 2008.
In June of 2011, Zaki had a prolific experience at a trade show in Las Vegas which prompted her to become the founder of sanctuate! a Tech-Spa, a cutting edge and award winning spa concept that re-imagined, re-invented and re-designed the Modern Wellness Experience. sanctuate! uses technology as its foundation to deliver services that are aimed at the busy, multi-tasking individual of today. sanctuate! makes wellness easy, efficient and affordable without breaking the time or money bank. Zaki serves as CEO, working on expanding this concept on a national and eventually global level.
Zaki resides in San Diego amongst her family and closest friends, but considers her daughter Raven to be the most rewarding aspect of her life, past, present and future.
Lucy Burni, CHA
Lucy Burni is an accomplished business woman, devout mother, and serves multiple community organizations. In her professional life, she is a seasoned commercial real estate and hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience, ranging from property management, leasing, financing, and acquisition to development and renovation. Ms. Burni’s experience has been applied to a number of commercial properties including: The Four Points Sheraton, a 225 room full service hotel since 2006 to present; Churchill Hotel, a 100 room hotel from 1996-2012; Ramada INN, a 210 room hotel from 2001-2007 and multiple multi-tenant commercial, restaurant, entertainment and residential properties in prime San Diego markets.
In addition to her tremendous work in the property and management realm, Ms. Burni has financially supported various organizations she believes align with her values of community, service, and justice. She has donated and volunteered her time to several organizations such as; Father Joe’s, San Diego Food Bank, The Seniors Citizen Retirement Home, The Martin Luther King Foundation, Masjid Taqwa Mosque and Justicia Para Los Niños in Tijuana, Mexico. She has received several awards for her involvement in the community and was also recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as one of the “Women Who Mean Business in San Diego”. She also currently serves as a Commissioner for the San Diego County Crime Commission, which assists and supports our Peace Officers and youth programs. Further, she is part of the “Master Minds Group,” which is a group of successful entrepreneurs that support each other’s business and share their success with the community by helping our city’s young entrepreneurs pursue new business ventures.
As of today, Ms. Burni employs 196 people in her businesses. She has always attempted to use her success and resources to serve her community.
However, more than anything, Ms. Burni is motivated by her family. She is a single mother of three children, Janan, Jasmin, and Abed. Her children are her primary devotion and the reason she works as hard as she does. She believes her children have taught her what it means to love unconditionally, the value of humility, and how to continually stay present for the ones she loves. Seeing her children achieve academically and be committed to social justice organizing inspires her every day to be a better mother and woman.
Ultimately, Ms. Burni hopes to be remembered for her role as a mother and for leaving a positive imprint on the hearts of people she loves dearly and has been grateful to meet along her journey.
Maureen Carew
Maureen Carew – General Manager Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Rancho Bernardo
Currently the General Manager for Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Rancho Bernardo, Maureen Carew continues to enjoy working and living in San Diego North County Inland. Maureen began her 35+ year career in hospitality with Atlas Hotels Inc. at the Town and Country Hotel Mission Valley for 13 years before she and her family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. There Maureen worked with Interstate Hotels and Resorts at the Tech Center Marriott as Director of Rooms and General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Briargate Parkway for 12 years before relocating back to her home town San Diego.
She rejoined the Town and Country Hotel for another 5 years as the Director of Operations before accepting the position of Assistant General Manager with JC Resorts at the Rancho Bernardo Inn from 2008-2015. In February 2015, Maureen began her most current role with InnVentures Hospitality, LLC as General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Rancho Bernardo.
During her career Maureen has been an active member in the Pikes Peak Lodging Association, Executive Women in Business Council and Hospitality for Christianity in Colorado Springs, Colorado 1993-2002 and Chaired the San Diego North Leadership Council 2010-2014, served on San Diego North Chamber of Commerce and Chairman’s Circle member 2008-2015, SDHMA Board of Directors 2009 to present and San Diego Tourism Authority Board of Directors 2015 to present.
Maureen and her husband Mike of 30 years have two children and three grandchildren. She enjoys photography, hiking and wine tasting.
M. Theresa (Terri) Breining, CMP, CMM
Theresa Breining, CMP, CMM is a principal with Breining Group LLC, whose focus is facilitating, training and consulting in the meeting industry. Terri has been in the meeting planning industry for more than three decades, and has been responsible for producing meetings and conducting training around the globe.
Prior to forming Breining Group, Terri served as the founder and president of Concepts Worldwide, a meeting management firm headquartered in San Diego County. In its 20+ years of business, Concepts Worldwide was a recognized international leader in providing full service strategic meeting management, consulting services and ROI measurement.
Considered by many to be a thought leader, Terri is an activist working tirelessly on the continuous advancement of knowledge, skill and professionalism in the meeting industry. She has served for many years as adjunct faculty for various university programs, is a sought after speaker, presenting educational workshops for a variety of business entities, and co-authored a book with Jack Phillips, entitled Return on Investment in Meetings and Events.
Her influence has been recognized many times over the years, including having her firm, Concepts Worldwide, acknowledged as a “Best Company to Work for in San Diego”. She served MPI as the Chairwoman of the International Board of Directors in 2003-04, and she been included several times on the list of “Most Influential People in the Meeting Industry” by Meeting News Magazine. She was inducted into the Convention Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders in 2010.
Peggy Cooper
An experienced public and community relations specialist, strategic planner and former long standing San Diego political background, Peggy Cooper has served the community of San Diego for 34 years. Today, she holds the position as Community Relations Specialist at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority where she has been employed for the past 11 years.
Prior to the Airport Authority, she worked 6 years for United States Congress, 14 years as Special Assistant for Protocol under the leadership of San Diego City Councilman George Stevens and 1 1⁄2 years with Councilman Charles Lewis. Peggy has two days with the City of San Diego named in her honor under Mayor’s Dick Murphy and Jerry Sanders. In February 2013, She was instrumental in coordinating the efforts of an historic dedication and permanent tribute of a five-mile stretch of Interstate 15 “Tuskegee Airmen Highway” as well as throughout the years raised close to a million dollars to support numerous non- profit agencies and organizations in San Diego.
She enjoys mentoring young adults and has raised funds to send over 15 students thru major universities across the country. Peggy serves on the Board of Directors for the USS Midway Museum and Hotel-Motel Association of San Diego County. In addition, she is a member of International Association of Business Communicators, Executive Women’s International, Friends of Downtown and Public Relations Society of America.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MCCSN to Announce Six Female Stars Who Are Changing the Game
SAN DIEGO, CA January 30, 2017 – For the second year in a row MCCSN’s annual women’s history month celebration will culminate with the MCCSN award honoring Women in Tourism and Hospitality – the W.I.T.H. San Diego Awards. With its focus on issues relating to women in the workplace at all stages of their careers and the changing landscape of Hospitality and Tourism, MCCSN is the premier organization recognizing the contributions of women professionals in the San Diego metro-area. The 2017 W.I.T.H. Awards will continue MCCSN’s tradition of honoring well known, respected and influential women at the pinnacle of their careers during national women’s history month.
The 2017 Honorees include Patti Roscoe, Founder of PRA Destination Management Company; Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner Co-owner Diego & Sons Printing; Denise Jackson President and CEO Balboa Travel Management; Gina Champion-Cain President and CEO American National Investments, Inc.; Shirley Hirai Manager of Equal Opportunity, Port of San Diego; and Sue Botos VP, Community Relations San Diego Padres.
The 2017 committee includes the 2016 Honorees who are enthusiastically lending their support to encourage industry professionals to attend this year’s program, in an effort to increase attendance from last year’s sell out event of 200 plus industry professionals. With the support of our 2016 Honorees, we are anticipating doubling the size of the event from last year.
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The 2017 W.I.T.H. Awards, Produced in partnership with our sponsors, will again recognize and give visibility to the extraordinary talent and service of six female executives who are leading the way and making significant contributions to empowering tomorrow’s leaders. The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 16, 2017 at the Wyndham San Diego Bayside hotel, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The award ceremony will be emceed by San Diego NBC7 TV personality Catherine Garcia, and include a panel discussion moderated by Peggy Cooper, Sr. Community Relations Specialist at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.
Our 501c3 partner, Mt. Miguel High School Matador Business Academy (MBA), is a four-year program and Career Technical Education pathway creating college and career ready students in the underserved communities of Spring Valley and Lemon Grove.
MCCSN President Clara Carter stated “MCCSN’s basic business philosophies are to provide excellent service to its clients, to promote the highest industry standards, to inspire greatness among current industry professionals, and to share its success by providing education and leadership to the next generation. That’s why we present the W.I.T.H. awards at a networking luncheon and why we selected Mt. Miguel High School Matador Business Academy to receive proceeds from the event”.
MCCSN is seeking like-minded sponsors to help make this event a success. Advanced tickets for the event are $55 each. If you would like to purchase a ticket and/or become a sponsor call MCCSN at 619-265-2561 or visit here. Join us for a celebration like no other!
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About the MCCSN (Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network)
CLARA CARTER, 20-year veteran of the Hospitality Industry is President and Founder of the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network (MCCSN), Inc. This San Diego-based destination/strategic meeting management company is focused on global site selection and contract negotiations for meetings, conferences and conventions. Carter, award-winning trailblazer and the creator and producer of the nationally recognized Multicultural FAM tour, generated over $4.1 million dollars in economic tourism revenue for the City of San Diego over a three-year period.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MCCSNs Inaugural Luncheon Honors Six Outstanding Women in San Diego’s Hospitality and Tourism Market
Event Celebrated “Women Leading the Way in Hospitality and Tourism”.
San Diego, March 22, 2016 – More than 200 people attended the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network’s (MCCSN’s) first inaugural Women Visionaries Luncheon celebrating Women Leading the Way in Hospitality and Tourism Thursday, March 17 at the Lafayette Hotel in San Diego. The sold-out luncheon attended by tourism executives, industry professionals, business leaders, renowned guests and students, celebrated six outstanding women whose achievements, leadership, courage, strength and passion have helped build the hospitality industry and shape its future in San Diego and abroad.
The event featured an exhilarating luncheon and awards program moderated by Peggy Cooper, Community Relations Specialist at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, which included a panel of six honorees, Lucy Burni, President of Burni Enterprises; Maureen Carew, General Manager at the Courtyard Rancho Bernardo Marriott; Karima Zaki, founder of sanctuate! a Tech-Spa; Julia Slocombe, Vice President of Operations at Smart City Networks; Terri Breining, President of the Breining Group; and Christine Shimasaki, Managing Director, at Destination Marketing Association International. These phenomenal women motivated and inspired guests and provided a better appreciation for the work they do, as well as, insights into the future of the meetings industry for women.
“The inaugural Luncheon went above and beyond any of our expectations, which is a testament to the support and commitment of the individuals who make up this dynamic industry,” said MCCSN founder and event producer, Clara Carter.
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According to Hotel News Now, the hotel industry IS a Woman’s World. In recent years, the influence of women has been growing in the hotel industry. There have been significant increases in the number of women holding leadership roles at all levels of hotels, inns, lodges and resorts across the country. The tourism and hospitality sector has become an economic and social phenomenon, demonstrating above average growth for the fifth consecutive year since the 2009 economic crisis and being set to create 70 million new jobs over the next 10 years.
Within the industry, women make up nearly 70% of the workforce. However, inconsistently, there is a marked under-representation of women in senior positions, with women holding less than 40% of all managerial positions, less than 20% of general management roles and between 5-8% of board positions.
“MCCSN produced and hosted this event celebrating Women’s History Month to spotlight the amazing work of these visionary leaders and “Sheroes” of our industry – their commitment, tenacity and their persistence in how they managed to overcome obstacles to success. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the women in hospitality, while at the same time inspiring students who we know are going to do great things for the industry’s future.” said Carter.
“MCCSN is tremendously grateful for the contributions of our supporters, planning team and guests, including the esteemed members of our panel. We couldn’t have done it without you! Special thanks to our Trailblazing sponsors and industry partners, Lafayette Hotel, RAR Hospitality, Atlas Hospitality, Smart City Networks, San Diego International Airport and Wal-Mart”, continued Clara.
“We look forward to bringing leaders together again during Women’s History Month 2017 to celebrate the imagination, inspiration and innovation of women in the tourism industry, and to continue our work to build awareness of the industry through increasing its inclusiveness for women and other minorities; developing talent through education, experiences and scholarships; and fostering career growth among people who work in the industry.” For more information about MCCSN, visit mccsn.com
Contact MCCSN: Clara Carter, Founder clara@i0d.295.myftpupload.com (619) 265-2561
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SIX WOMEN Execs Set to Inspire at First Women’s Hospitality & Tourism …
Thursday, March 10, 2016 – Thursday March 17th, six female executives are set to Motivate and inspire an anticipated audience of 300 at the historic Lafayette Hotel. The luncheon event will kick off promptly at 11:30 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m.
Attendees can expect to receive…….
Motivation, inspiration, lunch, live entertainment, swag bags, photographer, door prizes and powerful networking.
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Whether you are…
in the hospitality industry or NOT…
seeking your “next act”
in transition of new job
seeking tips on how to be a better leader or
in need of motivation and inspiration…
this event is for you. Bring a friend, and be entered into a “special” drawing.
Celebrated panelist represents various markets throughout the hospitality and tourism arena – Hotel owners, VP of technology, Meeting Planner, Consultant and Trainers, Hotel General Manager, Hotel consulting, ……….
Friday, March 11th ends the early bird special rate of $50. After March 11th the rate will be $70 per person.
If you are seeking to sponsor a table of 10, we have just a few tables left. Call Clara Carter event producer, today to reserve your table or ticket, 619-265-2561.
Thanks to our event sponsor supporters, Smart City Networks, RAR Hospitality, Lafayette Hotel, Atlas Hotels, San Diego International Airport, ASU, Wal-Mart, Union Bank, S.D. Padres, Courtyard Rancho Bernardo Marriott, Bella Hansen Purnell, Four Points by Sheraton, FoodServ Staffing, Teresa Reed, CPA.
This is the event you do not want to miss! See you on Thursday, March 17th!
Celebrating Women in Hospitality and Tourism Visionary Luncheon
San Diego, CA February 26, 2016 — the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network (MCCSN) and committee are just 3 weeks out from what promises to be a wonderful afternoon of inspiration, motivation and FUN! As we celebrate Women History Month in honoring six visionary leaders in San Diego’s tourism market.
On Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the historic Lafayette Hotel in North Park San Diego, 300 influential business owners, senior business executives, trailblazing entrepreneurs and rising stars in the industry are expected to fill the ballroom to help celebrate our honorees. Our theme is “Women Leading the Way in Hospitality and Tourism.” Event start time is 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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Special thanks to our sponsors: RAR Hospitality, Lafayette Hotel, Union Bank, Atlas Hotels, ASU School of Community Resources and Development, Smart City Networks, and many supporters for helping make this event possible. Our charitable organization partner for this program is the Matador Business Academy at Mt. Miguel High School. Guests will enjoy entertainment followed by lunch and our motivated inspiring panelists, who will share their journey to success and provide their 2-3 year forecast for women in the hospitality and tourism industry. Our Celebrated Panelists are:
Terri Breining, CMM, CMP Breining Group, LLC; Karima Zaki, CHA, Founder and CEO of sanctuate! a Tech Spa; Christine “Shimo” Shimasaki, CDME, CMP Managing Director, Destination Marketing Association, Inc.; Julia Slocombe, Vice President of Operations, Smart City Networks; Maureen “Mo” Carew, General Manager, The Courtyard by Marriott Rancho Bernardo; Lucy Burni, CHA President and CEO Burni Enterprises and Mistress of Ceremony, Peggy Cooper, Community Relations Specialist at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.
Since 2004 Clara Carter, Founder and CEO of the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network (MCCSN) and Event Producer has been leading San Diego as the premiere destination for multicultural tourism and conventions. Clara Carter states, “I am excited to showcase some of San Diego’s visionary women who are leading the way in our industry.” It’s not often we have the opportunity to celebrate the works of these often unspoken heroes who work tirelessly to achieve their level of success, while juggling their personal lives to maintain balance.” Join me and others on March 17th to “celebrate” the awesome work of these six women. I am proud to have the opportunity to produce and Chair this event.”
Event organizers are seeking like-minded sponsors to help make this event a success.
Advanced tickets for the event are $50 each before March 11th. If you would like to purchase a ticket and/or become a sponsor call MCCSN at 619-265-2561 or e-mail events@i0d.295.myftpupload.com
Join us for a celebration like no other!
* Pre-interviews with honorees are available 30 minutes before event start time.
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Inaugural Women in Hospitality and Tourism Visionary Luncheon
San Diego, CA February 3, 2016 — the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network (MCCSN) will present its inaugural Women’s History Month Luncheon by celebrating visionary women Leading the Way in Hospitality and Tourism.
On Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the historic Lafayette Hotel, located in the heart of vivacious North Park San Diego, six visionary women will inspire, motivate and promote leadership excellence to an anticipated 300 influential business owners, senior business executives, trailblazing entrepreneurs and rising stars in the hospitality and tourism industries.
Click here to read more.
Attendees will enjoy entertainment followed by lunch and our motivated inspiring panelists, who will share their journey to success and provide their 2-3 year forecast for women in the hospitality and tourism industry. Our Celebrated Panelists are:
Terri Breining, CMM, CMP Breining Group, LLC; Karima Zaki, CHA, Founder and CEO of sanctuate! a Tech Spa; Christine Shimasaki, CDME, CMP Managing Director, Destination Marketing Association, Inc.; Julia Slocombe, Vice President of Operations, Smart City Networks; Maureen Carew General Manager, The Courtyard by Marriott Rancho Bernardo; Lucy Burni, President and CEO Burni Enterprises and Mistress of Ceremony, Peggy Cooper, Community Relations Specialist at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.
Since 2004 MCCSN, San Diego’s premiere multicultural Meeting and Tourism management company, has supported and recognized local businesswomen, women business owners, and women entrepreneurs who have dared to step out, follow their dreams, and inspire others in the hospitality industry.
Clara Carter, Founder and CEO of the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network (MCCSN) and Event Producer, stated “How appropriate to honor women in our industry who are leading the way and helping to fuel our local tourism economy, then to celebrate them at this special event”.
Event organizers are seeking like-minded sponsors to help make this event a success.
Advanced tickets for the event are $50 each. If you would like to purchase a ticket and/or become a sponsor call MCCSN at 619-265-2561 or e-mail events@i0d.295.myftpupload.com Join us for a celebration like no other!
* Pre-interviews with honorees are available 30 minutes before event start time.
