Voices of Impact: Travel retail female leaders share words of inspiration for International Women’s Day

Introduction: To mark International Women’s Day 2026 today (8 March), The Moodie Davitt Report has invited women from across the global travel retail and aviation sectors to participate in Voices of Impact, a special editorial initiative celebrating leadership, empowerment and collective action.

For Voices of Impact, senior executives and female leaders from across the travel ecosystem have shared quotes from inspirational women and thought leaders who have shaped their personal and professional journeys.

Participants also reflected on how they are giving back this International Women’s Day, whether through mentorship, advocacy, philanthropy or initiatives that promote equality and opportunity in line with the 2026 theme #GivetoGain.

#GiveToGain encourages individuals and communities to turn 8 March into one of the world’s biggest days of giving.

Together, their voices form a powerful reminder that progress is driven not only by ambition and resilience, but also by the willingness to lift others along the way.

The Estée Lauder Companies Regional Brand Director, Estée Lauder and AERIN, Travel Retail EMEA and The Americas, Victoria Foster

“I didn’t get there by wishing for it, or hoping for it, but by working for it” – Estée Lauder

Why it resonates: Of course, I have to highlight Mrs Estée Lauder – a woman who has profoundly inspired my journey in beauty and in business. Her words of wisdom resonate deeply with me.

How I show up in this space matters immensely, especially for other women. Having had the privilege of participating in the Women in Leadership cohort at The Estée Lauder Companies, I’ve embraced one of the programme’s guiding values: pay it forward, pay it sideways and pay it circular. This means intentionally setting aside time for mentoring, advocating for female talent, and always being a voice in the room for women striving to make their mark in business.

The Estée Lauder Companies Senior Vice President/General Manager, Travel Retail Asia Pacific Lina Ly

“It really is something that can never be done by any one person; it has to be done by a group” – Evelyn H. Lauder

Why it resonates: I’m particularly drawn to a quote by Evelyn H. Lauder, Founder of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign.

When reflecting on her vision of a world without breast cancer, she often said: “It really is something that can never be done by any one person; it has to be done by a group.”

Evelyn’s unwavering belief in the power of collective action and collaboration is what makes her leadership so inspiring to me and perfectly embodies this year’s International Women’s Day theme of #GiveToGain.

The Estée Lauder Companies Vice President / General Manager, Travel Retail China Maggie Wu

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” – Estée Lauder

Why it resonates: I strongly believe that chances favour the prepared mind. Success comes from staying resilient and agile, being bold in breaking boundaries, strengthening leadership, and doing the work needed to seize those opportunities.

Liht Organics Founder Nerissa Polke 

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” – Audrey Hepburn

Why it resonates: This quote has deeply influenced my personal and professional life, emphasising the power of connection and community. In the travel retail industry, where collaboration across teams and cultures is key to success, it reminds me to prioritise relationships and support networks.

It has guided me through challenging times, encouraging me to build strong bonds with colleagues and mentors, and to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and connected.

In the spirit of #GiveToGain, this International Women’s Day I am committing to donate to Room to Read, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of millions of children in lower-income communities through literacy and gender equality in education.

By supporting their Girls’ Education Program, which empowers young women with the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams and break cycles of poverty, I’m contributing to long-term advancements in women’s rights and opportunities worldwide. This aligns perfectly with celebrating women’s achievements by investing in the next generation of female leaders.

KOSÉ Director Product Management Headquarters Atsuko Ogura

“Failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success” – Arianna Huffington, Founder of The Huffington Post 

Why it resonates: The theme of IWD 2026 is ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls.’ These words carry a powerful message, encouraging us to drive tangible and meaningful change. Whenever we take on new challenges, we inevitably encounter failure – often many times. In those moments, we may feel powerless and tempted to pause. At times, we feel the pressure to always make the right choice.

True action, however, is rarely guided by a clear path from the outset. Stumbling, retracing our steps, and taking detours along the way are not wasted efforts. They are essential steps in growth.

Failure is part of success. The path to our goals is never a straight line. Success is forged through repeated missteps, course corrections, and the courage to keep moving forward despite setbacks. It is this gritty, iterative process – the persistence through trial and error – that truly shapes achievement.

Now, more than ever, we should take to heart the words of Arianna Huffington and let them guide our actions and aspirations.

Avolta Commercial Director Middle East Diane Sargeant

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” – Audrey Hepburn

Plaza Premium Group Chief Transformation Officer Mei Mei Song

“Everything you do, do it with compassion, integrity and aim for impact. Don’t ever be afraid to be yourself and have fun with it.”

B&S Marketing & Communications Manager Shalin D’sa

“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” – Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made female millionaire 

The Moodie Davitt Report Head of Events Vincci Chung

“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Heathrow Head of Duty Free, Luxury, Fashion and Shopping Services Nancy Stewart

“There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish” – Michelle Obama

Why it resonates: This quote is my North Star and a reminder to dream bigger, work harder and never let anyone set the ceiling for what we can achieve.

Kering Eyewear Trade Marketing Manager Alessandra Masiero

“I dwell in possibility” – Emily Dickinson 

Why it resonates: My quote is pretty short and simple, but powerful.

I stumbled on it during English literature class in high school and always lived by it since then. It encourages me to be whoever I want and do whatever I set my mind into.

We, as women, are lucky to live in today’s world, but the journey is still long ahead of us and our rights and equality are still to grow. But we are lucky enough to still have a world full of possibilities.

Mast-Jägermeister SE GTR Marketing Director Stephanie Cleary

“I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.” – Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand

Why it resonates: I want to celebrate the women who lead by example and show how women can do things better. The leadership philosophy of Jacinda Ardern centred on courage, authenticity and doing things differently. She famously challenged the idea that empathy makes a leader weak.

Inspired by Jacinda’s belief that compassion and strength belong together, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t a hot flame – it’s a long-term belief in creativity and showing up boldly, even when the path isn’t there yet.

This International Women’s Day and throughout the year I am giving to gain by supporting the charity Women Who Can.

Butlers Chocolates Marketing Director Aisling Walsh

“Feel empowered. And if you start to do it, if you start to feel your voice heard, you will never go back.” – Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland

Why it resonates: The Ireland I grew up in was a very different place to the modern, exciting and vibrant country it is today. The 1990s were a time of cultural and economic revolution, a time of massive change and opportunity. As a young woman starting out, for me the election of Mary Robinson as Ireland’s first female President was inspiring and embodied the changes afoot.

She broke the mould, shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for so many women who followed her.

I love this quote as it is relevant to women of all ages, a reminder to find your voice and use it for good. Once you uncover the courage to find your voice and use it, the possibilities to make a difference are limitless.

Mars Wrigley International Travel Retail Market Director An De Volder

“A feminist is anyone who recognises the equality and full humanity of women & men” – Gloria Steinem

Why it resonates: In the spirit of #GiveToGain, I want to start by thanking those who support me in helping to believe ‘I can!’ and give me the space to lead. Sponsorship and mentorship have been essential in my journey so far.

I try to give back by mentoring as well: listening and sharing experiences that might help someone along their path of personal and professional growth. What matters most to me is being part of a workplace where gender doesn’t define opportunities and where you can build competence, confidence and make a difference.

2.0 & Partners Head of Hospitality Programmes & Brand Expansion Vittoria Passoni

“We should all be feminists” – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian feminist author

Why it resonates: I chose it because I am truly the biggest admirer of women: their beauty, differences and their way of standing strong in a world that still does not always recognise the power they hold. It celebrates the quiet courage, resilience and brilliance that each woman carries.

At the same time, it reminds us that equality is not a cause for a few, nor a conversation for women alone. It is a shared responsibility. When we honour that power and lift each other up, we create a world that is richer, fairer and more whole. And in a world that so clearly needs more support, more empathy and a deeper sense of unity, I believe this mindset is not just inspiring – it is necessary.

The idea of #GiveToGain is very relevant for the travel retail industry today. For our businesses to truly serve our shoppers, we must understand them. This is best done by having a business that reflects those it serves.

I am a big believer that elevating the role of women in travel retail is very important here. It is why so much of the training work we do at 2.0 & Partners is focused on ensuring that the best people for each position have the skills and understanding needed to succeed. Providing true training and insight to all is the only way to ensure equal opportunities.

In this regard, I am also proud of the work we have done within 2.0 & Partners to elevate women in key roles, not because they are women, but because they are the very best at their jobs. Giving equal opportunities means that we gain real excellence.

Mondelez WTR Director Category, Customer & Shopper Marketing Anna Somogyi

 “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Why it resonates: Personally, I have very beautiful dreams in travel retail. Passengers are happy, Trinity partners are constantly discussing how they can unlock new opportunities and make the passenger journey more, fun, exciting and creative.

I dream that my two daughters can live in a fair and equal world and that there is no limit for them.

Rémy Cointreau CEO Global Travel Retail Fida Bou Chabke

“To me, leadership is about encouraging people. It’s about stimulating them. It’s about enabling them to achieve what they can achieve and to do that with a purpose.” – 11th Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde

Why it resonates: At Rémy Cointreau, as Group Diversity, Equity & Inclusion leader, I am inviting everyone to give a moment of their time to a woman colleague: share a piece of advice, amplify an idea in a meeting or offer kudos for a job well done.

I would be happy as well to give a moment from my time to anyone from our TR community who would like to reach out.

Aromababy Founder and CEO Catherine Cervasio

“Do small things with great love” – Mother Teresa

Why it resonates: This is what we believe business is all about at Aromababy; as a small family business providing natural skincare for more than three decades, we’ve been able to make a small difference in the lives of many who use our products.

Aromababy has also provided products to various charities, women’s shelters, maternity hospitals and community projects throughout this time.

Paul & Shark Chief Commercial Officer Silvia Popescu

“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea!” – Danish author Isak Dinesen

Silvia was nominated by the Paul & Shark team. They said: “Together with Chiara, Eleonora, and myself, we nominate Silvia Popescu, Chief Commercial Officer of Paul & Shark, for The Moodie Davitt Report’s Voices of Impact campaign.

“Silvia is a true inspiration to all of us. She leads by example with dedication, focus and integrity, and her leadership genuinely empowers the women in our business. Her ability to motivate, guide, and support her teams is remarkable and she encourages everyone around her to strive for excellence while staying true to their values.

“This embodies her belief in perseverance, hard work and the restorative power of life’s challenges, inspiring us personally and professionally every day.”

They added: “We believe Silvia’s vision, dedication and empowerment of others truly capture the spirit of Voices of Impact, celebrating women’s achievements while inspiring action and impact.”

NAOS (Bioderma) Global Travel Retail and Expansion Manager Irina Beltcheva

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish. When we support each other, lift each other up, and refuse to shrink ourselves to fit expectations, we open doors not only for ourselves but for the generations that follow.” – Michelle Obama

Avolta Asia Pacific President and CEO Freda Cheung

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are” – Anaïs Nin

Avolta North America Senior Vice President Digital Atousa Goreichi

“I love mentoring women in my field and in my personal life. I want to be the voice of confidence that helps to guide women as they navigate their professional lives and career trajectory. I’m really pleased to take that role and to continue to support women the best I can.

“Let’s all be a voice of impact.”

Duty Free Global Chief Operating Officer Nathalie Roelands

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish” – Michelle Obama

Why it resonates: This quote speaks to possibility rather than limitation. Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by women who lead with confidence and resilience – proving that ambition and collaboration can go hand in hand. When women support and elevate one another, there truly is no limit to what we can achieve.

emmef Communications Founder Meng Fuan Tan

“When you face up to bad things in the past, the most important thing is not to allow them to happen today or in the future, and as storytellers, we must play our part in that” – Michelle Yeoh

Why it resonates: The woman I admire most is the incredibly inspiring Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh.

Being a Malaysian myself, she has been breaking glass ceilings in her industry and smashing stereotypes of women since the beginning of her acting career in the 1980s.

Choosing to perform her own stunts, being brave and bold to speak her mind and stand her ground, playing a martial-arts fighting and tough-as-nails Bond Girl, to being the first Asian actress to win an Oscar, she has shown to all women, of all ages and races, that there is no barrier and no limits to what one can do when you set your mind to it.

She is such an admirable role model to all women, especially on being resilient, courageous and a strong believer of shaping your own future to however you want it to be.

Babor Beauty Group Director Travel Retail Lara Schlüter 

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship” – Louisa May Alcott

Why it resonates: As a Director in travel retail, this quote resonates with me because our industry is constantly evolving – and real impact comes from staying calm, learning fast, and moving forward through change.

In the spirit of #GiveToGain this International Women’s Day, I’d like to give a shout-out to my female colleagues across travel retail: let’s give to gain.

We can all learn from each other, and we rise by lifting others – especially in an industry as volatile, yet often quite insular, as ours.

The Moodie Davitt Report Publisher Irene Revilla

“Well-behaved women seldom make history” – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, American historian and Pulitzer Prize winner

Why it resonates: I believe this quote represents me and many other women who challenge the status quo and can often be labelled as disruptive, when in reality we are demonstrating leadership and confidence.

The Moodie Davitt Report Senior Finance and Business Operations Manager Kristyn Branisel

“I would rather be the ‘obnoxious feminist girl’ than be complicit in my own dehumanisation” – Kathleen Hanna

Why it resonates: I chose that quote by Kathleen Hanna because feminism is important to me. Us women need to speak up and show up for each other, especially in the current climate we are living in.

Revlon General Manager Asia Pacific Travel Retail & Japan Yumie Chia

“Confidence is the best accessory a woman can wear. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you too.” – Elizabeth Arden

Why it resonates: I strongly believe in the power of confidence and self-belief. Such positive thoughts can harness unlimited energies within us to charge forward and fight on. I am equally grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way.

In the spirit of giving back this International Women’s Day, I am giving support to Dreams Community, a support initiative that provides disadvantaged children with opportunities to learn and flourish; to be holistically developed and to be empowered to chase after their dreams.

Munich Airport Head of Competence (Airport Management & Commercial) Swapnal Kulkarni-Chouhan

“The world may set limits and ceilings – always remember to be a woman who is defining her own legacy” – Swapnal Kulkarni-Chouhan’s grandmother

Why it resonates: My inspiration is my grandmother, whose guidance shaped me to embrace leadership, courage and purpose. She taught me to live by those words.

The Moodie Davitt Report Brands Director Hannah Tan

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will” – Charlotte Brontë

Why it resonates: Freedom, independence and dignity have always been very important to me. In words and actions, I always try to be an advocate for other women using my voice and platform to uplift others throughout the year and not just on International Women’s Day.

I believe that women shouldn’t be forced to fit into boxes and that all sorts of femininity should be celebrated. I also believe that we should stand up for ourselves and each other especially in the face of injustice.

The Moodie Davitt Report Chief Sub-Editor Leanne Farnell

“A woman is human. She is not better, wiser, stronger, more intelligent, more creative, or more responsible than a man. Likewise, she is never less.” – Author Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

Why it resonates: I have to admit that I haven’t read the book, but I found the quote several years ago when my lovely Nan passed away the day before International Women’s Day. Her name was also Vera and the quote really resonated with me as it sums her up.

Nan took people as they came, never judged, never treated them differently, and celebrated everybody. I really like to think she passed that quality of championing equality on to me.

The Moodie Davitt Report Strategic Partnerships Lead Christelle Hill

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else” – Judy Garland

Why it resonates: I chose this as I use it a lot with my kids. I want them to understand that it is important to be who you are rather than what you think other people want you to be.

The Moodie Davitt Report Managing Editor Ameesha Raizada

“Darling, you can be whatever you want to be as long as you’re outrageous!” – Phoebe Waller-Bridge

“You will always be held to a different, higher standard” – Laura Dern, from Marriage Story

Why it resonates: I find this to be an absolute gem: when Phoebe Waller-Bridge, writer and lead star of TV drama Fleabag, received a BAFTA, she repeated something her mother once told her: “Darling, you can be whatever you want to be as long as you’re outrageous!”

I love how such a simple phrase can carry so much: the permission for women to be loud and unapologetic. I remind myself of this quote whenever I hesitate to speak up in a room where my voice matters, or when I feel the pressure to shrink myself to fit expectations.

Another moment I keep coming back to is Laura Dern’s monologue in the film Marriage Story, pointing out the relentless double standards women face in both their personal and professional lives.

Clarins Group Global Marketing Director Travel Retail Sandrine Tesniere

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Why it resonates: This is a quote that keeps me engaged and motivated every day.

As a woman in travel retail, I believe dreaming boldly is not optional, it is how we shape the future of our industry, inspire our teams, and create value beyond borders.

Shiseido Travel Retail Vice President, Human Resources Wendy Tai

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver” – Maya Angelou

Why it resonates: Leadership is the art of giving – giving recognition; giving courage; giving opportunity. And as we give wholeheartedly, we gain trust, connection, and a culture where everyone can flourish. I am actively sponsoring two rising talents through mentorship and actively putting their names forward for meaningful stretch assignments.

Through the Shiseido Way, we collectively strive to show beauty through care, integrity and people-first leadership, creating enduring value.

Lacoste Travel Retail & Corporate Director APAC Erin Lillis

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” ― Maya Angelou

Avolta Director Corporate Communications Cathy Jongens

“The only limitations are the ones you put on yourself” – Cathy Freeman 

Penfolds Global Marketing Manager GTR Lina Lim 

“Sit at the table” – Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Why it resonates: In Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, Sheryl Sandberg describes how some women instinctively choose the side of the table, even when they belong in the conversation. That resonated with me because I had done the same earlier in my career. With time, I learned to speak up and claim my seat, despite growing up in a culture where challenging authority wasn’t always encouraged.

Recently, I hosted an International Women’s Day panel at my workplace titled ‘From Potential to Power: Closing the Confidence Gap Through Mentorship.’ In our research, we found that 87% of women with mentors feel empowered, and women with mentors are up to five times more likely to be promoted.

The session was a powerful reminder that mentorship and support have the ability to transform confidence, accelerate careers and create opportunities for women to take their place at the table.

Avolta CEO Southern Europe Isabel Zarza

“Freedom is knowing how to say no” – Carmen Maitingaite 

Why it resonates: It’s a powerful reminder that real freedom is having the confidence to set boundaries and stay true to your values and make your own choices. When women are empowered to use their voice we create stronger teams, better business and a more equal future.

The Moodie Davitt Report Associate Editor Camille Bersola 

“Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you that you are ever past your prime” – Michelle Yeoh

Why it resonates: It’s simple, yet one of the most empowering messages I’ve heard in recent years. It came from Michelle Yeoh, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2022, making history as the first woman of Asian descent to do so in 95 years, and only the second Asian lead ever to be nominated.

Bluedog Group Global Business Development Director Sarah Genest 

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the worlds problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have, because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own”  – Michelle Obama

Why it resonates: This quote has stayed with me because it reframes what impact looks like. In a busy industry like global travel retail, it’s easy to feel that unless you’re making sweeping, visible change, what you do doesn’t matter.

Michelle Obama’s words are a reminder that every act of generosity, every door held open for someone else, every moment of encouragement given to a colleague or mentee – it all counts. Courage and hope don’t need to be grand gestures. They just need to be genuine.

This year, #GiveToGain feels especially personal. I’d like to draw attention to the #KickCancerThon, held in memory of Sinead Moodie – a former colleague, an exceptional woman, and one of the brightest, most generous people I have had the privilege of knowing in this industry.

Sinead was taken from us far too soon, but her spirit – one of putting others first, of being a ray of sunshine in every room she entered – lives on in those of us lucky enough to have crossed her path. Supporting this cause feels like the most fitting way I know to honour what International Women’s Day is about: lifting each other up, giving back, and ensuring that the women who shape our world are never forgotten.

I’d encourage anyone in our industry who feels moved to do so to find out more about #KickCancerThon and contribute if they can. ✈

Sinead Moodie (1984-2026)