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DOROTHY DOWLING HAS joined her old boss, David Kong, as a principal for Kong's DEI Advisors, a non-profit organization that aims to empower women and other underrepresented groups to achieve their career goals. Previously, Dowling was chief marketing officer at Best Western Hotels & Resorts for 18 years while Kong was Best Western's CEO for 20 years. Kong, along with principals Rachel Humphrey and Lan Elliott, formed DEI Advisors last year. Humphrey is the former executive vice president and COO for AAHOA, and Elliott is co-founder of Acacia Hospitality LLC. Dowling also held senior leadership positions with other hospitality companies, including Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Forte Hotels, Travelodge Canada, Royal Host REIT and ARAMARK. She serves as a board member and advisor for several organizations, including Cubesmart, HSMAI, and WINiT by GBTA. Dowling recently received the lifetime achievement awards from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference for her business performance, and GBTA WINiT for her leadership advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the hospitality industry, according to DEI Advisors.

DEI ADVISORS RECENTLY launched 'It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast', showcasing the professional journeys of hospitality leaders. The podcast features more than 200 interviews with executives, thought leaders, life coaches, professors and authors, offering insights on career development, leadership and personal well-being. Founded in June 2022 by David Kong, former CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, DEI Advisors is a non-profit that promotes equality for women and underrepresented groups. The principals-Kong, Lan Elliott, Rachel Humphrey, Dorothy Dowling, and Huilian Duan-have interviewed hundreds of hospitality leaders. DEI Advisors said the podcast was created in response to listener feedback valuing stories of career triumphs, setbacks and strategies. "This award-winning podcast reflects our belief that empowerment begins with authentic storytelling," the company said. "By sharing these experiences, we aim to inspire individuals to dream big, pursue bold ambitions, and build the confidence to thrive in their careers."