Inspiration
Last year, I turned my career upside down and stepped into an entirely new role: flight attendant. I added this unexpected chapter in addition to my other roles as hotel owner, leadership coach and founder of Accelerate. It was a leap that surprised many — including myself - and yet it felt like the most honest expression of what I’ve always believed about leadership: we grow when we choose courage over comfort.
Stepping into this new travel and hospitality role, reminded me what it feels like to be a beginner again, to stretch into unfamiliar spaces, and to choose a path not because it is predictable, but because it is aligned. That experience has shaped the inspiration for this year’s retreat. Accelerate has always been about helping women leaders find their voice, their clarity, and their path forward — but this year, we’re going deeper. We’re honoring the bold leadership moves and choices that make us more successful leaders and reconnect us to our purpose.
The theme for this year is inspired by the belief that leadership is not a destination — it’s a series of intentional steps toward becoming more of who we are and grounded in the belief that bold leadership isn’t about fearlessness. It’s about choosing to move forward even when the outcome is uncertain. Whether it’s using your voice, making bold decisions, stepping into a new role, taking decisive action, or expressing the most authentic version of yourself, Accelerate is here to give women the space, the support, and the community to take that next intentional step.
This year’s retreat celebrates the courage to do something unexpected, the humility to grow, and the community that lifts us as we do. It’s about expanding our leadership beyond what we thought was possible — and giving ourselves permission to show up in our lives and careers in a way that feels true, bold, and deeply our own.
We are thrilled to announce the location of our 2026 retreat at the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in Stowe, Vermont from April 8-10, 2026. The hills are truly alive in this captivating and relaxing resort destination - the perfect oasis for our gathering.
Accelerate Women Leaders would not be what it is today without the support and contribution from our Advisory Board. I want to thank our out-going board member Nancy Mendelson as well as our continuing board members, Deborah Burns, Janet Eason, Vickie Feldman de Falco, Jackie Kosiba, Emily Penfold Dailey, Hannah Lamprey, Sarah Morris and Tricia Tompkins for their commitment to Accelerate Women Leaders in Travel. This year we are excited to welcome Jacki Brown, Rachel Crater, Lan Elliott, and Maya Yette as our newest board members. I would also like to extend a special thank you to our support team Amy Gallagher and Tonya Hammond.
We look forward to seeing you in April 2026!
-Rachel Vandenberg, Founder Accelerate Women Leaders in Travel
Stepping into this new travel and hospitality role, reminded me what it feels like to be a beginner again, to stretch into unfamiliar spaces, and to choose a path not because it is predictable, but because it is aligned. That experience has shaped the inspiration for this year’s retreat. Accelerate has always been about helping women leaders find their voice, their clarity, and their path forward — but this year, we’re going deeper. We’re honoring the bold leadership moves and choices that make us more successful leaders and reconnect us to our purpose.
The theme for this year is inspired by the belief that leadership is not a destination — it’s a series of intentional steps toward becoming more of who we are and grounded in the belief that bold leadership isn’t about fearlessness. It’s about choosing to move forward even when the outcome is uncertain. Whether it’s using your voice, making bold decisions, stepping into a new role, taking decisive action, or expressing the most authentic version of yourself, Accelerate is here to give women the space, the support, and the community to take that next intentional step.
This year’s retreat celebrates the courage to do something unexpected, the humility to grow, and the community that lifts us as we do. It’s about expanding our leadership beyond what we thought was possible — and giving ourselves permission to show up in our lives and careers in a way that feels true, bold, and deeply our own.
We are thrilled to announce the location of our 2026 retreat at the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in Stowe, Vermont from April 8-10, 2026. The hills are truly alive in this captivating and relaxing resort destination - the perfect oasis for our gathering.
Accelerate Women Leaders would not be what it is today without the support and contribution from our Advisory Board. I want to thank our out-going board member Nancy Mendelson as well as our continuing board members, Deborah Burns, Janet Eason, Vickie Feldman de Falco, Jackie Kosiba, Emily Penfold Dailey, Hannah Lamprey, Sarah Morris and Tricia Tompkins for their commitment to Accelerate Women Leaders in Travel. This year we are excited to welcome Jacki Brown, Rachel Crater, Lan Elliott, and Maya Yette as our newest board members. I would also like to extend a special thank you to our support team Amy Gallagher and Tonya Hammond.
We look forward to seeing you in April 2026!
-Rachel Vandenberg, Founder Accelerate Women Leaders in Travel
