About
wmnsWORK is a 12-week virtual, equity free accelerator program designed specifically to support women and non-binary tourism entrepreneurs during the most critical part of their business journey – the early stages. We provide educational resources, mentorship, a space to create meaningful community, and access to expert advice that will accelerate the growth of your business and save you time + money.
Our Mission
To empower women and non-binary individuals to build and grow thriving tourism businesses with a team of supporters (the wmnsWORK community + contributors!) behind them. We believe this will have the positive ripple effect on equality in leadership and ownership that our industry so desperately needs.
Founding History
wmnsWORK is a subsidiary program under By Iris Consulting Corp.
In 2021, Iris Serbanescu noticed the lack of women leadership and ownership in the industry. After asking herself how she could help, she founded wmnsWORK Tourism Business Accelerator.
This Program is Designed To Help You
- Feel less alone in the process of building your business and build confidence in yourself to navigate challenges – while having FUN!
- Learn best practices in all the business essentials from the very beginning – Finance, Marketing, Business Planning, Sales, and more.
- Establish a network of fellow entrepreneurs, advisors and mentors in the industry that will continue to support you throughout your journey, long after the program is over. Take BIG risks and be supported in your pursuit of success!
Why wmnsWORK?
In a society that makes us constantly question our abilities (hello, imposter syndrome!), our purpose is to empower women and non-binary folks all over the world to take the leap into tourism entrepreneurship with self-compassion and self-trust. We show them that they already have everything they need to succeed within, while providing tactical advice and best practices from entrepreneurs who have walked the road before. We are laser-focused on consistently providing thoughtful & valuable content in a way that feels inclusive and fun. Our community is EVERYTHING. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but THIS, we take this VERY seriously. We respond with a sense of responsibility, inclusivity, and urgency – thoughtfully and with great compassion. We stay up to date on the tourism industry and keep our fingers on the pulse of what’s happening in the tourism and travel business space so we can best support you on your journey.
About the Founder
wmnsWORK was founded in 2022 by Iris Serbanescu, who has spent her decade-long career in the tourism industry consulting with and working alongside entrepreneurial ventures in tourism’s adventure, luxury and tech sectors. Prior to this launch, Iris led partnerships at TourRadar, an online marketplace for multi-day tour operators, and was the manager of trade development at travel consultancy Bannikin before that.
Iris’ Why
“I know what it’s like to feel like to be silenced or held back in subtle ways in places where masculine energy dominates, and I wanted to create a space that we can lean into bringing our whole selves to the table – with the container of trust and safety everyone is encouraged to show up fully – not just about business, but about life as well.”
