Last updated on September 5th, 2024

The JourneyWoman Team

Meet Our Team

Carolyn Ray

Owner/CEO

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire” – Unknown

Bio: Carolyn leads JourneyWoman’s marketing communications and consulting services. She grew up in Florida surrounded by sea and surf and moved to Canada after a year overseas in 1987. She started her career in book publishing and held leadership positions in brand consulting and PR firms, most recently as the CEO of Interbrand Canada. In March 2023, she was named one of the most influential women in travel by TravelPulse. Carolyn travels full time after downsizing to her backpack in 2018. She’s also on the board of directors of the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA), and a member of Women Travel Leaders.

Thing I love: My daughter Alyx, history, astronomy, anything literary/books, margaritas, beaches, latin music, empowering women, dancing!

Places I love: Spain, Colombia, Brazil, Nicaragua, Key West, Morocco, New York, Mexico and Kenya and too many more to mention

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woman smiling happy to be working at JourneyWoman

Jacqueline Grossman

Strategic Partnerships

“When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.”  — Lee Ann Womack

Born in Montreal, Jacqueline has always had a passion for travel and a purpose for creating memorable experiences that foster connection and community. She has spent the majority of her career in marketing executive roles at leading  organizations  including Just For Laughs, Thomas Cook, Travel Brands, Canada Day London and  Sunwing Travel Group where she was responsible for spearheading the company’s marketing strategy, brand and contributing to unprecedented growth.

Jacqueline holds an MBA from Schulich School of Business and a Bcomm from Concordia University.  She is actively involved in the marketing community including the American Marketing Association where she has held various positions over the years as a mentor, judge and President of the Toronto chapter.  She is also a judge for the coveted CMA Awards.   Whether  as a leader, a mentor, Mom or  an avid traveller, she brings passion, creativity, & enthusiasm  to every aspect of her life.

Things I love: chasing sunsets, discovering new places, being a Mom, famjams, happy hour, terraces, dancing, hosting parties, laughter, free parking, co-creating, community, running on the beach,

Places I love: Canada, Italy, Israel, UAE, London, New York, Montreal, Tremblant, Croatia, Spain, Mexico

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Stephanie Cerratti

Stephanie Cerratti

Website Manager, JourneyWoman.com + Women's Travel Directory

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us” – J.R.R. Tolkien 

Bio: After graduating with a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Western University, Stephanie took a year abroad in Australia. It was there she decided she wanted to continue a life of working while travelling. She went back to school in Toronto to learn to code and build websites. Since then she has travelled the world while working remotely, from the beaches of Thailand and Bali to Italy and Spain and lots of places in between. She currently lives in Berlin, Germany, but still travels often and maintains websites along the way.

Things I love: Traveling, electronic music, festivals, my dog, Italian food, and warm weather

Places I love: Italy, Thailand, Australia, Ibiza, anywhere in the Med

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Christine-Winebrenner-Irick-1074

Christine Winebrenner Irick

Host, Soul of Travel Podcast

Christine Winebrenner Irick was recently named one of “2023’s Most Influential Women in Travel” by TravelPulse. She received a Bessie Award from Wanderful in 2022 for her work on Soul of Travel, being recognized as a brand that has gone above and beyond to support, empower, and represent women in the past year.

She has spoken with over 100 women in many countries who are working to create a positive impact around the world on the Soul of Travel Podcast, which was brought into the JourneyWoman family in June 2023. She is also the Founder of Lotus Sojourns, where she creates and guides transformational journeys for women that support gender equity.

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woman in red dress smiling

Eblen Gallegos

Client Success Manager

“I am little pieces of all the people and all the places I have ever known, and each piece has made me a little bit more who I am.”- Atticus

Bio:
Eblen was born and raised in Mexico and took an adventurous turn in 2007 when she moved to Toronto. This bold step ignited her passion for immersive and slow travelling, leading her to explore the daily lives and cultures of diverse countries around the world. With a background in graphic design and seven years of experience in client relations and account management, Eblen has honed her skills in understanding and connecting with people. But her role as a solo female travel advocate truly resonates with her heart. Eblen is dedicated to inspiring women everywhere to embark on their own solo adventures, encouraging them to embrace the beauty and richness of the world on their own terms.

Things I love:
immersing myself in the wonders of nature, marvelling at new places and experiences, constantly seeking to surprise me with new things to do or learn, and inspiring others with my journey.


Places I love:
India, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Portugal and home Toronto.

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Tom Zara

Tom Zara

Partner / COO

“A rolling stone gathers no moss.”

Bio:  Tom works with travel companies to help them build their brands and connect authentically with travellers. a B.A. from Brown University, has spent over 30 years in consulting, most recently as the President of Interbrand New York. He is a published author, keynote speaker and revered mentor to many a fertile mind, still finding time to travel to over 80 countries. Tom leads our Consulting Practice and works on projects related to sustainability, CEO coaching, strategic branding, mergers and acquisitions and industry research.

Things I love: hugs from my grandchildren, warmth of the sun, spicy food, museums, 7-minute planks!

Places I love: Maro, Agra, Horseshoe Bay, Bali, Manhattan, Patagonia

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Melissa Fox

Melissa Fox

Administration

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

Bio: Melissa has been with JourneyWoman for almost 12 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ryerson and works with our accommodation partners. 

Things I love: My kids, fiber art, the kitchen, sharing stories, working with amazing teams

Places I love: Bermuda, Alberta, England, France

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