Meet the Team
Chair
Debbie O'Neill
I’m Debbie. My heart and passion are personal development, shaped by my own journey and a deep love of this work. I’m an NLP practitioner, Reiki practitioner, and women’s coach, endlessly curious about what helps people thrive. My universe is my son, Max. I fiercely believe in the power of being human. By day, I’m Managing Director at Jules Verne, where I’ve spent most of my working life. And it makes me feel grown up.
Vice-Chair & Development Director
Elena Ktori
I co-run Antella Travel Recruitment with my husband, Tony, and I’m mum to a 17-year-old daughter, which shapes how I see the world of work. Much of what I share comes from conversations with candidates and clients, and my experience in recruitment and business ownership. I care about creating workplaces where people can be themselves, not fit a mould. Outside work, baking, fresh air, and long walks with Charlie, my malshi, make me happy.
Membership Director
Tolene van der Merwe
I’m South African, living in London, and now promoting Malta. It may sound confusing, but I’m lucky to have three countries close to my heart. South Africa gave me open spaces, family, and a deep connection to nature. London brought a rich, worldly life shaped by shared journeys of starting anew. And Malta, with its history, resilience, and warmth, feels like home too. I care deeply about people and celebrating life’s small wins. Time with my animals, especially riding my horse in nature, is how I find calm.
Secretary
Kelly Davies
I care about connection and fairness. I’m inquisitive and love learning about people and why we do what we do. I’m calm and considered and I try to lead with kindness. I strongly believe in the power of women supporting women - in friendships and communities that lift each other up and bring others along. Creating more of that is important to me.
Development Director
Helen Roberts
I’m Helen, a leadership and sales coach passionate about unlocking potential. I know how rewarding, and challenging, leadership can be, and I love helping people inspire their teams and get the best from them. I live by the sea in Hove with my partner Ash, our 10-year-old son, and Rocco, our mischievous Belgian Malinois. I’m an adventurous traveller with Colombia top of my bucket list, and a keen runner aiming for 20 marathons before 50, recently hitting a sub‑3:30 PB in Brighton.
Membership Director
Kgomotso Ramothea
I moved from South Africa to the UK in 2010 and have called London home ever since (with South Africa always first!). Living away from family and friends has made me really appreciate the people around me, and I’m lucky to have a close circle here who make London feel like home. Being in the UK has also opened opportunities to travel with my family and we love going on road trips, trying out new foods and drinks, singing loudly along to our favourite tunes and exploring new places together.
Sponsorships Director
Affton Smith
I’m Affton, named after a character from Dallas TV show in the 80’s (my mum’s a big fan). I have a love for rock/metal music going to gigs is my way to connect with friends and destress after a long week. I’m a social butterfly and love to meet new people. What matters to me is being kind to others and being a listening ear. I’m here for my peers personally and professionally as well.
Communication Director
Ella Dunham
I started in the travel industry ten years ago, and it has shaped so much of who I am. Outside of work, I care deeply about wellness, self-development, human connection, animals, and leaving places better than we found them. AWTE means a lot to me because it brings together women who genuinely champion one another. I care about creating spaces where people feel confident to be themselves, and encouraged to grow both professionally and personally.
Communocation Director
Hannah Marshall
Championing women’s success in travel is my passion, and serving on the AWTE board for the past year has been a privilege. As Marketing Manager at CV Villas, I bring ten years of experience in digital strategy to the role. Beyond the office, I find peace on long nature walks and love expressing my creativity through dressmaking. I’m proud to be part of this community, helping us all grow together.
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Marketing Director
Clarissa Cappelletti
I’m Clarissa, Regional Manager at WeRoad, leading our English-speaking markets after six years in investment banking, quite the leap of faith, but travel won. I love exploring the world and helping make that possible for others. For me, AWTE is about real conversations: the wins, the hard days, the pivots. A place to grow your network and hopefully make a few genuine friends along the way. I also care about dog welfare, another day’s story.
Social Media Director
Quynh Dinh
Quynh means a night‑blooming flower in Vietnamese, but I believe in blossoming every day and being remembered for a smile that can brighten someone’s day. I love karaoke, especially singing for my little one. Fresh air recharges me - it’s my simplest way to feel grounded, energised, and fully myself.
Events Director
Eva Muhlthaler
I’m a big family person, having grown up on a farm with five siblings (and yes, I can drive a tractor!). Being away from Germany, my friends in London have become my adopted family; spending time with them is very important to me. I absolutely love my job and truly believe we work in the best industry. I hope to share that passion not only with my team but with everyone around me.
Finance Director
Hayley Coventry
I love dragging my family along to historical sites and hunting for a glorious swim spot everywhere we go, even if they’re not always as enthusiastic! I enjoy going to gigs, these days often featuring my daughters’ music taste rather than mine, but I’m still happy to be there. You’ll often find me with friends at a karaoke night or pub singalong. We know all the words, if not always the right notes.