Leadership Grounded in Community and Courage

‍Lina Patel, an independent hotelier, board director, and advocate for women in hospitality, embodies courage shaped by heritage, service, and lived experience. A second-generation hotelier, she grew up working every role, cleaning rooms, doing laundry, running the front desk, and even mowing lawns, as she supported her immigrant parents in building their first hotel. Those formative years instilled resilience, gratitude, and a deep understanding of the sacrifices required to succeed. Although she initially pursued a corporate career at LexisNexis, Lina’s sense of responsibility and connection to her community drew her back to hospitality, where she purchased her first hotel in the early 2000s, at a time when female hotel ownership was exceedingly rare. Alongside her ownership journey, she built a parallel path in adventure travel, leading groups through the Himalayas, which she describes as both a wellness practice and a form of philanthropy. Through service on the AAHOA board, LPS, and the launch of the HerOwnership initiative, Lina has become a powerful voice for women’s advancement, community engagement, and peer-to-peer learning. 

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• “We rise by lifting others.”
• “Hospitality isn’t just a business. It’s a way of giving back.”
• “Be authentic, even when it’s uncomfortable.”
• “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow.”
• “Support systems are the backbone of success.”

Closing Reflection

‍Lina Patel’s journey shows that leadership grows from community, perseverance, and the courage to step into spaces where representation has long been missing. She speaks openly about setbacks, imposter syndrome, and the pressure of being “the only woman in the room,” yet she chooses preparation, presence, and positivity as her way forward. For Lina, strength comes from connection - drawing wisdom from peers, mentors, family, and even her housekeeping and front-desk teams. She reminds us that involvement is a lifeline, that knowledge multiplies through sharing, and that no leader ever succeeds alone. Her story inspires others to take risks with intention, confront barriers with resilience, and stay engaged with the communities that shaped them. Ultimately, Lina proves that hospitality is more than an industry, it is a platform for service, empowerment, and generational impact.