Danny Guerrero, the vice president of North America Strategy at MMGY Global, always knew he was different. But despite facing tremendous odds in his childhood — including years spent watching his father struggle with substance abuse and feeling out of place as a Latino at an all-white school in San Diego — Guerrero pushed forward on his journey of self-discovery and has since turned many of life’s lemons into lemonade. 

Guerrero’s interests and experiences in public relations, multicultural marketing and brand strategy have propelled him to prominence in the travel industry. He’s active in the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DEI) space, (winning an Outstanding Achievement Award from the World Travel & Tourism Council for Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in the Travel Industry earlier this year), and he’s pioneered research for MMGY that places a lens on the needs of underrepresented groups — most recently, Black and Latinx travelers. 

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Guerrero dives into his journey of cultural connection and self-acceptance. He opens up about being the first person in his family to go to a four-year university, the moment he confronted his sexuality, and how he used his interests in politics and tourism to propel his career forward. 

He also talks about what’s needed in the travel industry to make it a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Inroads: inroads.org

MMGY Travel Intelligence: www.mmgyglobal.com 

Future Leaders in Travel Retreat: www.futureleadersintravel.com

Latinx Study: www.mmgyintel.com

Danny’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com 

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Digital Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print and online magazine for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human. 

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