In this episode of RISE Traveler, host Amy Hager sits down with Janna “Jaz” Zinzi founder of WanderWomxn Travels, to explore how travel can go beyond sightseeing to support local communities, small businesses, and marginalized groups. Jaz shares her journey from New York to New Orleans, her passion for community-based tourism, and how today’s U.S. policies—from immigration to DEI rollbacks—are reshaping how people experience travel. Together, they discuss the power of local action, cultural preservation, and face-to-face connection in building a more inclusive and resilient travel industry.

https://wanderwomxntravels.com/

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

In this powerful Season 6 premiere, host Amy Hager sits down with Roni Weiss, Executive Director of Travel Unity, to explore the intersection of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and global travel. From his personal journey as a neurodivergent traveler to addressing how political climates impact tourism, Roni brings insight, honesty, and heart to the conversation.

Highlights from this great conversation:

• How Roni’s early experiences with ADD shaped his career and travel mindset
  
  
• The founding of Travel Unity and the need for systemic change in the travel industry
  
  
• Why privilege and identity matter when discussing travel access and safety
  
  
• The real-world effects of U.S. political policies on international tourism
  
  
• How DEI language is being quietly erased from some organizations
  
  
• Why knowing your organization’s “why” is essential in times of uncertainty
  
  
• What grassroots advocacy can look like in the tourism space
  
  
• Tips for travel professionals and students to promote inclusive travel experiences

Travel Unity Website: https://travelunity.org/

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

In this special 5th anniversary episode of the RISE Traveler Podcast, we reflect on five powerful years of growth, learning, and impact at RISE Travel Institute. Host Amy Hager is joined by founder Vincie Ho and Board Vice President Amanda Kendle to explore the origin story of RISE, the evolution of its mission, and how a grassroots idea blossomed into a global movement for ethical and justice-focused travel.

We discuss:

• How a graduate school capstone became a nonprofit with international reach
• What responsible, impactful, sustainable, and ethical travel really looks like
• The shift from focusing on traveler experiences to prioritizing host communities
• The power of diverse, passionate volunteers in shaping RISE’s voice and impact
• Highlights from our programs, experiential journeys, and educational resources
• How universities and tourism professionals are using RISE’s free tools, including the popular Decolonial Guide to Travel

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute