Meet Our People: Gina Donio

At Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org, our team comprises dedicated individuals passionate about their work and committed to providing valuable experiences for our students. Our team members are the driving force behind our success, and we'd like to introduce you to some of the talented individuals who make up our team. In this "Meet Our People" interview series, we'll delve into the thoughts and experiences of our team members, showcasing their unique perspectives and contributions. Today, we enjoyed sitting with Gina, a valued team member.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in your field?

Gina: It is the perfect marriage of words, graphics, and information dissemination. Each new course allows me to learn something new. My skills are constantly being tested and enhanced. Plus, I have met some truly outstanding people.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working with our team/company?

Gina: Simply learning about each location or new course. Each destination requires a different tone and style. Each place has its unique heritage and must-see spots.

Q: Could you share a memorable project or accomplishment you've achieved recently?

Gina: I recently helped develop a course for a destination I had not heard of before. I became a subject matter expert and have been telling my friends about this location and encouraging tourism there. By developing the course, I become an ambassador for each DMO and destination.

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Q: How do you stay motivated and productive in your role?

Gina: I work with more than one client. This allows me to stay engaged and encourages productivity because each client has needs and wants.

Q: What is one valuable lesson you've learned with our team?

Gina: Everyone learns differently, so you must ensure your courses reflect different learning styles.

Q: Can you describe how you faced a significant challenge at work and how you overcame it?

Gina: A challenge is always created when we change our back-end systems. The familiar working methods are changed, and change can sometimes be daunting. I sometimes need to work on learning new techniques. But then, once I know it, I think, "Why did I resist this?" The new tech or methods are generally superior and make the work easier.

Q: What are your favorite tools or resources that help you excel in your job?

Gina: The team members of the destinations we work with. They have so much insider knowledge about their location. You can learn a lot by listening to why someone is passionate about their locale.

Q: How do you collaborate effectively with other team members?

Gina: I ask questions when I need clarification. I listen and keep good notes. I am responsive when people reach out to me. Plus, I am interested in what is happening in people's lives outside of the Tourism Academy.

Q: What advice would you give someone starting their career in your field?

Gina: Never stop being curious. Ask questions. To check your work, you can just read it out loud. You will find most of your mistakes that way.

Q: What are your professional goals for the future, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Gina: I hope to visit some places we have developed courses for at the Tourism Academy. These locations are all across our country, and they each sound special and like an excellent place to spend time away from the office.

As we conclude our interview with Gina, we are reminded of our team members' diverse talents and deep passion. Their dedication and expertise make Tourism Academy a leader in the field. Stay tuned for more interviews with our exceptional team members as we continue to introduce you to the people behind our success.

 

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