Cassie Sutton

Cassie is a passionate tourism and hospitality leader with more than 25 years of industry experience. As President of Women in Tourism Gold Coast, she is committed to connecting and empowering women, creating opportunities for meaningful industry relationships and supporting the next generation of tourism leaders. Currently Director of Sales & Marketing at Amora Hotel Brisbane, Cassie is passionate about collaboration, giving back and celebrating the incredible women who make our tourism industry thrive.

Briony Cuskelly

Briony began her career in the events industry in 1996 with her first role at Sea World. Moving on to Jupiters Casino , following with an impressive 23 years at Gold Coast International Hotel which later became QT Gold Coast. Holding roles such as Banquet Manager, Event and Sales Manager. Most recently, she has taken on the role of Business Development Manager at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Briony is looking forward to bringing her creative flair for events to the WIT calendar.

Tracie Eaton

Tracie Eaton is a multi-award-winning contemporary artist, specialising in expressionist acrylic and mixed-media artwork. With over 19 years experience as an artist trained in Colour Psychology and Occupational Therapy, Tracie utilises her knowledge of colour across the tourism, accommodation, corporate, design, and luxury residential sectors for the strategic use of colour to create unique, purposeful and connected spaces. Tracie is passionate about supporting the tourism sector to showcase the Gold Coast as a premium destination of choice and looking forward to welcoming new members to Women in Tourism.

Emma Moad

Emma is an entrepreneur in the tourism, recreation and adventure industry. Starting her journey in 2015 co-founding South Australia's first escape room-bar concept, followed quickly by the launch of Australia's first interactive puzzle-based museum tour at the South Australia museum.Now, she is the co-founder of Firefly Zipline, specialising in large-scale zipline and adventure activations at major events in partnership with clients such as the AFL, City of Melbourne, and McDonald's. She also works with other female founders in tourism and sercive-based businesses as a strategic business and AI consultant. With a strong passion for supprting women in the tourism industry and recreation industry, Emma is looking forward to bringing her unique experience to the Gold Coast WIT Committee.

Leanna Whyte

Leanna Whyte is the founder of Whyte Space Social, with over nine years of experience in social media management, content creation, and Meta advertising. She has spent most of her career in the Northern Territory, learning the ins and outs of the industry through marketing roles at NT Major Events Company and major tourist attraction Crocosaurus Cove. Now based in Tweed Heads, Leanna works with established tour operators, attractions and events organisations to reach new audiences on Facebook and Instagram, and ultimately share their experiences with more people. She’s perpetually the girl with a phone in her hand (capturing content “just in case”), never not caffeinated, and always keen to explore someplace new with her family in tow. She’s excited to join the committee and get to know more members!

Pippa Jeffries

With over 15 years’ experience in marketing, communications, PR and events Pippa has built her career around showcasing destinations and experiences that connect people. She has worked across tourism, hospitality, lifestyle and not-for-profit sectors, with specialised knowledge of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers. Passionate about creating strategies and content that bring places to life, she is dedicated to growing audiences and celebrating the unique character of each destination. When she’s not helping brands shine, you’ll find her trying the Coast’s newest cafes and bars, hitting a pilates class, or soaking up local festivals. Pippa is excited to rejoin the Women in Tourism committee to help champion the region and its vibrant tourism community.

Georgina Mason

Georgina works as Corporate Partner and Major Donor Lead for the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation and has dedicated almost two decades to the not for profit sector driving awareness and impact for charities. She sits on a number of Boards and Committees in the events industry including The Gold Coast Show, The Gold Coast Film Festival, GC Pride Collective and on the 2026 LNP Tourism, Racing & Sport Committee. She is passionate about helping organisations leverage their own products and services to create positive social outcomes strengthening the not-for-profit and tourism sectors.

Samantha Oliver

Learn more about Samantha soon!

Nikita Malkan

Nikita began her hospitality career in Food & Beverage, spending almost 10 years in hotel operations before transitioning into Sales in 2023. Bringing with her a strong foundation in customer service, relationship building and the fast-paced nature of hospitality, she quickly transferred these skills into her new career path, progressing from Sales Executive to her current position as Sales & Business Development Manager at Mercure Gold Coast Resort. Passionate about building genuine connections and creating opportunities for others, she believes in the power of women supporting women. Through Women in Tourism, she is excited to connect, encourage and celebrate women from all walks of life while contributing to the continued growth of the tourism industry.

Vanessa Winter

Vanessa Winter is the Founder and CEO of Circolo Software, an Australian ticketing & event platform serving the sports, entertainment, travel and hospitality sectors. Drawing on a global events career and senior leadership roles as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Commercial Officer, she sits on the Women in Tourism Gold Coast committee.