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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Viceroy for Everyone

Every day, we guide travelers to new places and experiences. In order to be authentic hosts, we’re committed to caring for our colleagues and guests, and embracing them for who they are. And we’re dedicated to doing business in a way that everyone feels safe, accepted, and worthy. At Viceroy, everyone —regardless of age, race, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and disability — is respected and empowered to be themselves and let their individuality shine. We cherish our differences, it’s what makes us stronger. Our commitment is not just for today or tomorrow, but for the long and meaningful road ahead. No matter what place we all come from, when you take a step back and look at our map, together, we’re on the same journey. Together, we make a difference.

Initiatives

Pride Month

Every Viceroy hotel was built with love — and for love. Join us throughout June for Pride month, offering everything from drag shows to drink specials. It’s all more than a good time. It’s the definition of inclusivity and embracing who we are all meant to be. We believe that together, we can make a difference. Together, we’re on the same journey. Together, our hearts beat for everyone.

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Black History Month

In February, in honor of Black History Month, Viceroy recognizes the achievements of Black pioneers in the hospitality and travel industry. Their lasting impact is celebrated as we share their incredible stories with our colleagues and guests.

We spotlighted individuals such as Joseph Lee, Betty Reid Soskin, and Ben and Virginia Ali - all of who have paved the path for the hospitality industry and changed the world forever.

View Spotlights

Women’s History Month

Female trailblazers and innovators shine in March when we honor Women’s History Month. Through meaningful partnerships and engaging experiences, Viceroy aims to empower our collective thinking on female leadership - and inspire action. 

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Inclusion at the Workplace

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

At Viceroy, inclusion in the workplace is paramount. Through our partnership with Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, (O&E), the premier organization working exclusively on LGBTQ+ workplace equality, we will continue to build an environment where our colleagues feel a true belonging at Viceroy. Through O&E’s worldwide programming, their mission is to support organizations to create and sustain cultures of belonging for all. As a partner, Viceroy will participate in LGBTQ+ executive leadership development, comprehensive Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) training and consultation, and will work towards implementing brand standards at our hotels & resorts that foster inclusive and welcoming work environments.

We Are Viceroy

JOSHUA WASHINGTON

Meet Joshua Washington (and his dog Dyce), Area Sales Manager at Viceroy Santa Monica. Josh talks to us about his natural ability to be a host and how his work environment allows his to be his authentic self - Black American. Gay male. Son. Brother. And Host.

HERLINDA ELIZONDO

“It’s like magic here.” That’s what Herlinda Elizondo, Room Attendant at Viceroy Chicago, says about the warm environment the hotel has created for its colleagues. It’s inspired her to do her favorite things: sharing laughs with those around her, while simply being her unique self.

Meet Viceroy’s Inaugural LGBTQ+ Travel Advisory Board

At Viceroy, we’re steadfast in our dedication to championing inclusivity. Here to help us do that: our new LGBTQ+ Travel Advisory Board. Together with our board, we continue to learn and grow so that we can remain an example of what it is to be an authentic host that makes everyone feel safe, accepted and worthy. 

We meet with our board regularly to discuss current objectives, challenges and opportunities for a greater feeling of inclusivity at our hotels and resorts. And we walk away from these conversations knowing exactly how to remain accountable to our guests and colleagues. Our board is our moral compass, ensuring we remain on track to all of our commitments as it relates to our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging initiative, Viceroy for Everyone.

We are honored and proud to serve with the members of our board, all of whom are an essential part of the true spirit of Viceroy.

Beatrice Mercado

Beatrice Mercado is Co-President of Bennett + Mercado Hospitality, a U.S. sales representation firm for luxury hotels, resorts and destinations. She has helped develop travel industry sales and marketing strategies for world-renowned brands including Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and The Family Coppola Hideaways. 

A native of the Philippines, Beatrice currently resides in Los Angeles with her wife and twins. She serves on Virtuoso’s Diversity Advisory Board and is an active member of Millennials in Travel and Prost. Beatrice spends her personal time raising awareness for LGBTQ+ organizations such as HRC, The Los Angeles LGBT Center and the Tegan and Sara Foundation. You will also find her educating others on the National Alopecia Areata Foundation in support of her four-year-old daughter who was recently diagnosed with this autoimmune disease. 



 

George Carrancho

With over 30 years in the travel industry, George Carrancho is an independent travel consultant that leads GeoLux Experiences within the travel consulting agency, First in Service. Prior to this, he spent 20 years with American Airlines as Manager of Diversity Markets, where on a national level he represented the company’s partnerships and advertising strategy in the Hispanic and LGBTQ+ segments. From there, he became the Director of Business Development at Tzell Travel Group, providing sales solutions for SME, travel agents and travel agencies. 

The South Texas native has served as Co-Chair for the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Stars on the Rise Banquet, as well as on the Advisory Council for St. Jude’s Noche de Esperanza (Night of Hope). He has also served as Co-Chair for NGLCC Corporate Advisory Council, NYLCCNY ERG Roundtable, and Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Diversity Subcommittee. George also served on the Board of Directors for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, Dallas Black Tie Dinner and the LGBT Community Center of New York. He was previously the Chair of the USHCC LGBT Host Committee for four years.


 

Jason Couvillion

Jason Couvillion is an owner of Bruvion Travel, a luxury travel service catering to the entertainment, fashion and creative industries. The company has planned and managed travel for artists including Justin Timberlake, Cher, Shakira, the Goo Goo Dolls, Janet Jackson, Deadmau5, Usher and more. Jason is also creator and founder of Catch, a software product offering a real-time, user-friendly solution which simplifies the planning, booking and managing of group travel.  

Outside of work, Jason volunteers for and is on the board of Camp Rainbow Gold (CRG), a summer camp for children with cancer held annually in Idaho. He’s also a world traveler, having visited over 60 countries and also having studied in Vienna, Austria and Sydney, Australia.


 

John Manelski

John Manelski is the son of a TWA pilot and TWA flight attendant, and travel was always an integral part of how John was raised. Backpacking across Europe in the summer of 1997 further inspired his lifelong travel passion. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a BS in Business Administration, John found his way into the travel sector. He joined private travel and concierge firm Inluxuria in 2007, later becoming partner in 2014. 

In 2009 John, along with his husband, Jordan, started Arm in Arm Travel which focuses on the LGBTQ+ travel market. Along with John and his husband, their daughter Camille shares their passions for scuba diving, snowboarding and international cuisine which keeps them all globetrotting around the world.


 

Sarah Lee

Sarah W Lee is based out of Las Vegas. But when you ask her friends where she lives, their response is “on an airplane.” In a recent three-month span, she flew 89,083 miles. Her travel schedule is a testament to her passion for exploring the planet (from the comfort of Egyptian cotton sheets), finding the best food the world has to offer, and sharing it with travelers. Her favorite destinations are still skewed toward Asia since she was based out of Hong Kong for almost seven years working in the finance world. In her mind, some of the best beaches in the world are in the Maldives and the best powder in the world is in Niseko, Japan. She is also a fan of any place with great food and has flipped her own itinerary upside-down just to make the last lunch at El Bulli. 

Sarah and her partner, Elizabeth Belcher, own and manage Modern Family Travels, a full-service travel agency catering to the LGBTQ+ community.


 

Vikram Seshadri

Fluent in four languages (English, Hindi, Bahasa Indonesia, Tamil), Vikram Seshadri relies upon his 20+ years of travel industry experience and a 50-country repertoire as an avid traveler in his work as a luxury travel advisor at Global Travel Collection. Prior to becoming a travel advisor in 2010, Vikram spent 10 years with Murphy O’Brien in the role of Vice-President where he managed high-profile luxury travel and lifestyle brands and secured features in respected national, international and regional print, online and broadcast media.

Vikram and his husband, Ryan, reside in the San Francisco Bay Area.