ACF Joins AAHOA HerOwnership Conference for a Conversation on Service and Leadership
The AAHOA Charitable Foundation (ACF) was proud to participate in the 2026 AAHOA HerOwnership Conference, held September 27–28 in Nashville, Tennessee. The gathering brought together women in hospitality to exchange experiences, build relationships, and explore opportunities for ownership, leadership, and community involvement.
ACF extends its sincere appreciation to AAHOA, the HerOwnership initiative, the AAHOA Women’s Committee, and the staff whose work made this year’s conference possible. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a program that supports women across hospitality and encourages their continued involvement in the industry.
As part of the conference, ACF presented “Lead with Purpose: How Service Shapes Stronger Leaders,” a panel discussion on the role of philanthropy, volunteerism, and community engagement in developing stronger leaders.
A Conversation Grounded in Experience
Moderated by ACF Board Member and Past AAHOA Chairwoman Jagruti Panwala, the session featured Dee Patel, Managing Director of The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville; Kataki Patel, Vice President of Operations at Exceptional Hospitality and Community Affairs Coordinator for BAPS Atlanta; and Heather Carnes, Founder and Managing Director of Carnes Agency.
Each speaker shared experiences that connected professional leadership with service. Their discussion examined how involvement in nonprofit and community organizations can broaden perspectives, strengthen relationships, and help hospitality professionals apply their skills beyond their day-to-day business responsibilities.
How Community Service Informs Leadership
Kataki Patel reflected on how her background in social work and involvement with BAPS Atlanta shaped her understanding of service. She emphasized humility, responsibility, and leading by example, including the importance of showing employees that every task contributes to a shared purpose.
She also described offering hotel space for vocational training for students with developmental challenges. The example showed how hospitality businesses can respond to local needs by putting existing facilities and experience to work.
Dee Patel discussed The Hermitage Hotel’s connection to the women’s suffrage movement and how that history continues to inform its community programming. She also reflected on civic leadership in Nashville, where engagement with organizations beyond hospitality has helped her better understand issues such as housing, transportation, public safety, and workforce development.
Heather Carnes spoke about the relationships formed through associations and nonprofits. She highlighted the value of collaborating with people who bring different perspectives to a shared mission and encouraged attendees to consider how their own professional strengths could support causes they care about.
Practical Ways to Get Involved
The discussion also explored how women can begin serving their communities and how to approach larger commitments, including nonprofit and community board roles. Panelists encouraged attendees to consider the time, skills, resources, and relationships they already have and identify organizations whose needs align with what they can offer.
Opportunities might include mentoring an emerging professional, volunteering with a local nonprofit, sharing business resources, making introductions, or contributing financially. Dee Patel encouraged attendees to consider how they might serve as doers, donors, or door openers.
For those considering board service, the speakers stressed the value of understanding an organization’s mission, responsibilities, and expectations before making a commitment. Meaningful participation requires preparation, collaboration, and a willingness to follow through.
Hospitality Helping Humanity
The conversation closely reflected ACF’s mission of Hospitality Helping Humanity. Through education, opportunity, humanitarian assistance, and community-focused initiatives, the Foundation brings together the generosity and leadership of the hospitality community to support individuals, families, and communities.
ACF thanks Jagruti Panwala, Dee Patel, Kataki Patel, and Heather Carnes for sharing their experiences, along with AAHOA leadership, the Women’s Committee, HerOwnership organizers, staff, and everyone who participated in the conference. We value the opportunity to support conversations that encourage continued service and community involvement throughout hospitality.
