Visit Jackson, the destination leadership organization for the City of Jackson, Mississippi – the City With Soul, is pleased to announce that Kim Lewis, Tourism & Destination Development Manager, has earned a certificate of completion for the Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program at the Mastery Level.
The Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program (master’s level) is a two-year program offered by the Mississippi Tourism Association (MTA) in partnership with the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Center for Government and Community Development that provides college-level training and development opportunities for tourism professionals. The program covers various timely topics, and participants gain invaluable perspectives and insights in leadership, advocacy, and public policy and administration.
To achieve the Mastery Level of certification, participants must complete all the required coursework and projects and a capstone project demonstrating their understanding of the program material and their ability to apply it to their work.
Lewis implemented the MY CITY Young Ambassador Program at Clausell Elementary for her project. The comprehensive program for third graders was designed to foster community pride, promote destination awareness, and expand career options among the youth. The program aims to empower the youth by instilling a sense of ownership and active participation in their local community while broadening their horizons by exposing them to various career possibilities through experiential learning.
“We are so proud of Kim for completing the Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program at the Mastery Level,” said Visit Jackson President and CEO Dr. Rickey Thigpen. “Her dedication to her professional development and her commitment to the Jackson tourism industry are truly inspiring.”
“The Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program has been a challenging but rewarding experience. I have learned so much from the program and from my fellow participants. I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this program and I am excited to apply what I have learned to my work at Visit Jackson to help us continue to grow and promote Jackson as a premier travel destination.”
Kim Lewis