Discover The Journey Behind Luisa Mendoza Inspires
Luisa Mendoza is a pioneering global leader whose life and career reflect resilience, purpose, and the power of possibility. Her story began as a miracle. Years before her birth, doctors told her mother that having a child was scientifically impossible. Ten years later, the very same doctor who delivered that diagnosis delivered a healthy baby girl. That miracle became the foundation of her life’s mission to transform adversity into opportunity and to empower others to do the same.
At the age of 4, Luisa immigrated to the United States with her parents in pursuit of the American Dream. She grew up watching them work tirelessly, sacrificing comfort and certainty so she could have access to opportunity. At just 6 years old, Luisa made a promise to her parents that one day she would retire them so they would never have to struggle again. In 2011, she fulfilled that childhood vow. That moment confirmed a truth that continues to guide her leadership and her message to the world: all things are possible for those who have the courage to follow their dreams.
With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of global business development, tourism, marketing, sports, and entertainment, Luisa has built a career defined by impact and innovation. She made history as the first Director of Global Tourism Development for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, where she increased franchise revenue by more than 300 percent in her first year and set a new benchmark for international sports marketing.
Her distinguished career also includes leadership roles with Marriott International and New York City’s official tourism office. These experiences ultimately led her to found Global Tourism Sports and Entertainment GTSE on January 1, 2020. Launching just months before a global shutdown, Luisa once again transformed challenge into innovation, growing GTSE into a first of its kind agency that bridges destinations, tourism boards, leagues, teams, and major global events.
Today, GTSE is recognized as the first appointed Sports and Tourism Ambassador for the U.S. Travel Association and a strategic partner of IPW, the largest tourism trade show in the United States. Under Luisa’s leadership, sports participation at IPW grew from 12 organizations in 2022 to more than 30 by 2025, elevating IPW into a global hub for sports tourism. GTSE continues to build high impact partnerships and deliver transformative sports tourism experiences around the world.
Honors and Recognition
Luisa’s trailblazing leadership and industry impact have been recognized through the following honors:
- NAF National Alumni Honoree 2004
- Industry Impactor Honoree by the Microsoft Legacy Project 2022
- Mujer Destacada and Distinguished Woman at the Harvard Club of New York 2023
- Women in Tourism Honoree in New York City 2024
- Women in Tourism Honoree in New York City 2024
- Co-author—Extraordinary Latinas Vol. 2, Breaking the Narrative and Redefining our Power
Extending her impact beyond business, Luisa is the creator of Delivering a Miracle and a sought-after keynote speaker. Delivering a Miracle is an empowerment movement inspired by her own life story and designed to help individuals turn hardship into breakthrough. Through her speaking, writing, mentorship, and coaching, she equips audiences with the tools to lead with purpose, rise above obstacles, and embrace the miracles they were created to deliver.
A visionary founder, global ambassador, and industry trailblazer, Luisa Mendoza is living proof that when faith, vision, and perseverance align, miracles are not only possible, they are inevitable.
