Cathie Sekendur
Cathie S. is a seasoned travel consultant and small business owner who brings decades of professional experience, precision, and care to every client interaction. Now the founder of Cathie’s Connections, she is a certified, licensed, and bonded travel advisor affiliated with the Archer Travel Group, where she specializes in creating customized travel experiences that save clients time, money, and stress. Cathie is known for her world-class professionalism, exceptional attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to follow-through—qualities that consistently translate into seamless, memorable journeys for her clients.
Before launching her own travel agency, Cathie built a strong foundation across administrative, consulting, and executive support roles, working with organizations ranging from marketing consulting firms to venture capital and public-sector leaders. Her background includes contract negotiation, project management, vendor relations, and high-level organizational support, all of which inform her strategic, service-driven approach to travel planning. Equally important are her soft skills—collaboration, clear communication, and an enthusiastic, solution-oriented mindset—which allow her to build trust quickly and work effectively with people from all walks of life.
Today, Cathie’s mission as a travel advisor is simple and personal: to provide peace of mind while delivering exceptional travel experiences tailored to each client’s needs and budget. Drawing on extensive destination knowledge, industry certifications, and insider vendor relationships, she advocates for her clients before, during, and after their travels. Whether planning a luxury cruise, an international adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime getaway, Cathie leads with integrity, expertise, and genuine care—ensuring every journey is as rewarding as the destination itself.
• Certified as a Travel Agent
• Intermediate Excel
• The University of Tennessee - Associate's
• Affiliated with a host travel agency Network marketing organization within the travel industry
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying coachable, motivated, and committed to learning at every stage of life, while being willing to step outside my comfort zone. Strong mentors, a genuine desire to make my clients happy without pushing their budgets, reaching Gold status in my travel network, and early global experiences—including a round-the-world trip at 28 and traveling to China—have all shaped my approach and growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to remain open to learning and adaptable to change. I learned early on that success isn’t about knowing everything, but about asking questions, accepting guidance, and evolving with the times.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never assume it’s too late—or too early—to start something new. I encourage young women to stay curious, embrace technology, seek out mentors, and trust that passion and consistency will set them apart in a competitive industry.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the travel industry is standing out in a crowded market, but there is significant opportunity for advisors who specialize, deliver highly personalized service, and build authentic relationships as clients increasingly seek trusted experts—especially for luxury, river, and rail travel.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, curiosity, lifelong learning, and service are the values that guide me in both my work and personal life. I believe in doing things the right way, truly listening to my clients, and continuing to grow—while gravitating toward meaningful, intimate experiences, like luxury river cruising, that prioritize quality over quantity.
Locations
Cathie's Connections
Chicago, IL 60614