Her Story
About Katie
I began my career in the travel industry shortly after graduating high school and have been part of it for nearly 14 years. While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily paused travel, my passion for the industry and the work we do has remained constant. I originally attended Central Piedmont Community College to study music production. During that time, I joined PhotoVision through a personal connection and what started as a temporary part-time job to help pay for college quickly became something much more meaningful. I found myself drawn to the company’s mission of preserving memories, and I was determined to grow with the team. I often joke that I was willing to do whatever it took to stay, even clean the bathrooms.
I began as the company’s shipper and worked my way up through various roles over the years. Today, I serve as Marketing Manager while also supporting operations, client relations, and collaborating on the development of our mobile app and website. PhotoVision is a small, employee-owned company of about six people, which allows us to wear many hats and stay closely connected to both our product and our clients.
Our work centers around helping travel groups preserve their experiences. When a group travels, they use our mobile app to privately upload photos into a shared gallery. The app also includes messaging, document viewing, and a traveler safety locator feature. After the trip, our team carefully curates those images from the entire group’s perspective, edits them, and transforms them into a professionally produced keepsake video. We work closely with schools, tour operators, and performance groups, and these videos often become powerful tools for teachers and tour directors to inspire and recruit students for future travel experiences. Personally, I’ve always had a passion for marketing, photography, and storytelling. Preserving memories has been a personal interest of mine long before it became part of my career, so being able to combine those passions in my work makes this role an incredibly rewarding fit.
Outside of work, I love staying active, being outdoors, and giving back to causes that are meaningful to me. One of my favorite hobbies is playing disc golf, and I’ve had the opportunity to help organize and run charity PDGA disc golf tournaments that raise funds for the non-profit, Throw Pink Disc Golf, an organization dedicated to empowering women and supporting breast cancer initiatives through the sport. I’m also passionate about supporting the SYTA Youth Foundation and enjoy helping promote and raise funds that allow students to experience educational travel opportunities they might not otherwise have.
When I’m not working or volunteering, you’ll usually find me outside spending time with my dog, Mini Mae, exploring local parks, playing a round of disc golf, or simply enjoying nature. I also love discovering new destinations and experiences whenever I can, because I truly believe the best way to understand the value of travel is to experience it firsthand. For me, life is all about community, adventure, and creating meaningful memories along the way. 🌎🥏🐾
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the values my parents instilled in me growing up. They worked incredibly hard and taught my brother and I that every job matters, no matter how small it may seem. That mindset has stayed with me and continues to guide how I approach my work. Throughout my career in the travel industry, I’ve embraced wearing multiple hats: working across marketing, operations, client support, collaborating on app and website development. These experiences have helped me understand the bigger picture and better serve our clients and travelers. I also believe that being genuine and focusing on real relationships rather than quick wins leads to stronger, long-lasting partnerships. In the travel industry especially, working alongside other companies rather than always viewing them as competitors can strengthen both your business and the relationships that truly shape your career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is to focus on building genuine relationships. In the travel industry, relationships truly are the foundation of everything we do. The connections you make with partners, clients, and colleagues often grow into long-lasting collaborations and friendships that shape your career. Taking the time to listen, support others, and build trust goes a long way. When people know you care and that you’re committed to working together toward a shared goal, those relationships become incredibly valuable. Over time, I’ve found that strong, authentic relationships not only open doors professionally but also make the work far more meaningful and rewarding.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My biggest advice is to stay curious, build strong relationships, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas. The travel industry is incredibly relationship-driven, and the connections you make can open doors and create lasting partnerships. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone and take on new opportunities. Travel is an industry that is always evolving, and those who are open to learning and adapting tend to thrive. I’d also encourage young women to seek out mentors and surround themselves with people who support their growth. There are many leaders in this industry who are passionate about helping the next generation succeed. Most importantly, remember that our work helps create meaningful experiences and memories for others and that’s what makes this industry so rewarding
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in the travel industry right now is how technology can enhance the overall travel experience. Travelers today want more than just a trip, they want ways to stay connected, share moments, and relive their experiences long after the journey ends. That creates exciting opportunities for innovation, especially through mobile apps, digital storytelling, and tools that help groups stay organized and engaged throughout their travels.
At the same time, one of the ongoing challenges is keeping up with how quickly technology and traveler expectations evolve. Companies have to continuously adapt, improve their systems, and find ways to provide meaningful value without losing the personal touch that makes travel so special. For me, that balance between technology and human connection is what makes the industry so exciting. When you can use technology to enhance experiences while still focusing on relationships and storytelling, it creates something truly memorable for travelers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are authenticity, respect, and a strong work ethic. I believe in being genuine in how you treat people and in building relationships based on trust. In the travel industry especially, those relationships become the foundation for meaningful partnerships and collaboration. I also value teamwork and supporting the people around you. Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have come from working alongside colleagues and partners who share a common goal and truly want to see one another succeed. Above all, I believe in approaching both work and life with gratitude and purpose. When you take pride in what you do and focus on creating positive experiences for others, it makes the journey far more meaningful.
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