International Association of Women Honors Kelly Bates as a 2018-2019 Influencer of the Year

CHICAGO, May 9, 2018 (Newswire.com) - The International Association of Women (IAW) honors Kelly Bates as a 2018-2019 Influencer of the Year. She is recognized with this prestigious distinction for leadership in entrepreneurship. The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online networking platform with nearly one million members, 1000+ in person and virtual events, over 100 Local U.S.-based Chapters and International Chapters in several cities in China.

“I’m pleased to welcome Kelly into this exceptional group of professional women,” said IPDN President and IAW Spokesperson Star Jones. “Her knowledge and experience in her industry are valuable assets to her company and community.”

Many women have the desire to travel, but they are too afraid to go alone. I am creating a comfortable group environment for solo female travelers.

Kelly Bates, Founder, Travel Souly

Kelly Bates’ work as an Executive Assistant had her spending many hours researching, planning and seamlessly executing travel arrangements for CEOs and other executives, and their families. She herself always loved to travel and did a lot of it, often on her own. “Traveling is the one constant in my life that makes me the happiest girl in the world,” she said.

Today, Ms. Bates is Founder of Travel Souly, LLC, a company that provides “group travel exclusively for solo female travelers.” It was on a trip to Bali in 2016 when the seeds of entrepreneurship began to be planted. “I was in Bali and there was this deck of cards called messages from your angels. Intrigued, I pulled a card, flipped it over, and read Career Change,” said Ms. Bates. “I laughed, and immediately disregarded that message.” But she got this message again, this time from a Tarot Healer. Later, when she returned from her trip, she learned she was being laid off. “I sat down with my CEO and had a very candid conversation about what I should do next and he said, ‘You love traveling. Do something with travel.’ Almost overnight, Travel Souly was born!” she recalled.

“Many women have the desire to travel, but they are too afraid to go alone,” said Ms. Bates. “I am creating a comfortable group environment for solo female travelers. Even though they are solo, they are traveling with a group of like-minded women and therefore, they are not alone. Never solo, only with soul!”

Ms. Bates works tirelessly growing her company. “My immediate goal is to have one trip a month with at least five women on each trip,” she said. “Then I would like to have two trips per month with at least ten women on each trip.” Ms. Bates hopes to increase the number of trips each year and also would love to incorporate excursions that offer travelers the opportunity to volunteer. “I would like to be able to give back to the communities we are visiting,” she said. “Eventually, I would like for Travel Souly to get involved in raising money for charities as well.”

About IAW
The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online professional networking platform that provides nearly one million women the forum, professional development, and services needed to thrive in an interconnected world. Through 100+ local chapters, International Chapters in several cities in China and 1000+ in person and virtual events, members cultivate valuable connections, develop professionally, and promote themselves and their businesses. Founded in Chicago in 2017, IAW is a division of Professional Diversity Network, Inc., an online network tailored to provide diverse professionals in the United States with access to employment opportunities.

Source: International Association of Women