Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Rodriguez Suarez
Hi Michelle , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Michelle Rodriguez Suarez is the first hire as Senior Director of Sales for North America at Riverside Luxury Cruises, where she oversees the North America Market – Eastern U.S. and International Accounts, including Mexico, Central and South America, Asia, India, and the United Arab Emirates. Currently overseeing 22 states in the US & 45+ International Accounts. With over 25 years of expertise in the travel industry, Michelle was brought on board to help establish and expand the Riverside Luxury Cruises brand in North America alongside the CEO/President. Michelle has help build several companies from Expedition Luxury Ocean Cruise, Ultra Luxury River Cruise company from Hamburg Germany, Riverside Luxury Cruises/Seaside Collection. Representing the Gerlach Family globally.
With over 200 trips completed in the past 2 years, nationally and internationally.
Excited to announce that this upcoming October 2024, I’ll be heading to Beijing to introduce our company, Riverside Luxury Cruises, and Panama, all within the same month.
Renowned for her ability to build brands from the ground up, Michelle has cultivated strong relationships with key partners in the industry, from VIP accounts in television and media to global influences. Before joining Riverside Luxury Cruises, Michelle held the role of Director of Preferred National and International Accounts at Atlas Ocean Voyages. Initially hired to assist the VP of Sales, her remarkable performance led to the creation of a Commercial Sales Manager role, followed by a promotion to Senior Director of Sales & International Sales. During her tenure, she was responsible for managing 14 national and 27 international accounts while working closely with the SVP of Sales and President.
A key figure in the North American market, Michelle was integral to the launch of Atlas Ocean Voyages, playing a pivotal role in sales, training, and social media strategies. Her distinguished career also includes leadership positions at Pinnacle Travel Services/Travel Impressions, where she managed their California call center, and at American Express, where she served as Business Development Manager for the prestigious Centurion and Platinum Call Center, managing exclusive high-level programs.
Contributing to the brand’s growth and success. A recognized industry speaker, she is passionate about educating and supporting the travel advisor community, regularly speaking at industry events on the value of the brands she represents.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Breaking Barriers in the Travel Industry
My journey in the travel industry has been marked by both challenge and perseverance. Over the past 25 years, I’ve faced my share of rejection and missed opportunities. As a Latina in what can often feel like a male-dominated space, there were times I was passed over for promotions or growth, but that only fueled my determination. I come from a proud background as the daughter of immigrants from Mexico, and their values of hard work and dedication are ingrained in me.
I wake up every day with the certainty of who I am—a hard-working professional who has built a name in this industry through relentless effort. Being appointed as employee number one in the U.S. market by my CEO, and joining the executive team, is something I take immense pride in. It’s not just a personal accomplishment, but a testament to the dedication I’ve shown throughout my career. I’m honored to represent the progress of Latina women in this space, and I continue to push boundaries, ensuring that those coming after me see that their potential has no limits.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
A Trailblazer in the Cruise Industry
As Senior Director of Sales for North America at Riverside Luxury Cruises, I manage the Eastern U.S. and International Accounts, covering 22 U.S. states and 45+ international markets, including Mexico, Central and South America, Asia, India, and the UAE. Over the years, I’ve built strong, lasting relationships with key partners in TV, media, and global influencers, and I continue to spread brand awareness worldwide. This October, I’m excited to expand our reach even further with upcoming presentations in Beijing and Panama.
What am I most proud of?
It’s simple: my journey and my roots. As a daughter of two Mexican immigrants, I was taught resilience, perseverance, and the importance of hard work. I’m especially proud of raising my daughter as a single mother, overcoming personal challenges like cancer and the loss of my parents. These experiences shaped my strength, and I carry them into my career with determination and faith, knowing that no one but God has the power to hold me back.
What sets me apart?
I have been instrumental in building brands from the ground up. With over 25 years in the travel industry, I’ve played key roles in launching Riverside Luxury Cruises, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and American Express Vacations. From the first sales to the first social media post, my efforts have helped generate millions in revenue for these companies. I take pride in my roots—being born in Riverside, California—and now representing Riverside Luxury Cruises on a global scale feels like a full-circle moment.
My passion for community building is also evident through social media. My Google reviews have garnered over 5.5 million views, and I’m proud to have founded a thriving Facebook group that was recently recognized by Travel Market Report as one of the *Top 9 Facebook Groups Travel Advisors Should Join* With over 3500+ Travel Advisors its been a wonderful platform to share my love for my company and my travels.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
A Passion for Growth, Connection, and Community
Q: Do you enjoy reading? What are some of your favorite books?*
Absolutely, I love books. Some of my all-time favorites are *The Power of Now* by Eckhart Tolle, *The Mastery of Love*, and *The Four Agreements* by Miguel Ruiz. These books have provided me with a lot of insight and personal growth.
I also started a book club with my sister, sister-in-law, and daughter called “On the Same Page.” It began as a small group but has grown over time. We’ve read some inspiring books, like *Atomic Habits* by James Clear, *Atlas of the Heart* by Brené Brown, and *The Comfort Zone* by Kristen Butler. It’s a great way for us to stay connected while exploring new ideas. We even have an Instagram page where we share our reading journey.
Q: How do you stay updated with trends, especially in the fast-paced world of social media?
As someone who does a lot on social media, I try to stay current with the latest trends. My daughter is a micro-influencer, and watching her grow her brand has been a proud mom moment for me. She’s doing it on her own, and I couldn’t be happier with how far she’s come. Follow her on TikTok @Kenxziej
Q: Outside of work, what are your favorite hobbies?
One of my favorite things to do is journal. It’s my way of reflecting on everything I’ve been through. My goal is to eventually write a book about my experiences, and I’m also working on starting a podcast. I’m slowly building my social media presence on Instagram and TikTok under my name or #JoinMichelleFromRiverside. I want to use these platforms to share my journey and connect with more people on a personal level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/joinmichellefromriverside
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinmichellefromriverside
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.rodriguez.suarez
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/michellerodriguezsuarez
Image Credits
all photos by Michelle Rodriguez Suarez
