Heather Carnes to Speak at AAHOA HerOwnership 2026
Carnes Agency founder Heather Carnes will speak at the 2026 AAHOA HerOwnership Conference, taking place September 27–28 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Carnes will join the AAHOA Charitable Foundation session, “Lead with Purpose: How Service Shapes Stronger Leaders,” alongside Dee Patel and Kataki Patel, with Jagruti Panwala serving as moderator.
The conversation will explore how charitable giving, community involvement, and nonprofit service can become an intentional part of a woman’s leadership journey, while also helping leaders build relationships, broaden their perspective, and use their influence with greater purpose.
Topics will include:
Identifying causes and organizations aligned with personal values
Getting started through volunteering and community involvement
Using professional skills, resources, and influence to support nonprofit missions
Building relationships and leadership experience through service
Preparing for nonprofit, community, and industry board opportunities
Making philanthropy and service a more intentional part of leadership
For Carnes, the discussion is closely aligned with both her professional and personal commitment to mission-driven work, including Carnes Agency’s support of nonprofit organizations and her own experience serving hospitality and community-focused initiatives.
The session will also highlight the work of the AAHOA Charitable Foundation, whose areas of focus include education and scholarships, women and youth advancement, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, anti-human trafficking, and community well-being.
Carnes’ participation reflects her continued commitment to advancing women in hospitality, supporting nonprofit leadership, and using business expertise in service of organizations and communities creating meaningful impact.
