The Africa International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AICCI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sanya L. Weston as the CEO of its Michigan, USA Chapter. An accomplished international speaker, mentor, and tourism industry leader, Weston brings more than 35 years of experience and a proven record of success to this prestigious role. Her appointment comes at a crucial time for the AICCI, as it aims to promote business opportunities for the African diaspora and enhance economic ties between Michigan and African markets.
Sanya L. Weston is a third-generation business owner and a prominent figure in the tourism industry. As the CEO of Your Premier Travel Service, the oldest African-American-owned travel agency in Detroit, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership in guiding the agency through changing market dynamics while maintaining a reputation for exceptional customer service. The agency, founded by her mother Shirley Hogue in the mid-1970s as Caribbean Travel, was rebranded in 1990 and has since expanded to two locations in Detroit and Novi, Michigan, under Weston’s leadership.
Weston’s influence extends far beyond her business endeavors. She is recognized as a luxury travel expert and has been featured on several major news outlets, including ABC’s Detroit WXYZ News, FOX 2 News, WDIV Live in the D, and publications like the Michigan Chronicle, Crain Detroit, and Detroit Free Press. Her deep knowledge and innovative approach to travel have earned her accolades and positions on advisory boards such as the Travel Market Report Advisory Board and the Association of Black Travel Professionals Advisory Board.
As CEO of the Michigan Chapter of AICCI, Weston will play a key role in advancing the Chamber’s mission to facilitate trade, investment, and partnerships between businesses in Michigan and across Africa. With her extensive experience in the tourism industry and international business development, Weston is uniquely positioned to help the AICCI realize its goals of promoting sustainable economic growth and strengthening business ties between the two regions.
Weston’s deep connections within the business community, her strategic mindset, and her passion for fostering entrepreneurial growth are aligned with AICCI’s vision of creating a dynamic platform for African diaspora businesses. Her experience in organizing international trade missions and developing strategic partnerships will be pivotal in opening new markets for Michigan-based businesses and African entrepreneurs.
One of Weston’s key initiatives as CEO will be to expand the reach of AICCI’s programs that promote business opportunities for the African diaspora. She will work to build partnerships with local and international organizations, governments, and private sector entities to create platforms that highlight the economic contributions and potential of African diaspora entrepreneurs. By fostering a collaborative environment, Weston aims to connect African diaspora businesses in Michigan with opportunities in Africa and beyond.
Under her leadership, AICCI’s Michigan Chapter will focus on the following key areas:
Weston’s extensive experience in the travel and tourism industry has equipped her with a unique understanding of international markets and the importance of connectivity. As CEO, she plans to leverage her network of contacts to create strong business connections between Michigan and African markets. This will include organizing trade missions, business expos, and networking events that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from both regions.
By building a bridge between Michigan and African markets, Weston hopes to foster a new era of business exchange and collaboration, allowing businesses from both sides to explore new opportunities and share best practices.
Weston’s passion for mentorship and education will be a cornerstone of her strategy to empower the African diaspora in Michigan. She plans to introduce programs that provide entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the global marketplace. This will include workshops, training sessions, and seminars on topics such as international trade regulations, market entry strategies, digital marketing, and financial management.
Her nonprofit organization, Young People Travel Global Edge, which she founded to mentor youth through global travel experiences, reflects her commitment to education and empowerment. Weston will build on this experience to create mentorship programs that cater to both young and established entrepreneurs in Michigan’s African diaspora community.
Access to capital remains a significant challenge for many African diaspora businesses. As CEO, Weston will focus on advocating for policy changes that create a more conducive environment for diaspora entrepreneurs. She will work closely with local and state governments, financial institutions, and international development agencies to secure funding and investment opportunities for businesses seeking to expand into African markets.
Weston’s experience as a Capitol Hill Day leader has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to effectively navigate the complexities of policy advocacy. She will use this experience to champion initiatives that promote equitable access to resources, funding, and opportunities for African diaspora businesses in Michigan.
Weston’s leadership is expected to bring renewed focus to empowering women and minority entrepreneurs. As a successful African-American businesswoman, she understands the unique challenges faced by women and minority-owned businesses. Through her work with the AICCI, Weston aims to create programs and initiatives that specifically support these entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities they need to thrive.
Her involvement with organizations such as Female Leaders in Travel and the Association of Black Travel Professionals Advisory Board underscores her commitment to advancing the interests of women and minorities in business. By creating a supportive ecosystem, Weston will help ensure that the voices of women and minority entrepreneurs are heard and that they have the tools they need to succeed.
A key component of Weston’s vision for the AICCI’s Michigan Chapter is to bridge the cultural and economic divides that often hinder international business. She believes that promoting cultural understanding and awareness is essential to building trust and fostering strong business relationships. As such, Weston will spearhead initiatives that celebrate African culture, heritage, and innovation, while highlighting the contributions of the African diaspora to Michigan’s economy.
Through events, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges, Weston aims to enhance mutual understanding and respect between Michigan and African communities, creating a more inclusive and vibrant business environment.
Sanya L. Weston’s appointment as the CEO of the Michigan Chapter of the AICCI comes at a time of great opportunity. Her unique blend of experience, leadership, and passion for international business and community engagement positions her perfectly to lead the Chamber’s efforts in promoting business opportunities for the African diaspora.
Weston’s vision for the AICCI is clear: to create a thriving international business community that supports sustainable growth, fosters collaboration, and opens new avenues for success for businesses in Michigan and Africa. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy, education, and cultural exchange, Weston is set to drive a new era of collaboration and opportunity for the African diaspora.
With Sanya L. Weston at the helm, the Michigan Chapter of the AICCI is poised to make significant strides in its mission to promote business opportunities for the African diaspora and strengthen economic ties between Michigan and African markets. Her leadership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Chamber and its members.
Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news about the trade opportunities in Africa.
