Najauna has over 15 years of experience in hospitality, travel, and tourism. During her time in this industry, she noticed a disconnect between the work and the individuals doing it, recognizing that behind every outcome are people with unique experiences, needs, and values. Often, these needs weren't met, especially for audiences that don't fit the standard target persona. This realization drove her to specialize in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), aiming to demonstrate the ROI of DEI and develop strategies that are sustainable, creative, engaging, and impactful for organizations, communities, and partners.

From 2020 to 2022, Najauna channeled her passion for multicultural tourism into launching inaugural DEI initiatives, task forces, and committees for several organizations, including her former CVB, the Meeting Professionals International Carolinas Chapter, and various startups and local associations in North Carolina. The success of these initiatives, marked by high engagement and positive qualitative results, propelled her into strategic DEI consulting, community building, and product development for organizations ready to take DEI seriously.

As the Vice President of DEI at Miles, Najauna leads the development and implementation of the company's comprehensive DEI strategy. She oversees internal initiatives such as staff engagement, supplier diversity, and the DEI committee and works closely with senior leadership to align DEI objectives with organizational goals. Najauna supports client strategy, brand storytelling, social engagement, and community and industry strategic partnerships. Her efforts have led to creating inclusive community partnerships and impactful brand content, driving meaningful change within the organization and beyond.

To stay updated with the latest DEI trends and best practices, Najauna continually pursues education to maintain her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®) credentials. She leverages a network of DEI, marketing, and consulting professionals across industries to stay informed about emerging trends and their potential impacts. At Miles, she values the company's investment in research, working with research-based partners to understand how their work will affect the organization, clients, and travelers. This commitment to continuous learning and adaptation ensures that Najauna remains a dedicated and knowledgeable advisor in all things DEI.