M.A. Mueller

Cindi Reiman | Globetrotter

Vietnam last summer, Romania last month, Dubai last week – the president of the American Hospitality Academy has logged enough frequent flyer miles to get to the moon, but the jet lag is well worth it.

“I’m passionate about breaking down stereotypes, and as a blond woman, sitting across from, say, a group of men from Iraq, that’s what I’m doing – on both sides.”

Last year, her Hilton Head-based company partnered with the United Nations World Tourism Organization to launch the non-profit World Peace Passport, which teaches kids how to communicate with people from other cultures. The former tennis pro admits to a few faux pas on her sojourns (like sporting a lime green jacket in Beirut where everyone else was veiled in black) yet finds acceptance and kindness wherever she goes.

“As long as we’re genuine and don’t judge, we have the opportunity to create peace when we travel.”