AHLA Foundation Names Jagruti Panwala 2026 Castell Honoree

The AHLA Foundation has named Wealth Protection Strategies President and CEO Jagruti Panwala as the recipient of the 2026 Peggy Berg Castell Award [1]. Panwala, an AHLA Executive Committee member and former AAHOA chairwoman, was chosen by an independent panel of industry leaders as the seventh honoree for her career-long dedication to advancing women into leadership roles across the lodging industry [1], [2].

When and where will the Peggy Berg Castell Award be presented?

Panwala will formally receive the honor on October 7 at The Lodging Conference 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona, according to Lodging Magazine [3]. The annual award, presented by the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, celebrates female trailblazers who actively champion gender equity and open career advancement pathways for future generations [1], [3].

As reported by Hotel Business, the award honors the career-long commitment of Castell Project founder Peggy Berg, who established the non-profit initiative to accelerate female advancement across hospitality executive pipelines [1], [2].

What leadership roles and advocacy define Panwala’s career?

Panwala has built a multifaceted industry career spanning direct property operations, business management, and high-level lodging association governance [1], [2]. She serves on AHLA’s Executive Committee and its Hotel PAC Advisory Council, having also served on the AHLA board of directors [1], [2]. Notably, Panwala made history as the first female chairwoman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) [2].

Beyond governance, she frequently represents lodging interests in city halls and on Capitol Hill, leading industry coalitions and press conferences [1]. Her speaking engagements at universities and policy forums address the economic impact of travel and tourism alongside the effects of government regulations on small lodging businesses [1], [2].

How does Panwala support female leadership in lodging?

Panwala is an active champion of the AHLA Foundation’s FORWARD movement, an initiative designed to build community, nurture professional development, and deliver events that advance women throughout the lodging business [1], [3].

Kevin Carey, President and CEO of the AHLA Foundation, praised Panwala's dual impact on policy and operational mentorship [1], [3]. Carey noted her ability to inspire newcomers while running a successful enterprise and advocating for policy support [1], [2].

Panwala began her hospitality career working directly in property-level roles, including housekeeping, maintenance, bookkeeping, and general property management before operating as an independent small-business hotel owner [1], [2].

What professional recognitions has Panwala achieved?

Outside lodging association leadership, Panwala has earned top corporate honors as head of Wealth Protection Strategies, including Signator’s Platinum Level Achieving Client Excellence award [2]. According to Asian Hospitality, she was inducted into Signator’s Hall of Fame in 2014 and maintains lifetime membership in the Million Dollar Round Table [2].

Who are the recent recipients of the Peggy Berg Castell Award?

Panwala joins a distinguished group of lodging executives recognized by the AHLA Foundation for championing gender parity [1], [2]. As Asian Hospitality reported, Marriott International’s Leeny Oberg received the award in 2025, following Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Collection, who was honored in 2024 [2]. Panwala stands as the seventh lodging leader to receive the annual accolade since its inception [1], [2].