Elaine Moulder Named NTA’s 2026 Woman of Vision

September 29, 2026

The NTA Board of Directors has named Elaine Moulder, CEO and founder of Brilliant Edventures, as the recipient of the 2026 Woman of Vision Award, recognizing more than 25 years of leadership, service, and relationship-building in the travel industry.

The Woman of Vision Award honors a woman in travel and tourism who has contributed significantly to the growth and prosperity of the industry and NTA. First presented in 2018, the award recognizes the trailblazing women who helped pave the way for others to follow.

For Moulder, receiving the honor is especially meaningful because it comes from a community that has become like family throughout her career.

“It’s such a tremendous honor,” Moulder said. “After more than 25 years in this industry, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many inspiring people, and those relationships helped shape my career.”

Moulder’s career has given her experience across many corners of the travel industry. Over the years, she has worked as a meeting planner, association executive, attraction sales professional, and group travel sales director. In 2015, she brought those experiences together to found Brilliant Edventures, where she continues to share her belief that travel offers opportunities to learn and explore.

“From my early days with student tours, SYTA and the SYTA Youth Foundation, to other travel-related companies, and eventually creating Brilliant Edventures, every road has taught me something,” she said. “It’s amazing to be recognized by people I consider family in the industry I love.”

Among the accomplishments Moulder is proudest of is creating Brilliant Edventures and watching the company grow. She also points to programs she helped create to benefit young travelers, reflecting her belief that travel is an essential part of a complete education.

One accomplishment, however, stands above the rest for Moulder: getting to build Brilliant Edventures alongside her daughter and business partner, Brittany Dykla.

“Honestly, what I’m most proud of is working alongside my daughter and business partner, Brittany Dykla,” Moulder said.

Mentorship and supporting others have also been important throughout Moulder’s career. She strives to be someone colleagues can turn to, whether they need an introduction, advice, a helping hand, or simply someone willing to listen.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have people who encouraged me throughout my career, and I believe strongly in paying that forward,” she said. “I also think women need to support other women. We don’t have to compete. There is room for all of us to succeed.”

That same spirit of support is part of what Moulder values about NTA.

“For me, NTA is all about people,” she said. “It provides opportunities to learn, share ideas, and build relationships with people who share a love for travel.”

Moulder said the willingness of NTA members to support one another—even when they may compete for business—has helped create relationships that extend well beyond the workplace.

“Some of my favorite industry relationships have come from NTA,” Moulder said. “Those friendships and connections are incredibly valuable to me. They are my travel family, and I love watching that family grow.”

Moulder will be recognized with the Woman of Vision Award during Travel Exchange ’26 in Tulsa, where NTA members will gather as the association celebrates its 75th anniversary.