BOSS Member Spotlight: Dr. Nadine C. Duncan
1. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? In the beginning, one of the biggest obstacles I faced was representation—or rather, the lack of it. I didn’t see many Black women who looked like me in travel media or at the decision-making tables in the travel industry. That lack of visibility created doubt: Would anyone see the value in what I wanted to create? Would anyone follow? I also struggled with access to resources, funding, and mentors who could guide me specifically through the niche of cultural travel entrepreneurship. But I pushed forward, knowing that if I felt unseen, other women did too.
2. What inspired you to break into your industry? My inspiration came from personal experiences and powerful conversations with other Black women. Time after time, I heard stories of feeling excluded from global travel narratives—stories that mirrored my own. I realized that travel could be more than a hobby; it could be a form of healing, a way of reclaiming our place in the world. That awareness fueled my desire to build the Traveling Black Women Network—a space where we could see ourselves, share resources, and create travel experiences centered around our joy, safety, and freedom.
3. How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you found a balance? Finding balance is a continuous journey, but I’ve learned to listen to my body and spirit when they tell me to pause. I used to equate productivity with worth, but I’ve grown to understand that rest is just as revolutionary. For me, balance looks like scheduling travel for joy—not just work—building a supportive team, and creating boundaries that protect my peace. It’s not perfect, but I remind myself often: I didn’t build this life to burn out in it.
4. What is an inspirational quote that you live by? One quote that deeply resonates with me, especially as a traveler and educator, is by Maya Angelou: “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” This reminds me that travel is more than seeing places; it’s about building empathy and connection across cultures.
5. Who were influential people or mentors who helped or encouraged you? My mother has always been one of my greatest inspirations. She showed me the value of resilience, grace, and taking up space with confidence. Over the years, I’ve also been supported by a circle of Black women educators, entrepreneurs, and fellow travelers who affirmed my vision even when I wasn’t sure where it would lead. Their encouragement reminded me that I wasn’t dreaming too big—I was dreaming boldly and necessarily.
6. What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business strong?
To keep my business strong, I rely on five must-haves:
Community – A loyal and engaged group of Black women who believe in the mission.
Authenticity – Remaining rooted in who I am and why I started.
Clear Systems – Tools that help me automate, delegate, and stay organized.
Continued Learning – Staying informed about travel trends, safety, and cultural shifts.
Moments of Joy – Because the work should reflect the freedom I want others to feel.
7. What is your definition of a BOSS?
A BOSS builds her own table, invites others to it, and isn’t afraid to leave space for evolution. She leads with intention, serves with compassion, and isn’t afraid to rest when needed. She defines success on her own terms and helps others rise as she rises.
8. Please describe yourself in two words: "Travel Curator"
Learn more about Dr. Nadine C. Duncan
Website: www.travelingblackwomen.com | www.nadinecduncan.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/travelingblackwomen
Twitter: @travelingblkwmn
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