Meet the Team
Ja' Michelle Founder & CEO | Global Tourism Strategist
Ja' Michelle is a Global Tourism Strategist specializing in Cultural Tourism, Community Engagement, and Sustainable Destination Development.
As the founder of Traveling With Ja', Ja' has dedicated her career to creating meaningful connections between travelers and communities around the world. With a passion for cultural exchange and a belief that travel should transform rather than simply transport, she designs experiences that immerse travelers in the traditions, stories, cuisine, and daily life of the destinations they visit.
Having lived and worked internationally, Ja' brings a global perspective to tourism while remaining deeply committed to preserving cultural authenticity and supporting local economies. Her work focuses on creating experiences that foster understanding, inspire personal growth, and leave a positive impact on both travelers and host communities.
Through strategic partnerships, community engagement initiatives, and curated travel experiences, Ja' continues to advocate for a more connected, sustainable, and culturally conscious approach to tourism. Her mission is simple: to help people see the world not as tourists, but as participants in a shared global community.
Gertrude, Tour Guide Assistant – Ghana Operations
Gertrude is part of the Ghana Operations team at Traveling With Ja’, where she supports guests throughout their journey by assisting with on-the-ground logistics, guest services, and cultural experiences. Her welcoming personality, professionalism, and dedication to guest care help create a seamless and enjoyable travel experience from arrival to departure.
Passionate about showcasing the beauty, culture, and traditions of Ghana, Gertrude enjoys helping visitors connect with local communities, experience authentic cultural encounters, and gain a deeper appreciation for the country beyond the typical tourist experience.
Whether assisting behind the scenes or supporting guests during their travels, Gertrude is committed to ensuring that every traveler feels welcomed, supported, and connected throughout their time in Ghana.
Ondra, Tour Guide Assistant | Logistics Operations
Ondra serves as a Tour Guide Assistant with Traveling With Ja', supporting the behind-the-scenes operations that help our tours run smoothly and efficiently. Working closely with the lead guide and operations team, he assists with guest logistics, transportation coordination, luggage handling, and the movement of tour supplies throughout the journey.
His role is centered on ensuring that the details guests may never see are handled with care, professionalism, and efficiency. From arrivals and departures to day-to-day tour operations, Ondra helps create a seamless travel experience that allows our guests to focus on enjoying the destination, culture, and connections that make each Traveling With Ja' experience memorable.
Jessica, Global Destination & Cultural Experience Consultant
As Traveling With Ja's Global Destination & Cultural Experience Consultant, Jessica plays a vital role in helping us identify, evaluate, and develop meaningful travel experiences around the world. As a seasoned solo traveler and digital nomad, she has spent years living, working, and exploring across multiple countries, gaining firsthand insight into local cultures, communities, and emerging travel trends.
Through on-the-ground research and real-time destination exploration, Jessica helps expand our global network by connecting with local operators, evaluating excursions, and uncovering authentic experiences that align with our commitment to cultural immersion and responsible tourism. Her unique perspective and global lifestyle allow her to provide valuable insights into destinations, local customs, social dynamics, and the experiences that make travel truly transformative.
Jessica's work helps ensure that the journeys we create are not only memorable but also meaningful, authentic, and deeply connected to the communities we visit.
Peggy, Financial Operations & Risk Management Specialist
As Traveling With Ja's Financial Operations & Risk Management Specialist, Peggy oversees critical financial activities that help ensure the agency operates with accountability, accuracy, and integrity. Her responsibilities include managing financial transactions, vendor payments, client refunds, banking activities, and procurement-related support while helping safeguard the financial processes that support our global operations.
With more than five decades of experience in the insurance industry, Peggy also serves as a valuable resource in identifying potential risks and advising on strategies that help protect both the agency and the travelers we serve. Her extensive knowledge of financial stewardship, compliance, and liability awareness brings an added layer of confidence and security to our organization.
Peggy's commitment to precision, responsibility, and sound financial practices helps support the foundation that allows us to create meaningful travel experiences around the world.
