AN ACCLAIMED hotel consultant and asset manager, Davonne Reaves passionately advocates for hospitality and community empowerment. Through her firm, The Vonne Group, based in Atlanta, she leverages 15 years of industry expertise to educate and empower African Americans in becoming hotel investors and owners. Her aim is to reveal untapped opportunities in the hospitality sector.
As someone who did not have a set career goal during her days of growing up, let alone owning a hotel or being a member of the hospitality industry, Davonne’s entrepreneurial journey kicked off with a passion for creating memorable experiences for guests.
“I started my career as a front desk agent at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, and worked my way up through various roles in hotel operations,” she told Women of Color Power List.
Over time, Davonne recognized the significant growth and influence she could achieve in the industry, inspiring her pursuit of hotel ownership and investment opportunities. Now, as a hospitality strategist, hotel owner, CEO of a crowdfunding platform, and mentor, she takes pride in her multifaceted role.
Her career journey reflects a blend of determination and pivotal experiences that shaped her expertise in hospitality.
Raised in Clayton County, an Atlanta suburb known for its vibrant hospitality industry, Davonne inherited a strong work ethic from her family. Her grandmother played a pivotal role, imparting early lessons in hospitality, even though she realized little about it then. Education and experience also played a part.
“My parents’ hard-working spirit and dedication to their careers instilled in me the drive to excel in my chosen field. I pursued a degree with a focus on hospitality management at Georgia State University, which provided me a solid foundation in the industry,” she said. Her hands-on experience at Hyatt helped her develop a deep understanding about how the hotel business operates.
Davonne attributes her ascent in the hospitality industry and her impact on aspiring hotel investors and owners to her dedication to education, mentorship, and advocacy.
“By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I have empowered many African Americans to pursue hotel ownership and investment opportunities. My efforts include conducting workshops, speaking at industry conferences, and offering one-on-one coaching. Among my students are aspiring hoteliers, seasoned professionals looking to transition into ownership, and individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for the hospitality industry,” she told Women of Color Power List 2025.
Davonne founded The Vonne Group in 2017 with the aim to provide resources, guidance and support to individuals who are interested in owning hotels. Through her company, she has been able to build a platform that connects aspiring hotel owners with industry experts, financial resources and educational opportunities.
“This initiative has been instrumental in helping numerous individuals attain hotel ownership, breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive industry,” she said.
As an entrepreneur, Davonne turns her passion into purpose. Her ardor for the hospitality industry is driven by her desire to create exceptional guest experiences and to contribute to the industry’s growth.
In addition to founding The Vonne Group, Davonne has achieved milestones such as acquiring and managing multiple hotel properties, and gaining recognition as a thought leader in the industry.
Even as she proved herself as a leader and trusted adviser, Davonne has also experienced discrimination in her career. While it posed challenges, she feels it also strengthened her will to succeed and advocate diversity and inclusion in the industry.
“I dealt with discrimination by staying focused on my goals, seeking support from mentors and allies, and using my experiences to educate and empower others,” she said.
Davonne has implemented diversity-training programs, ensured diverse representation in leadership roles, and created initiatives to support under-represented groups in the industry.
Balancing work and home life creates challenges for women leaders, who often manage dual responsibilities.
Davonne is the mother of a 5-year-old boy. “My family has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey, providing encouragement and understanding. Their support has been crucial in helping me maintain a healthy work-life balance and has reinforced the value of a strong support system.”
Davonne, for whom leadership means inspiring and empowering others to achieve their full potential, advises women of color trying to succeed in the hospitality industry to remain steadfast in pursuing their goals and seek out mentors and allies who can give guidance and support
“Embrace your unique perspective and use it to drive innovation and change. Don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue opportunities that challenge you. Use your passion and resilience as powerful tools,” she said.
Davonne has amassed numerous achievements in her career, yet she regards the acquisition of a major hotel property in a prime location as a particularly significant milestone.
“Another deal that is close to my heart involved helping a group of first-time African American investors successfully purchase their first hotel. This achievement was particularly meaningful because it aligned with my mission to increase diversity and representation in hotel ownership,” she said.
The entrepreneur in Davonne is never at ease and her next major mission is to take her crowd-funding platform VESTERR to the next level. While it connects hotel entrepreneurs looking for funding with passive investors, Davonne wants to expand into other commercial real estate areas.
