Lindsay W. Kowalski ’05, G’06 graduated Syracuse University School of Education with a double major in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education and Anthropology, along with an M.S. in Literacy Education (Birth-Grade 6). At Syracuse, she worked at the Living Schoolbook under the mentorship of Jerry Rispoli, training as a technology mentor to support students and faculty both in and outside the classroom.
After beginning her career as a special education teacher in Massachusetts, Kowalski has since built on that foundation in an unexpected direction, founding LK Travel Group, a luxury travel agency where the same individualized approach she once brought to the classroom now shapes every custom-designed trip.
On Nov. 12, 2026, Kowlaski will be honored with a ‘Cuse 50 award recognizing her entrepreneurial success as a Syracuse University alumna.
Describe your current role and its responsibilities.
I am the founder and owner of LK Travel Group, a luxury travel agency specializing in highly customized travel experiences. Our work is centered on creating seamless and memorable journeys that reflect each client’s individual interests and priorities.
On a day-to-day basis, I lead and mentor a team of three travel advisors and a travel coordinator. Much of my time is spent behind the scenes ensuring every detail of our clients’ trips is thoughtfully planned, from accommodations and transportation to experiences, restaurant recommendations, and special touches along the way.
Another important part of my role is building relationships with our hotel and destination partners around the world. These connections allow us to provide exceptional service, unique access, and personalized experiences for our clients. In doing that, one of the greatest perks of the business is having the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most remarkable hotels and destinations firsthand.
How did the School of Education prepare you for this role?
Although my career path shifted after beginning as a fourth-grade teacher in Massachusetts, my education and experience as a teacher, particularly as a special education teacher, have been essential to my success as a business owner and travel advisor.
Early in my education, I learned that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to reaching people. Everyone learns, communicates, and processes information differently. I have built LK Travel Group around that same principle. Every client has different needs, preferences, comfort levels, and travel goals, so our approach must always be personal and adaptable. That client-first mindset has helped us build a business in which approximately 90% of our clients come as repeat or referral based business.
My background in education also has been invaluable as I mentor travel advisors just starting in the industry. I have created training materials and a structured learning program to help advisors become successful travel professionals and business owners. I never expected to be writing lesson plans again after leaving the classroom, but in many ways, I have come full circle.
What current trends do you see in your specialty, and how are you addressing them?
One of the travel trends I have loved watching grow in recent years is multigenerational travel. More families are choosing to travel together—grandparents, parents, and children—to celebrate milestones and spend meaningful time together. I find this trend especially rewarding because it introduces younger generations to new cultures and ways of life at an early age. Travel encourages curiosity, empathy, flexibility, and an open mind. It helps people understand that there is a much larger world beyond their everyday routines.
At LK Travel Group, we address this trend by designing trips that work for everyone in the group. That means considering different energy levels, interests, accessibility needs, room configurations, and the right balance of planned activities and downtime. The goal is to create an itinerary where every generation feels included while still allowing the family to experience something new together.
Which professors stood out for you most as a student at SOE?
I was fortunate to have Jerry Rispoli as a mentor during both my undergraduate and graduate experiences at Syracuse University. During my graduate year, I worked at the Living Schoolbook under Rispoli’s guidance. The program prepared students to serve as technology mentors, supporting both students and professors in and outside the classroom.
It was an exciting time to be at the forefront of integrating technology into education, and Rispoli’s mentorship made a lasting impact on me. He encouraged innovation and collaboration in trying new approaches, lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career.
Whether I am developing systems for my business, mentoring new advisors, using technology to enhance the client experience, or creating more effective ways to communicate with travelers, I continue to draw on the skills and mindset I developed through that experience.
Make a pitch for SOE—why should a prospective student choose the School of Education?
Prospective students should choose SOE because it provides more than preparation for a specific job, it teaches you how to understand people, solve problems, communicate effectively, and make a meaningful impact in many different environments.
Syracuse taught me early on the value of being part of a community that prioritizes inclusive and equitable education. Those values extend far beyond the classroom. They shape how you lead, collaborate, and approach challenges in any profession.
SOE prepares students to think creatively and understand that every individual brings a different perspective and set of needs. While many students pursue teaching and school-based careers, the skills gained through an SOE education can lead in countless directions, including entrepreneurship, mentorship, training and development, leadership, technology, and client service.