Supporter of the Month: Achieve Incentives & Meetings

Bringing in and working together with like-minded businesses is one of Na’atik’s primary goals as we know that our work can thrive when we expand our horizons. This year, we are honored and excited to have a new partnership with Achieve Incentives & Meetings. Their generosity has allowed us to purchase much-needed equipment and items for our library so we can continue to offer diverse activities in a beautiful, welcoming space.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Ashley Lawson, Vice President, and Elizabeth Truffa, Engagement and Impact Manager, about their work and why Na’atik drew their attention. Read more about Achieve and why they’ve chosen to share our Na’atik mission and partner with us.

1. Can you tell us a little about Achieve Incentives & Meetings and the work you do?

For more than 70 years, Achieve Incentives & Meetings has been more than just a company—we’ve been curators of transformative travel experiences. What began as a family passion for exploring the world has evolved into a global leader in incentive trips and destination events. Incentive trips are more than just travel; they are powerful tools that recognize and reward top performers, strengthen teams, and inspire future success. By creating unforgettable experiences in breathtaking destinations, we help businesses motivate their teams, drive performance, and foster loyalty. Our work is all about crafting moments that celebrate achievements, strengthen business resiliency, and turn ambitious goals into reality. Every journey we design is an opportunity for businesses to reach their stretch goals and write their own success story.

2. What inspires Achieve to support nonprofits and causes like Na’atik? 

At our core, we believe in “giving the world” in everything we do. With many former nonprofit professionals among our team, our passion for community impact is deeply personal. In 2024, we launched our annual Destination Donation initiative—a way to share our success with the local communities that make our events possible. When we see the positive impact of our work in places like the Riviera Maya, it feels like coming home. Supporting Na’atik is a natural extension of our commitment to give back, especially in regions where our business—and our hearts—are most invested. We’re glad to be giving the world to the world, by partnering with Na’atik. 

3. How do responsible travel and social responsibility fit into your company’s mission and values?

For us, responsible travel is not a separate part of our work—it’s the heart of it. We’re proud to soon introduce our Annual Social Impact + Sustainability Scorecard, which showcases our focus on Decent Work & Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption & Production, and Life Below Water & Life On Land. We believe that true sustainability happens locally. By partnering with organizations like Na’atik, we ensure that our destination-based donations empower communities with tangible, locally led change. This approach not only enriches our events but also reinforces our commitment to social responsibility and long-term impact. 

4. What motivated Achieve to donate to Na’atik Language and Culture Institute specifically? 

The moment we learned that “Na’atik” comes from the Maya expression “To’on na’atik” – meaning “We’re understanding each other” – we knew this was a partnership built on shared values. Na’atik’s work perfectly mirrors our strategic focus areas: 

 • Decent Work & Economic Growth: By providing sustainable tourism, learning, and work opportunities, Na’atik fosters responsible economic growth. 

• Responsible Consumption & Production: Their community-led and sustainable approach speaks directly to our values. 

• Life Below Water & Life On Land: Na’atik’s efforts in preserving cultural heritage and enhancing community cohesion resonate with our mission to create a legacy of positive impact.   

This isn’t just a donation—it’s the start of a heartfelt journey where every step reflects passion, innovation, and shared commitment.

5. How did you first learn about Na’atik, and what stood out to you about our mission? 

We first discovered Na’atik through our collaboration with Kind Traveler, an Impact Travel Platform that champions the idea of “Travel Kindly.” Working with Jessica Blotter introduced us to nonprofits operating in the very destinations where we host our events.

 What truly stood out was the natural alignment between our missions. Every conversation with Na’atik revealed a partner who values community impact as much as we do—a kindred spirit with a vision for intentional, thoughtful growth. It felt like opening a new chapter in a shared story, where our expertise and their community work merge to create something truly transformative.

6. Have you or anyone in your team had personal experiences with language learning or cultural immersion that made this partnership feel meaningful?  

Absolutely! Our team members have lived, worked, and traveled around the globe, and we all know firsthand the power of language and cultural immersion. The bridges built through shared language and understanding have enriched our personal and professional lives.

This personal history makes our partnership with Na’atik especially meaningful, as we see every interaction as a chance to deepen our own intercultural understanding while supporting a community that values the same. 

7. What impact do you hope your donation will have on the local community and the students at Na’atik? 

We’re especially proud to support the development of Na’atik’s Library & Intercultural Hub. In regions like the Riviera Maya and Quintana Roo, educational resources and community learning spaces are rare. By helping to build this hub, we’re not just donating funds—we’re investing in a future where intercultural connection and learning are at the forefront. Na’atik’s mission of uniting tourists and locals through language learning opens doors for youth, providing scholarships and social support that pave the way for higher education and meaningful work. We hope that our contribution sparks a ripple effect of empowerment and unity throughout the community. 

8. Would you encourage other businesses to support organizations like Na’atik? If so, why? 

Of course! We see every business as a catalyst, with the opportunity to create lasting impact. For us, strategy isn’t about quarterly numbers—it’s about building a legacy. By supporting organizations like Na’atik, businesses can enrich their operations with cultural authenticity and community connection, all while contributing to a more sustainable future. In our industry, where tourism represents a significant part of the global economy, operating responsibly is not just an option—it’s a responsibility. We hope our partnership inspires others to join us in creating initiatives that are as transformative and human as they are strategic.

9. Do you see opportunities for continued collaboration between Achieve Incentives & Meetings and Na’atik in the future? In what ways? 

Building intercultural connection is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s a key reason for partnering with Na’atik. Looking ahead, we’re excited about continuing our collaboration beyond financial donations. We envision integrating Na’atik into our events—whether through donation drives, shared storytelling sessions, or even facilitating introductions with other like-minded companies. Together, we can create more opportunities for community impact, ensuring that every project deepens the bond between our organizations and the communities we serve. The journey has just begun, and there’s so much more we can achieve together. 

10. Is there anything else you’d like our community to know about Achieve Incentives & Meetings and its commitment to social impact? 

We are truly thrilled to partner with Na’atik and other nonprofit organizations that drive positive change in the destinations we cherish. Our commitment to social impact is not a side project—it’s woven into our DNA. We believe in building a legacy of meaningful experiences, where every event and every interaction contributes to a larger story of community upliftment. We invite you to reach out, learn more about our social impact and sustainability efforts, and join us in making a difference in the communities we love. Together, we can create a future that celebrates success, fosters connection, and leaves a lasting impact on the world. 

To learn more about Na’atik’s English language program for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, visit our Impact Page. We are only able to provide this much needed program thanks to the support of generous donors and the funds raised from our award winning Maya and Spanish Immersion Program. If you would like to support our mission please consider donating today or take a look at our immersion programs and online class packages.