Several minutes into her speech at the 2019 Los Angeles Travel and Adventure Show, Kellee Edwards, the host of Travel Channel's Mysterious Islands (and the first black woman to lead a show on the network), has encountered a small issue: she's the sole black woman scheduled to speak at the two-day conference, and her presentation about what it means to connect with communities while traveling isn't working the way it should - but much like every other aspect of her life, she's prepared to take control of the situation with authority, fearlessness, and a smile.

Born on Chicago's South Side, Edwards is used to succeeding in environments that would be a challenge for others. As a licensed pilot, certified scuba diver, and seasoned mountain climber, calling Edwards the future of adventure travel would be an understatement. Her journey is a significant accomplishment given the overwhelmingly white male industry she has been called to pursue,...