Ms. Cheryl Duke

Since 1988 Cheryl and her family business, W. C. Duke Associates, Inc., has been encouraging businesses to recognize persons with disabilities as a powerful consumer market. They developed Opening Doors®, an interactive video or computer-based customer service program on how to serve persons with mobility, hearing, or visual impairments. The Dukes quickly became recognized as the national authority in customer service and employee training concerning disability etiquette.

Many progressive companies in the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment, and restaurant industries use the Opening Doors® programs. Examples of W. C. Duke’s client list include American Airlines, American Express, Darden Restaurants, Denny’s, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inns, Harrah's Entertainment, Homewood Suites, InterContinental Hotels Group, Long John Silver's, Microtel Inns and Suites, John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts, Prime Hospitality, plus many Central FL attractions and resorts.

As a result of their efforts, Cheryl and her family became the first family to receive the Victory Award, which was presented at the White House by Barbara Bush.

Feature articles about W. C. Duke Associates have appeared in publications such as the New York Times, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, the Cornell University Quarterly, Travel and Leisure, Lodging Hospitality, Hotel Business, and Hotel Motel Management.

Education: Bachelor of Arts International Relations, Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia, Master of Humanities, University of Richmond.

Ms. Duke can be contacted at (804) 633-6752 or cduke@wcduke.com