I’m a 3rd generation Californian who’s lived in 12 states and Japan. I have a degree in Political Science and International Relations from UCLA, have worked as a journalist, am a published author, and research and storytelling are vital to me. I spent many years in the hospitality and winery industries, owned a Mexican Cantina in Miami Beach, and food and wine are among my many passions. Hospitality seems to be in my DNA. I’m particularly knowledgeable of California and the American West having lived in Northern and Southern California, Arizona, Idaho, Utah and Colorado. I’m uniquely attuned to indigenous cultures, after working as a volunteer on the Hopi and Navajo nations with the Red Feather Development Group in Flagstaff, and am especially proud of the work I did there. I am at ease in front of groups through my years as a wine educator, and imparting stories and experiences has been an important part of my career. I feel at home anywhere in the world and am eager to share my love of cultures with others.
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." - Helen Keller
