Geography was always my favorite subject as a child. Scanning the many iconic images in National Geographic and puzzling over world maps gave me an appreciation for the world’s cultural and natural wonders.

This interest in travel and culture led me to pursue a career in cultural tourism management. After working in two breathtaking US National Parks, helping a community develop a sustainable tourism model in Costa Rica, and experiencing life abroad in the “happiest country on Earth,” I can attest to the power of travel and its ability to transform our perceptions of the world around us.

Mark Twain’s quote “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness” drives my passion for advancing in this dynamic field.