I’ve always been an enthusiastic and creative storyteller. While other kids merely wrote letters to Santa, I crafted a catalog for him, complete with collages, captions, and shoelaces strung through the margins as binding. Between these early creations and the towers of magazines I amassed over the years, it was no surprise that I ultimately pursued a master’s degree in journalism at Northwestern University.

Throughout the next 10 years, my publishing career took me around the globe, from red-carpet reporting on celebrities in London to reviewing resorts in the South Pacific to testing high-end skincare products in the tiny bathroom of my West Village studio apartment. Although I spent most of my career as a travel magazine writer and editor, I also worked stints as a senior online editor at NBC Universal, and even freelanced my way through the hallowed halls of Condé Nast. (Yes, the beauty closets were as fabulous as you might imagine.)

Along the way, I continued doing the two things I loved most – traveling and telling stories. After visiting more than 40 countries and even living abroad, I started to notice that in each new destination I experienced, the iconic hotels and must-try restaurants often entranced me as much as the local landmarks. Over time, this realization paved the way for a career transition.

After almost a decade in the New York City media scene, I decided to combine my love of travel and storytelling in a new way. I took the leap into hospitality marketing and made the move back to Chicago, which has always felt like home. Now instead of telling the stories of my own travels, I get to tell the stories of the brands I love. Not a bad way to make a living!

Now if I could just tame those towers of magazines....

awards & Accolades

 

HOSPITALITY MARKETING

In 2016, I created a successful voting campaign that led to The Gwen being named one of the Top Ten Hotels in Chicago by Travel + Leisure. The hotel’s restaurants were also recognized in two Zagat lists, and personally, I was selected as “Leader of the Quarter” twice within a year while at The Gwen. 

WRITING & EDITING

As a member of the six-person editorial staff at American Spa magazine, I contributed to issues that received multiple journalism and design awards.

  • Folio: Eddie Awards for Editorial Excellence and Best Issue (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

  • Jessie H. Neal Award finalist for Best Overall Issue (2007)

  • Folio: Ozzie Award for Best Overall Design (2007)

  • Society of Publication Designers Merit Award for Best Photography (2006)