My background is in Water Planning and Policy, Civil Engineering and Hydrogeology, and Water Journalism. In 2012, I founded an online water media and education nonprofit (WaterCitizen), which includes a Media outlet. We also offer online courses, communities and virtual transformational mastermind programs for Women Water Professionals and Water Entrepreneurs. I work from home or wherever I can get work done on my laptop or phone. If I am traveling to your city, chances are it is to provide media coverage for some sort of water-related conference, although I do try to schedule in time to visit with my hosts when I can and if they are available!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

One of my fondest travel memories came at the end of my semester at the London School of Economics & Political Science, when a couple of my friends and I had set up a trip to Madrid and Barcelona before we headed home for the holidays. We were taking different flights since I had to stay longer for a late exam, and then my flight was delayed, and I had no way to find them in Madrid ... so I ended up at a bar late at night, not sure where to go.

Fortunately, I started hanging out with a group of Madrilenas and Medrilenos who ended up offering me a place to crash for the 3 nights until my flight to Barcelona where I could meet my friends. OMG they took such good care of me! They showed me the sights, introduced me to the best local cuisine, took me to the Prado and other places I would not have been able to afford on my own, and just created an incredible memory.

To be clear, I am NOT expecting that level of care this time. In fact, there may be people here who would object to my request since I typically only travel for meetings for my nonprofit. I am the founder of a small nonprofit called WaterCitizen.Org that helps Water Entrepreneurs to become "Captains of their SHIPS" - building their capacity, cashflow opportunities, clout, and connections. I have no salary, no income, no healthcare other than US Medicaid and food stamps, and am staying at a studio in DC owned by my parents. Since my organization has a nonprofit tax status. I cannot get investors, and have had no luck getting grants in an industry with so many multimillion dollar nonprofits - so even when I am offered a Media Pass or other Complimentary Pass to a conference, I really cannot attend if I have to come up with the costs of airfare AND lodging.

I can usually hang out on the day of my arrival (although I may be jetlagged), but will likely be at the events in the daytime and into the evenings the rest of my stay, typically getting an early morning flight home since those are often the least expensive.

I don't expect to be fed or driven around - I am comfortable with public transportation. I'll likely have meals at the conferences - although it woud be nice if I can make eggs or something vegetarian if needed, or nuke something that I can buy on my way over, if I wake up early due to time differences - and I won't say no to coffee in the morning!

I am PASSIONATE about supporting Water Entrepreneurs like myself who are trying to compete in an industry DOMINATED by much larger players - we call them The Armada (LOL) and help Water Entrepreneurs get ahead in this industry ("Clean Water is a Dirty Business")!

I can often find airfare financing, but even with Airbnb, the cost of lodging can be rough! YOUR SUPPORT in the form of a safe place to sleep makes this work possible - and I would be happy to reciprocate if you come to Washington, DC!

Happy to get on a call before confirming if you have questions and want to get to know me before agreeing to host - and THANK YOU for your consideration!

Interests

I used to play and coach rugby and other team sports (soccer, hockey) but mostly just do yoga or workout. I used to sing with bands, choirs, and a cappella groups but my voice is very out of shape. I love movies and live music.

• photography
• education
• coach
• traveling
• music
• live music
• sports
• business
• communications
• teaching
• journalism
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

All sorts!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The Galapagos, China, Eastern Europe. Launching a nonprofit from scratch!

Teach, Learn, Share

I teach about water for a living so would rather not stay up all night to talk about water BUT am happy to talk for a while about cool stuff going on in water. If you're in entertainment, journalism, photography or film, water recreation, sports, online education, I'm fascinated!

What I Can Share with Hosts

If you want to get better at virtual engagement, or start an online business based on your expertise, I can help!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Switzerland, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, England, United States