ABOUT ME:
I am originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota- a great place to be from. As Founder and Principal/Researcher of a boutique consulting practice, I work with local-global non-profits, cultural and educational institutions,government agencies and the private sector with a framework of innovation and societal good in mind.

I have served small and medium-sized entities to the United Nations; with projects ranging from local initiatives to USAID-funded programs and businesses involving 40 + countries. My cross sectoral approach to problem solving, innovating and social impact allows me to create innovative programs and partnerships for greater good.

I lived, studied and worked across the Middle East, backpacked across Europe, the Caribbean and North America and I have lived and worked with people from all over the world. I value opportunities to learn from one another and I have a sense of curiosity and adventure in all that I do.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am inspired by the spirit of couchsurfing and open to meeting and learning from new people and seeing new places in the world. I also like being in places I have been and seeing it anew from others experiences and set of eyes. While it says I have been a member of CS since 2004, I have only started engaging since 2016-17.

Interests

film, water/nature, music, exploring in general as well as art museums, architecture and local neighborhoods, a great long walk, biking, boating of all kinds, reading a great book, travel, thinking, learning, conversation, food and wine

• arts
• books
• architecture
• design
• education
• wine
• reading
• traveling
• music
• scuba diving
• business
• teaching
• entrepreneurship

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Lovely Bones, Wild
Music: I am open to all kinds of styles
Movies: I love all genres but particularly indies as I worked with hundreds of diverse filmmakers from around the globe. Had the opportunity to attend the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain and the San Francisco International Film Festival). Great netflicks series: Luther,Broadchurch, Black Mirror, love most British series, Also Dexter, Whiplash is great, great classics like Westside Story, Harold and Maude ( great soundtrack!). I always like to experience ( at least once) a film, TV series, Radio, music, theatre production, book, food, as I like to see what comes from someone's imagination.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have had many amazing adventures but one of them was earning my PADI license in the Red Sea (scuba diving) which was quite demanding; I taught English in the public school system in Nazareth, and while living there through serving on a national service program, I lived in an absorption center for new immigrants (hundreds of Ethiopians, Rumanians, Iranians, Russians..). I learned so much from this experience. I have traveled with the Bedouins in the Sinai Desert for an extended period of time and hiked through a great sand storm in Petra Jordan. I took a great trip to Cairo and Luxor, Egypt and across Europe,( loved Spain and the South of France!) the Caribbean (particularly loved St John's Island). Also my whitewater rafting trip through Maine was a thrill, kayak and sailing trip on Lake Superior as well and my hike with ropes up the Lions Mountain in Vancouver. More to say in this-- just ask...

Teach, Learn, Share

I am always open to exchanging ideas, film, music...... I love cooking with people (not a great cook my self but love being in the kitchen with others and learning from them-- and of course eating as well)

What I Can Share with Hosts

My curiosity, kindness, exchange of stories, ideas and some treats.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Israel, Italy, United States