What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory is a three-week trip across Europe with my family where we explored nine countries together. Each destination brought its own beauty and adventure, but the most meaningful part was meeting relatives in Italy we had never met before. Sharing meals, stories, and laughter with them gave me a powerful sense of connection to my roots and a deeper appreciation for the importance of family across cultures. That experience reminded me that travel is not only about seeing new places, but about building relationships and discovering parts of yourself through the people you meet. It is a memory that continues to inspire how I approach study abroad, emphasizing connection, belonging, and shared humanity.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Working for Authentica has pushed me to think bigger and bolder about what study abroad can be. I have grown in my ability to design programs that not only meet academic goals but also challenge students to reflect, connect, and act with purpose. I have learned to lean into innovation, creating initiatives like scholarships and flight credits that remove barriers for students who might otherwise be left out. Most importantly, I have become even more committed to aligning my work with values of sustainability and equity. This role has stretched me as a leader and has deepened my conviction that education abroad can be a force for good.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
One of my favorite stories came from a student who admitted she almost did not study abroad because she worried she would not “fit the mold.” After completing her program, she shared that it was the most empowering experience of her life. She said the community partnerships and reflective activities helped her discover her own strengths and voice in ways she had not expected. She returned home not only more confident academically but also determined to pursue a career in social impact. Hearing her describe how she found her place abroad and carried that confidence forward was a powerful reminder of why these programs matter so much.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
If I could choose any Authentica program, I would join our Florence program. The combination of academic rigor, cultural immersion, and direct engagement with local producers captures everything I believe study abroad should be. Students explore the Mediterranean diet through cooking workshops, visit farms to see sustainable practices in action, and connect their learning to global sustainability goals. Personally, I would love the opportunity to experience that intersection of food, culture, and community impact. It is the kind of program that not only teaches you about a topic but also changes how you think about your daily choices and their ripple effects.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
What makes Authentica unique is our willingness to walk the walk. Many providers talk about innovation and impact, but we embed those values directly into program design. From sustainability initiatives to scholarships that expand access, our work reflects our mission at every level. I was especially proud of our team when we launched the SCALE Scholars program. We knew cost was one of the biggest barriers for students, and together we created a scholarship structure that was bold, inclusive, and aligned with our values. Seeing the first cohort of students awarded those scholarships was a moment that confirmed we are not only building programs but also shaping a more equitable future for study abroad.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is staying true to your mission while being willing to innovate. Success comes from putting students at the center of every decision and asking how each program can both support their growth and serve the communities we partner with. At Authentica, we are constantly learning, adapting, and improving our work, but we never compromise on our core values of sustainability, equity, and meaningful engagement. To me, success is not measured only in numbers, but in the impact we leave behind. A company that can grow while also creating positive change is one that will thrive for the long term.