What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
In the early years of my life, I did not have many opportunities to travel. Although I dreamed of faraway places, I never imagined I would actually visit them. My defining moment came after spending 17 years as a stay-at-home mom. I realized I had devoted that chapter of my life to my family, and it was finally time to pursue my own passion. I took a leap into the travel industry, built a career I love, and began experiencing dreams I never dared to imagine. Now, I am inspired to help others make their travel dreams a reality, too
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
I knew almost immediately that this was exactly what I was meant to do. I was surrounded by agents with more than 25 years of experience, and instead of feeling intimidated by everything I had to learn, I felt inspired and excited. I looked forward to getting up every morning, going into the office, investing in myself, and learning everything I could to better serve my clients. That excitement confirmed that I had found not only a career, but my passion.
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
I am a new graduate of The Travel Institute, earning my Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) designation in July 2026. The education I received has already helped me tremendously, both personally and professionally. Since I just recently graduated, I am excited to continue applying what I learned and look forward to the many ways this certification will benefit my career in the future.
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
My favorite part is helping people plan everything from a weekend getaway or family vacation to the bucket-list trip of a lifetime. I love answering their questions, hearing the excitement in their voices, and seeing the look in their eyes as they imagine experiencing their dream destination. Helping turn those dreams into lifelong memories is what I love most about what I do.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
Be patient with yourself—this is a marathon, not a sprint. You will never know everything, but it is important to know who to ask and where to find the answers. Invest in yourself, stay current with your training and education, and always keep learning. Travel as much as possible—the more you go, the more you know.
Treat your clients the way you would want to be treated. Respond quickly, write everything down, and pay close attention to every detail. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey!
How do you stay motivated and inspired in an industry that’s constantly changing?
I stay educated, and I travel! I pay attention not only to the staple destinations, but also to the newest trends and what travelers are excited about. Continuing my education keeps me informed and prepared, while traveling gives me firsthand knowledge and experiences that I can share with my clients. Every trip adds another stamp to my passport and another story I can share—and keeps me excited to help others plan their own adventures!
If you could only pack 3 items for a trip around the world, what would they be?
For a trip around the world, I would bring my passport, my phone and charger to capture every memory, and a comfortable pair of shoes—because I would want to explore every destination!
What’s one place on your travel bucket list that you haven’t crossed off yet?
There are still so many places I would love to explore, but if I had to choose one, it would be an African safari in Tanzania. I think it would be absolutely amazing to see those beautiful animals roaming freely in their natural habitat, experience the vibrant local culture, and learn about the people and their traditions. I would also love to stay in a luxury tented safari camp in the Serengeti, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. It would truly be the trip of a lifetime!
