About me

Writer, traveler, marine biologist, gringatina. I am the product of immigrants. A child of Chicago, IL. My observations are as unique as my DNA – which spans Africa, Meso-America, as well as Europe.

My writing, is the epicenter, the peacemaker, the negotiator between the creative vs. analytical sides of my brain. My blog posts are a contemplation mixing culture, food, and spirituality. If my piece sparks discussion between me and my readers – this blog has served a higher purpose. Bringing humans together.

Travel as peacekeeper. It was when arguments between my parents stopped. My brother and I knew Daddy was the captain and navigator of our Chrysler Town and Country station wagon while Mamí was our chef, nurse, and steward ensuring we were kept fed, mended any wounds, and didn’t fall out of line.

Whether it was a car-camping trip or a trip to Europe, exploring the world outside of the inner-city of Chicago gave me a broader perspective. We weren’t rich, but travel or the art of exploring was central to my family life. The life of immigrants exploring their new home or visiting their old home when possible.

As an adult, my travel has been part get-away, part knowledge-gathering, and part quest to learn more about myself and about others.

Education

Diplomas

1984 – Gale Academy, Chicago Public Schools

1988 – Sullivan High School, Chicago Public Schools

Degrees

1992 – University of Chicago, B.A. Biology

1999 – California State University, East Bay, M.S. Marine Science

2018 – Institute of American Indian Arts, M.F.A. Creative Writing – Nonfiction

Certificates

2007 – University of Washington, Marketing

2015 – University of Washington, Memoir writing

2020 – Bridge Education Group – 120-Hour TEFL Master Certificate