When and where were you born? 

I was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1960

Where did you grow up?

Although I have always been an American, I was raised in Lebanon, Pakistan and Greece.

How do you think attending ACS Athens, its curriculum, activities, and international setting/student body influenced your character and work ethic to help you become the success you are today?

ACS Athens was instrumental in shaping my values and world perspective. I learned at a young age how to understand and welcome those who had different backgrounds than my own. The cultural exposure I gained in my youth and at ACS Athens provided me with the framework to write Life Could Be Sweeter and the foundation to launch my cross-cultural consulting company, Globally Hip.

What are your memories of ACS Athens? (For example: the kind of student you were, friends you still may have, best/worst memories, influential teachers and their effect on your life, etc.)

When I think of my time at ACS Athens, I can’t help but smile. Incredible travel experiences and fun times are etched in my memoryundefinedHolland with Model United Nations, Austria with the Ski Club and weekends in rural Greece with the Excursion Club. More importantly, I met a long list of lifelong friends. Last week I had the pleasure of having dinner with Melanie Haratunian and Elaine Palashes in Boston. We had a ball!

Tell us a little bit about what you do professionally.

I own a consulting firm (Globally Hip) and provide culturally insightful keynotes, trainings and coaching for corporations and academic institutions. In a nutshell, I assist and support executives, administrators and students succeed in an increasingly interactive global marketplace.

Your personal life? 

I strive to lead a simple life. For many years, I lived in New York and recently relocated to Palm Springs. Much of my life has been and still is spent “on the go” in airports and hotels. Outside of work, my life is serene and tranquil. There is nothing like coming home to spectacular weather, a barbecue with friends and a glass of wine poolside.

Are there any professional ‘words of wisdom’ you’d like to pass along? Identify how to capitalize on your multicultural experience at ACS Athens and abroad.

Many of us have learned about other cultures firsthand and that exposure is a huge advantage in the global marketplace. Would you be willing to help young graduates and if so, how? At Globally Hip, we have a popular training and coaching program designed for college and graduate school applicants. In essence, we help students gain acceptance into top schools by strategically highlighting cross-cultural awareness (via their application essays and on campus interviews). I would be delighted to guide ACS Athens students in this realm and see the next generation of ACS Athens grads attend the school of their dreams.

What are your plans for the future? 

In the short term, I plan to grow and manage Globally Hip. A few years down the road, I can see early retirement and the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends. In my spare time, I foresee doing more writing and volunteer work.

How do you see this professional networking venture benefiting the alumni of ACS Athens?

There are a tremendous number of talented and bright ACS Athens alumni. We share experiences that are unique and forever bonding. It only makes sense that we embrace a venue to support each other and remain connected.