Home: Philadelphia, PA. Profession: Entrepreneur. Organization: Avante Language Services, Inc. Title: President. Alma mater: Temple University, University of Pittsburgh and Washington State University. Languages spoken: Spanish, Portuguese and German.
Current project: Trap-neuter-return (TNR) for community cats. Recent professional development: Attended The Future of Translation: Integrating AI into Systems seminar. Latest contribution to others: Donating to animal rescue organizations. Hobbies: Pickleball, hiking and caring for community cats through TNR.
Personality profile: Dedicated, generous, witty and optimistic. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Gregarious. How do you define a perfect friendship? Loyalty, sense of humor and adventure. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mutual respect, growth and thriving together. What is your greatest joy? My children. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Scientist. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Animal rescue, travel and adventures. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Sun.
What was your first paying job? Working at a bread bakery at age 13. What was your favorite college course? Psychology. What book have you repeatedly read? There Is a River, by Thomas Sugrue. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Bridesmaids. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Languages of the world. What’s the best advice you received growing up? You can do anything you set your mind to. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Don’t ever take a client for granted.
What is your big idea?
Pair funding for human homelessness relief with animal rescue.
What change would you like to see in the world? Ban social media and smartphones for children under 16. What message do you want to send out into the world? Don’t compare your progress to others. What mega-trend most excites you? The convergence of AI and biotechnology to improve health. What mega-trend most concerns you? The use of AI for everyday tasks.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Keep Laughing. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Julia Louis-Dreyfus. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Veterinarian. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Photos of my children. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? At a beach with my children. What advice would you give your younger self? You get to decide your future.
Personal mission: Stopping animal cruelty and neglect. Personal motto: Live each day as if it were your last. Favorite quote: “What fresh hell can this be?” (Dorothy Parker). Desired epitaph: When you think of me, remember the laughter.
