Team & Leadership | Brand USA

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Peter Dodge

Sr. Manager, Public Affairs

Peter Dodge

Sr. Manager, Public Affairs

Peter Dodge is senior manager, public affairs for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with a mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy, and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Peter functions as a liaison with all levels of government and manages outreach efforts with key stakeholders to promote and advance Brand USA's mission, raise visibility worldwide for the organization, and build community engagement. Peter first joined Brand USA...

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Favorite Travel Memory

When I was a kid, my family took a cross-country trip from Massachusetts to New Mexico and I remember being amazed realizing how unique the United States is.

Travel in the USA

I’ve lived in six states and Washington, DC and love exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures in each region of our great country.

Hometown/Home State

Charleston, South Carolina

Australia

Rachel Hill

Sr. Manager, Partner Marketing

Rachel Hill

Sr. Manager, Partner Marketing

Rachel Hill is senior manager, partner marketing for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Rachel is responsible for supporting west coast partners in developing strategic marketing solutions to promote their destinations internationally. Prior to joining Brand USA, Rachel was self-employed as a digital marketing consultant and travel content creator...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Going to Egypt with a group of 10 friends from college.

Hometown/Home State

Orlando, Florida

Favorite Travel Destination

South Africa

Washington, DC

Paul Howard, CPA

Assistant Controller

Paul Howard, CPA

Assistant Controller

Paul Howard is assistant controller for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort. In this position, Paul manages Brand USA’s general ledger and accounts receivable within the operations department. Paul joined Brand USA in October of 2016. Prior to that, Paul was a Staff Accountant at Samuels and Son Seafood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 2010 to 2016. In that role, he assisted in financial and cost accounting. Paul became a...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Going to the Thousand Islands National Parks in Canada as a child every summer.

Hometown/Home State

Berwyn, Pennsylvania

Favorite Travel Destination

My favorite travel destinations in the U.S. are Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming and San Francisco, California.

Asheville, North Carolina

Mimi Jung

Sr. Manager, Branding & Design

Mimi Jung

Sr. Manager, Branding & Design

Mimi Jung is the senior manager of branding and design for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Mimi manages the creation and execution of the strategic direction for corporate branding, trade and consumer campaigns, proprietary platforms and in-market initiatives. Responsible for creative design, Mimi focuses on enhancing the marketing...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Exploring wild waterfalls throughout the Asheville region in western North Carolina

Travel in the USA

Florida Keys—swimming and kayaking through the crystal clear waters alongside the diverse marine life

Hometown/Home State

The nation’s capital—Washington, D.C.

Snowbird, UT

Chelsea Sullivan Kaiser

Sr. Manager, Partner Marketing

Chelsea Sullivan Kaiser

Sr. Manager, Partner Marketing

Chelsea Sullivan Kaiser is a senior manager, partner marketing, at Brand USA. She develops and maintains relationships with the organization’s partners and oversees marketing strategy and execution of partnership deliverables. Before working at Brand USA, Chelsea managed corporate and strategic partnerships for Destination DC, the destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital. Before embarking on a career in the tourism industry, she worked at a high-end bridal salon in Georgetown. Chelsea graduated from the University...

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Hometown/Home State

Silver Spring, MD

Community Service

Volunteers as a poll worker for elections

Favorite Travel Memory

Relaxing with friends in Beech Mountain, NC, a cozy ski town with incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Joshua Tree National Park

Julie Paulson

Sr. Manager, Partner Marketing Programs

Julie Paulson

Sr. Manager, Partner Marketing Programs

Julie Paulson is the manager, partner programs for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Julie, who joined Brand USA in May 2017, supports the implementation of cooperative marketing programs and processes with our partners and clients. Julie came to Brand USA from the Smithsonian Institution where she handled the marketing for Smithsonian's revenue...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Family trips to Ocean City, Maryland. We always had a great time enjoying the festivities and rides on the 3 mile long boardwalk.

Travel in the USA

I have visited 26 states and have lived in 7 of them.

Something Interesting

I am an amusement park fanatic and have visited 20 theme parks and have braved some of the world’s tallest roller coasters.

Ocean City, Maryland

Blanca Romero

Sr. Manager, Office Management

Blanca Romero

Sr. Manager, Office Management

Blanca Romero is senior manager, office management for Brand USA, the nation's destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States in order to fuel the nation's economy and enhance the image of the USA worldwide. Blanca has more than 25 years of experience in the operations and hospitality industry. She joined Brand USA as the organization’s receptionist in December 2011. She was promoted to her current position in September 2012. Prior to joining Brand USA, Blanca was clerk...

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Favorite Travel Memory

My first solo trip to Disneyland where I learned that I am still a child at heart!

Community Service

Serving others in times of need is a fulfillment in my life.

Hometown/Home State

I consider El Salvador and Maryland my home.

Washington, DC

Maria Santos

Sr. Manager, Integrated Marketing

Maria Santos

Sr. Manager, Integrated Marketing

Maria Santos is senior manager, integrated marketing for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort. Maria has worked support of the U.S.-based global marketing team responsible for negotiating in-kind media and creating international marketing programs. In her current role, Maria negotiates, contracts, and executes co-operative marketing campaigns focused in Europe and Latin America. Prior to joining Brand USA in September 2017...

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Travel in the USA

My family and I spent every holiday and summer vacation while I was growing up going to Boca Raton, Florida and I would insist on going to Disney World every single time. Never got tired of it!

Hometown/Home State

Tenafly, New Jersey, but grew up in Caracas, Venezuela! – my heart is divided.

Favorite Travel Destination

There are many places in the U.S. that I want to go to still, all mostly around California: Yosemite, Napa Valley, and San Francisco!

Acadia National Park

Dani Campana

Manager, Partner Engagement

Dani Campana

Manager, Partner Engagement

Danielle (Dani) Campana works as a manager, partner engagement, for Brand USA. She strives to facilitate open communication between the organization and its partners with the goals of ensuring seamless implementation of projects and fostering a positive partner experience. Prior to joining Brand USA, Dani worked as a Membership Manager at Destination DC. In this role, she gained experience in cultivating dynamic relationships and worked with an array of businesses, including restaurants, attractions, and convention service providers...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Annual family vacations to the Outer Banks, NC!

Something Interesting

My last name means "bell" in Italian and Spanish.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Philip (Phil) Dickieson

Manager, Marketing Projects

Philip (Phil) Dickieson

Manager, Marketing Projects

Phil Dickieson is manager, marketing projects for Brand USA, the nation's destination-marketing organization. He is assists the marketing team with the Brand USA's Travel Week, Global Marketplace, and other events and marketing efforts. Prior to joining Brand USA, Phil worked in nonprofit philanthropy at Born Free USA and at Earthworks. Phil graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland with a degree in Political Science and History. He studied abroad in London and enjoyed traveling through Europe during his time there. Phil loves...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Participated in the "52 Hike Challenge" and did 52 hikes in a year—spent the whole year traveling around the DC/MD/VA area finding new places to hike.

Hometown/Home State

Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Bethesda, MD, he now lives in DC where he soaks in the history and spends time learning more about the unique neighborhoods and culture.

Favorite Travel Destination

Maine! Whether you're braving the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean or hiking a mountain in Acadia National Park, there's always something exciting to do.

Joshua Tree National Park

Maya Hua

Manager, Partner Engagement

Maya Hua

Manager, Partner Engagement

Maya Hua works as a manager, partner engagement, for Brand USA and serves as a main point of contact for Brand USA’s partners. She strives to cultivate and foster relationships between the organization and its affiliates. Maya’s previous experiences and involvements have well prepared her to work in partner engagement in the tourism industry for Brand USA. She attended the University of Illinois Champagne Urbana, concentrating in Hospitality Management. Maya has worked for Discover Los Angeles in International Tourism. She has also...

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Hometown/Home State

Chicago, Il

Fort Myers, Florida

Carolyn Kirby

Manager, Partner Marketing Programs

Carolyn Kirby

Manager, Partner Marketing Programs

Carolyn Kirby is manager, partner marketing programs for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Carolyn is responsible for supporting the design and implementation of cooperative marketing programs and processes with partners and clients. Prior to joining Brand USA, Carolyn developed and executed corporate partnerships, promotions, and licensing...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Family trips to Galveston Island, Texas.

Hometown/Home State

Arlington, Texas

Favorite Travel Destination

Costa Rica

Dubai, UAE

Grace Muniu

Sr. Reporting Analyst

Grace Muniu

Sr. Reporting Analyst

Grace Muniu is a senior reporting analyst for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Grace is responsible for annual budgets, monthly forecasts, and financial reporting and analysis for Brand USA. Prior to joining Brand USA, Grace worked for the International Monetary Fund as a senior budget analyst in the Institute of Capacity Development Global...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Going on a tour through the Glaciers of the Swiss Alps

Hometown/Home State

Maryland

Favorite Travel Destination

Kenya

Delicate Arch, Utah

Coralis Rivera-Aponte

Manager, Integrated Marketing and Social Media

Coralis Rivera-Aponte

Manager, Integrated Marketing and Social Media

Coralis Rivera-Aponte is manager, integrated marketing and social media for Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States. Coralis serves as a key liaison with creative partners, supporting the Director of Creative Strategy and User Experience, Susan Zachar, with Brand USA's social media strategy, campaign management, and partner initiatives. Coralis joined Brand USA in September 2021. Previously, she served as Digital Marketing Coordinator at Discover Puerto Rico, serving as a bridge between local partners...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Going on a father-daughter road trip through Yellowstone.

Hometown/Home State

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Favorite Travel Destination

Mexico City

Rianna Airitam

Sr. Coordinator, Partner Operations

Rianna Airitam

Sr. Coordinator, Partner Operations

Rianna Airitam is senior coordinator, partner operations for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort.

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Favorite Travel Memory

I got stuck in Boston, Massachusetts once due to heavy snow and that was the first time I'd ever seen more than 6 inches of accumulation!

Travel in the USA

My family likes to road trip and I like seeing the changing scenery across states.

Hometown/Home State

Rowlett, Texas

San Francisco, California

Sofia Dunn

Sr. Coordinator, Media Producer

Sofia Dunn

Sr. Coordinator, Media Producer

Sofia Dunn is senior coordinator, media producer for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Sofia helps to manage the Digital Asset Management system and provides support to GoUSA TV. In addition, she also provides support to the content management team to help with content needs for Brand USA. Prior to joining Brand USA, Sofia worked as a digital...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hometown/Home State

Apopka, Florida

Favorite Travel Destination

California Coastline

Walt Disney World, Florida

Maggie Eng

Staff Accountant

Maggie Eng

Staff Accountant

Maggie Eng is a staff accountant for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Maggie is responsible for supporting the accounting team. Prior to joining Brand USA, Maggie worked at Raymond James Financial for 11 years. She received an education in Hong Kong and studied Computer Programming and Operations at RETS Technical Training Center in Baltimore...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Going on a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon.

Hometown/Home State

Hong Kong

Favorite Travel Destination

Taiwan

Lady Bird Johnson Grove, California

Jamila Hinds

Sr. Coordinator, Media Producer

Jamila Hinds

Sr. Coordinator, Media Producer

Jamila Hinds is senior coordinator, media producer for Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States. Jamila oversees the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, collaborates with the content management team, and coordinates a variety of multimedia activities for GoUSA TV. Before joining Brand USA in 2021, Jamila worked in marketing communications and graphics production then as an implementation teammate for digital asset management and for enterprise procurement systems. She received her bachelor’s degree...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Climbing up and then racing down the side of a volcano.

Travel in the USA

31 states in the U.S., so far

Favorite Travel Destination

Pacific Northwest, USA

Marsha Jones

Sr. Coordinator, Accounting & Finance Project Management

Marsha Jones

Sr. Coordinator, Accounting & Finance Project Management

Marsha Jones is a senior coordinator, accounting and finance project management for Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States. In addition, Marsha provides direct project and administrative support to the Chief Financial, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer and general administrative support to operational teams. Before joining Brand USA in June 2021, Marsha had multiple years of project management and executive assistant experience, including work with the District of Columbia, KPMG, and, most recently...

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Community Service

Volunteers with local NAACP and Veterans Affairs (VA)

Something Interesting

Danced on Soul Train for teens in Los Angeles

Hometown/Home State

Los Angeles, California

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Allie May

Sr. Coordinator, Partner Marketing

Allie May

Sr. Coordinator, Partner Marketing

Allie May is senior coordinator, partner marketing for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Allie is responsible for supporting the implementation of cooperative marketing programs and campaigns with our partners and clients. Prior to joining Brand USA, Allie worked as a Convention Sales Association at the San Francisco Travel Association and as a...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Going on a helicopter tour of Hawaii with my grandma!

Hometown/Home State

Long Island, New York

Favorite Travel Destination

Park City, Utah. The mountains are beautiful and it’s a great place to ski.

Brittany McCabe

Sr. Coordinator, Integrated Marketing and Social Media

Brittany McCabe

Sr. Coordinator, Integrated Marketing and Social Media

Brittany McCabe is senior coordinator, integrated marketing and social media for Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States. Brittany joined Brand USA in May 2022.

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Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Kate Romero

Sr. Coordinator, Integrated Marketing & Social Media

Kate Romero

Sr. Coordinator, Integrated Marketing & Social Media

Kate Romero is senior coordinator, integrated marketing and social media for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Kate is responsible for supporting Brand USA’s social media presence. Prior to joining Brand USA, Kate served as the social media marketing and tourism coordinator for TABASCO Brand, where she played an integral role in promoting tourism...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Road tripping with her husband from San Francisco to San Diego in California.

Hometown/Home State

Louisiana

Favorite Travel Destination

U.S. Virgin Islands

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Catherine (Katie) Streater

Sr. Coordinator, Global Trade Development

Catherine (Katie) Streater

Sr. Coordinator, Global Trade Development

Catherine (Katie) Streater is senior coordinator, global trade development for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Katie is responsible for assisting in travel trade programs for the Canadian and Latin American markets, including writing trade newsletters and updating content for Brand USA Global Marketplace and the International Pavilion. Prior to...

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Something Interesting

Katie has been to 21 National Parks in the USA.

Hometown/Home State

Fort Myers, Florida

Favorite Travel Destination

Istanbul, Turkey

Niagara Falls, New York

Munira Yusuf

Sr. Coordinator, Accounts Payable

Munira Yusuf

Sr. Coordinator, Accounts Payable

Munira Yusuf is coordinator, office management for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort.

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Favorite Travel Memory

Orlando, Florida-- I could never forget the NASA Facility, Universal Studios, and of course Walt Disney World.

Hometown/Home State

Washington, DC

Favorite Travel Destination

My favorite destination will forever be New York City, New York. It's never the same experience-- always evolving and always amazing!

Asheville, North Carolina

Alex Dudich

Coordinator, Partner Marketing Programs

Alex Dudich

Coordinator, Partner Marketing Programs

Alex Dudich is coordinator, partner marketing programs for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Alex is responsible for supporting the implementation of cooperative marketing programs and campaigns with partners and clients. Prior to joining Brand USA, Alex worked at Beautiful Destinations, an award-winning strategic, creative, and content studio...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Navigating Iceland's Ring Road with family.

Hometown/Home State

Wheeling, West Virginia

Favorite Travel Destination

Tie between Iceland and Czech Republic

Kyoto, Japan

Desmon Hickson

Coordinator, Global Trade Development (Asia Pacific)

Desmon Hickson

Coordinator, Global Trade Development (Asia Pacific)

Desmon Hickson is coordinator, global trade development (Asia Pacific) for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Desmon is responsible for supporting global marketing with creation of international programs and track, organize, and maintain the compliance of programs’ activities. Prior to joining Brand USA, Desmon worked as a travel consultant for...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Living with his host family in Japan.

Hometown/Home State

Baltimore, Maryland

Favorite Travel Destination

Japan

Negril, Jamaica

Alexis Kemp

Coordinator, Partner Operations

Alexis Kemp

Coordinator, Partner Operations

Alexis Kemp is coordinator, partner operations for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Alexis is responsible for assisting in the coordination, execution and maintenance of all partner related commitments and contributions. Prior to joining Brand USA, Alexis held sales and marketing positions in the financial industry. She received her bachelor's...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Riding horses into the ocean in Negril, Jamaica

Hometown/Home State

Washington D.C.

Favorite Travel Destination

Jamaica

Bali, Indonesia

Dominique McCaskill

Coordinator, Marketing Projects

Dominique McCaskill

Coordinator, Marketing Projects

Dominique McCaskill is the coordinator, marketing projects for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Dominique works closely with Brand USA’s Chief Marketing Officer, Tom Garzilli, and the entire marketing team to manage projects and events. Prior to joining Brand USA, Dominique curated experiences to influence consumers to take action in the areas...

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Travel in the USA

Dominique has visited 22 states.

Favorite Travel Destination

Bali, Indonesia

Diana Mellitz

Coordinator, Partner Marketing

Diana Mellitz

Coordinator, Partner Marketing

Diana Mellitz is a coordinator, partner marketing, for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. Diana joined Brand USA in September 2021. Prior to joining Brand USA, Diana worked in the international education and exchange field as a Program Manager, interned at the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Institute, and taught English in China. Diana graduated from...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Summer trips to the Jersey shore and seeing The Lion King on Broadway.

Hometown/Home State

New Jersey

Favorite Travel Destination

New York City, NY

Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain

Olivia Silverman-Franklin

Coordinator, Global Trade Development (U.K., Europe, and India)

Olivia Silverman-Franklin

Coordinator, Global Trade Development (U.K., Europe, and India)

Olivia Silverman-Franklin is coordinator, global trade development (U.K., Europe, and India) for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Olivia supports Brand USA’s global trade department in the creation of international marketing and education programs. This is Olivia’s first position directly in the travel and tourism industry but she does have past...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Visiting past exchange students overseas and seeing where they live, eat, and meeting their extended family and friends. They always ensure a real, authentic experience.

Hometown/Home State

Wareham, Massachusetts

Favorite Travel Destination

Basque Country, Spain