You can learn more about my professional experience as an attorney, professor and administrator here, but let me share how that journey led me to founding Reise. 

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My Background 

From a very young age, I loved learning — not just about ‘things’ and topics — but namely about people, their stories, paths, dreams and challenges.  Having grown up in Queens, NY, I was fortunate to be part of a community that showcased and celebrated diversity and difference in perspectives and lived experiences. Being raised in that enriching environment, having a parent born outside of the U.S., and being a first-gen college student imparted in me a sense of curiosity, awareness and humility. 

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I was also raised in our family business, a luncheonette in Queens — a special place that provided a sense of community and care for so many for 50 years!  Working there during holidays and summers was the best education I ever received (despite having several degrees).  My parents instilled in me and showcased what it meant to serve—truly serve, to be a place and space for community, to respect everyone, to listen to others (not just with your ears, but also with your eyes), to do your best, and to work with intention and purpose (whether taking an order from a customer, filling the soda box, grinding meat or making a delivery). 

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My Educational Path & Professional Journey

I took these lessons with me and worked full-time at NYU School of Law while attending NYU for my undergraduate studies. And so began my love of being embedded in a university community.  I worked at the Career Services Office at NYU Law where I was mentored by an incredible leader in the industry and learned so much about the importance of listening to the professional and personal aspirations and concerns of students and alumni, building relationships and nurturing a network (when there is no ask), and engaging with employers and professionals to understand their current and future needs and aspirations.  

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I then began my own law school journey which brought me to Baltimore, MD.  During law school I learned the importance of critical thinking, thoughtful analysis, appreciation for different perspectives, and the power of advocacy. During law school and upon graduation in 2002, I worked in diverse settings (government, nonprofits, private firm), in various practice areas (legislative advocacy, business immigration and compliance, refugee/asylum, health care) in Washington, DC and New York City.  While I still volunteer and do pro bono immigration work, in 2007 I returned to academia, which felt like a homecoming.

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I have been in higher ed ever since in different institutions and in various roles including Assistant Dean of career development, Associate Dean of international education, and, currently as a professor who has taught various business, law, international relations, and sustainability courses. I remain active in various professional organizations and engaged in the business and law communities.  I have had the privilege to serve, mentor, and advise hundreds of students, alumni, entrepreneurs and professionals for nearly 18 years. From celebrating accomplishments, to being supportive in times of challenge, to being a trusted guide through personal and professional transitions, I seek to serve others in the spirit of cura personalis (care for the whole person).  

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Continued Education & Coaching Certification 

I am also a life-long learner.  After earning my law degree (J.D.) at the University of Baltimore School of Law, I completed my Masters of Law in Law and Government (LL.M.) at American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., and my Masters (M.A.) in International Relations and Global Politics at Freie University in Berlin, Germany.  Most recently, I received my Coaching Certification from Coach Training EDU, a program certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the industry’s leading accrediting body.  

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Why did I get my coaching certification and launch Reise?  

Coaching is a mosaic of my personal and professional passions, skills, training and aspirations.  By strengthening my own learning and growth as a person and coach, I hope to be of greater service to others as they continue on their personal and professional journey in what can feel like an increasingly noisy world. Through fostering greater awareness, clarity, confidence and resilience, a trusting, nonjudgmental coaching partnership can shift life from being transactional to being transformational.  

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I would welcome the opportunity to listen to you, learn about you, and support and challenge you as we uncover untapped potential and activate a greater sense of agency.  Empowering individuals into thoughtful action in pursuit of their personal and professional aspirations and transformations is at the heart of Reise.  

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Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.  I look forward to meeting you! 

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