Originally from Dayton, Ohio, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Costume Production and Italian from Boston University.

During my undergrad education, I studied abroad in three different Italian regions. I fell in love with Italian language and culture and discovered my passion for cross cultural exchange.

After graduation, I moved to New York City and worked for more than 10 years as a dressmaker for New York University's (NYU) Tisch School for the Arts, New York City Ballet and various Broadway shows, luxury brands and celebrity clients. My interest in creating understanding across cultures led me to complete a master’s degree in International Education at NYU in 2016.

In 2016-17, I came back to Italy as a Fulbright Scholar and founded The Sewing Cooperative- an educational initiative in Rome, bringing together refugee, American and Italian communities in cross-cultural dialogue through sewing and fashion. Besides holding positions at New York University and Columbia University, I have been a guest lecturer for several study abroad programs including the Joseph S. Bruno program, where I taught Sustainable Fashion and Social Entrepreneurship since 2018.