Life’s mission: To educate and connect people from all over the world through programs that lead to world peace.

Work: As the owner of Destination Partners, a specialty travel company, for the past 20 years I have been organizing, creating and developing educational programs abroad for institutions of higher education such as New York University, the University of Virginia and others. As the founder of the nonprofit Bee Gaia, which has more than 500 members in Naples, I am involved in projects in the Amazon, Haiti, Ghana and Bhutan. Learn more at DestinationPartners.net and HouseOfGaia.org.

My community service work is organized around my travels. For example, I’ve served at the Mother Theresa Orphanage, in India. For two years, I was the curriculum coordinator at Guadalupe Center, in Immokalee, and was the first Guadalupe preschool director.

Proudest Achievements: Being honored as the queen mother of Torgome Village, in Africa.

Expectations for the Future: To build an eco-friendly cultural and holistic center in Naples, which is the home of The House of Gaia, and to continue this work around the world.

Favorite websites: UN.org, PeaceCorps.gov, LetsTalkAboutPeace.org.

Local causes supported: House of Gaia Community Learning Center, Naples (HouseOfGaia.org), St. Mathews House (StMatthewsHouse.org).

Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: It contains intelligent articles and connects like-minded people.

Most frequented healthy food restaurants: Food & Thought and Loving Hut

How do you invest in your community? Financially, emotionally and spiritually, by working 100 percent philanthropically for the nonprofit, serving over 40 hours a week, to keep the community learning center healthy and happy.

Favorite quote: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”—Mahatma Gandhi