At the age of six, my two older brothers plucked me into a tiny sailboat called ‘Optimist’ and pushed me off the dock along the Baltic shores of northern Germany. They believed this was the most efficient way to teach me how to sail. Struggling but driven by a desire not to go overboard and to reach the dock safely, I managed to free the boom that had gotten caught in my life vest’s collar— which was about to capsize the boat by dangerously tilting it. I untangled and tightened the sheet rope and steered the little vessel to where I wanted it to go.

Despite the unforgivingly hands-on teaching style, this experience instilled in me a lasting sense of courage and made the name of that little vessel my personal motto. My personal and professional life has been guided by a commitment to improving the lives of others, firmly believing that we can make a difference.

I am a person of diverse interests, intertwining deep-rooted passions in the humanities, education, the ecological world, and technology. With a PhD in German literature, my journey has woven through academia, teaching at college, high school, and middle school levels for
many years, always striving to be an effective but gentler teacher than my brothers.

Beyond the classroom, my dedication extends to protecting our environment, climate, and supporting those who suffer most under their destruction. As a web developer, I blend my educational background with technological skills, engaging in projects that align with my varied interests. I am committed to continuous learning and collaboration, firmly believing in the power of positive and effective teamwork for successful outcomes.

Helping organize the Tribal Buffalo Summit 2023 was a pivotal moment in my life. I gained invaluable insights into the sacred, intricate, and coequal relationship between humans and non-human beings, particularly the reverence held for the buffalo. This experience taught me the profound value of listening to and learning from Indigenous wisdom, shaping my approach to environmental advocacy.

Aside from my love for the ocean and its winds, I enjoy hiking, riding, and skiing in the mountains, especially the Wasatch range, where I live with my family: my husband Pablo, my daughters Kaia and Gwen, and our family members, Oscar and Rover. I thrive in moments of reverence for the natural world, especially when I can share it with my loved ones, fueling my desire to serve and protect it.

Read about another BFC volunteer Board member - Mike Mease >>