In 2017, I traded concrete for cob, traffic for trees, and deadlines for dandelions. For 7 transformative months, I lived at Lost Valley Educational Center, an ecovillage and educational nonprofit tucked into the lush forest of Dexter, Oregon. I joined their Holistic Sustainability Semester—a unique 3-month, immersive, dual certification program in Permaculture Design and Ecovillage Living—and walked away with more than just certificates. I gained skills, connections, and a whole new lens on what community, sustainability, and “living on purpose” can actually look like.
People often ask me after I tell them my story, my sustainability journey: “So what was it like living in a hippie community?” This post is my attempt to answer that, with honesty, nostalgia, and from my current perspective shaped by this experience.
On Thursday, May 22, I joined fellow communicators at Q-Branch in Downtown Austin for an event hosted by the PRSA Austin Chapter—an evening that promised insight and inspiration, and absolutely delivered. The focus? The evolving role of artificial intelligence in public relations and communications. It was a dynamic and thought-provoking panel that confirmed familiar ideas and concerns while highlighting new AI opportunities and challenges.
Moderated by Anne Lasseigne Tiedt, APR, the panel featured four industry professionals: Monica Talan (TechTranslators.ai), Tim Weinheimer (Hahn), Dan Martin (Hiebing), and Lisa Peterson (Lisa Peterson PR). Each panelist offered a unique perspective—from tech backgrounds to data analytics, agency marketing services to media relations—on how AI is transforming how we communicate, collaborate, and connect with our audiences.
Selfie in front of the stageThe PRSA Panelists on stage
I recently completed the Strategies for Today’s Jobs(4-weeks / 8-days) career development course through Austin Community College (ACC), designed to help job seekers clarify their goals, polish their materials, and build confidence in today’s job market. Overall, I felt that the class was good and thoughtfully put together. While much of the content felt like “Career 101” and seemed primarily catered to those entering or re-entering the job market, I still found many gems of insight that were useful for refining my current job search strategy and long-term career planning.
Even though I’ve already navigated multiple stages of professional development, this course served as a helpful refresher and provided space for intentional reflection. I appreciated the structured pace, the supportive instructors, and the opportunity to revisit foundational strategies with fresh eyes and a lens of AI support.
Below is a breakdown of each day, including key takeaways that stood out to me:
Day 1: Orientation + Self-Assessment
Focus: Identifying personal strengths, values, and workplace preferences.
Takeaways:
We kicked off the class with discussing personality assessments for career alignment like YouScience offered through ACC, which served as a reminder of how I operate best in a team and workplace setting.
Reflecting on core values, missions, and motivations helped reaffirm my commitment to working in sustainability and mission-driven environments—something that’s remained consistent in the later half of my career.
The structured self-assessment activities gave me a career direction clarity and helped create a more intentional mindset heading into the rest of the course.
Lately, Easy Tiger North has become more than just a great spot for pastries and coffee—it’s become the backdrop for some of my most valuable networking experiences in Austin. From marketing mixers to sustainability meetups, this laid-back location has offered countless opportunities to connect with brilliant minds and inspiring peers across industries. Let’s take a quick walk back through a few recent events that have made a big impact on me.
Ad 2 Austin’s 32 Under 32 Awards (May 8)
Most recently, I had the honor of volunteering at the check-in table for Ad 2 Austin‘s 32 Under 32 Awards, celebrating the city’s top young professionals in marketing and advertising. Held at Easy Tiger North with an MVP-themed flair, the event buzzed with creativity and camaraderie.
Welcoming each nominee gave me a front-row seat to the incredible work being done in this industry—from strategic brand launches to innovative digital campaigns. It was equal parts inspiring and energizing to meet so many trailblazers under 32 who are already reshaping the marketing landscape.
Shoutout to Ad 2 Austin, the event sponsors, and Easy Tiger for making the night a celebration to remember—complete with delicious food and meaningful conversation. The future of marketing in Austin looks bright, and I’m grateful to have played a small part in recognizing those leading the way.
Texas may be known for its size and swagger, but it’s also home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems and innovative sustainability efforts in the country. From lush wetlands and desert canyons to green urban oases and regenerative farms, Texas offers an incredible array of ecotourism opportunities for travelers who want to experience nature while protecting it.
What Is Ecotourism, Exactly?
There are a few ways to look at it:
Nature Tourism is all about immersing yourself in the beauty of the outdoors. This includes activities like birdwatching, hiking through state parks, kayaking in wetlands, and exploring botanical gardens. It’s a way to reconnect with the natural world and recharge, often while learning more about the flora, fauna, and ecosystems that surround us.
Eco-Friendly Tourism emphasizes sustainability in how we travel—choosing green accommodations, minimizing waste, supporting local businesses, and reducing our carbon footprint. It’s about being intentional with our choices, from what we pack to where we eat and sleep.
Eco-Tourism (capital E!) goes a step further. It actively contributes to environmental conservation, community empowerment, and cultural understanding. True ecotourism educates travelers while directly supporting the places they visit, whether through nature education centers, wildlife sanctuaries, or eco-volunteer projects.
Meeting in the Middle: A Family Day Trip to Waco’s Magnolia District
When your family is split between Austin and Dallas, the stretch of I-35 between the two becomes a familiar drive. Recently, we decided to meet in Waco, a practical halfway point that turned into the perfect place for a relaxed family day. We didn’t plan anything elaborate—just a chance to share a meal and walk around together—but what unfolded was a day full of adventuring, conversation, and a genuine appreciation for how the heart of Waco has grown.
Our first stop was Southern Roots Brewing Co., a cozy local brewery nestled in the heart of downtown. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff made it a great meeting spot, and we were looking forward to catching up over craft brews and bar bites. But after reviewing the menu, we realized the food options were limited for what we had in mind for lunch.
Thankfully, one of the staff members kindly pointed us in the direction of Café Cappuccino, just a few blocks away. It was a great reminder that being open to a little flexibility can lead to something even better than what you originally planned.
A Brunch Surprise at Café Cappuccino
Walking into Café Cappuccino, we were greeted by a bustling brunch crowd and the cozy charm of a well-loved local eatery. The menu was extensive—pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, and more—and the portions were anything but small. Each of us found something to enjoy, and everything that arrived at our table was hot, delicious, and generously served. It felt like comfort food with a thoughtful twist.
What made the experience even more special were the custom cappuccinos. My dad, stepmom, and grandmother each tried their own, complete with foam and unique flavor profile combinations. There was a sense of novelty and delight in watching them enjoy their own drink just for them—it turned a simple meal into a shared memory of joy. If you’re ever in Waco, Café Cappuccino is worth the stop, especially if you’re looking for a satisfying meal and a stellar brunch vibe.
Dad and Stepmom with CappuccinosLarge meal portions at Cafe Cappuccino
