Life’s many paths are never without a twist to keep you on your toes. I had all intentions as a child of the 60’s to save the world, from what I didn’t know. Earned a BFA at the School of Visual Arts in New York City that lead to a career in the ad world on Madison Avenue, far from the ideology of the joining the Peace Corp. - that was the 70’s. I woke up in 1990…my small town of Northport, NY was rocked by how power corrupts absolutely, so I ran for election to help change the system.
As the Mayor, concerned about our local environmental and infrastructure when it was not popular, passed laws that has stood the test of time. A decade of politics behind me, retired the gavel in search for a sweeter life. Tried on multiple careers and pooled the skills learned along the way to come full circle. That brought me back to the question I had as a child, how can I now help others?
Chocolate… a life long passion of chasing the ultimate bar, lead me to discover artisan chocolate makers in the U.S. that have a partnership with farmers in the rain forests around the world. I had no idea that this would lead me to a recent trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon rain forest to harvest cacao and witness first hand how the noble cacao pod transforms into a chocolate bar. Empowering cacao farmers to lift themselves out of poverty, they reinvest back into their plantations and communities and thus protect the rain forests.
Exotic Chocolate Tasting was created in January 2010. Through this original concept of chocolate and wine pairing, showcases my knowledge and experience with guests while they enjoy their two favorite pleasures at entertaining and educational events held at wine bars, vineyards, restaurants and family rooms for public, business and private functions.
My mission is bringing awareness of the indigenous people that create the chocolate, the health benefits, and to demonstrate how to mindfully savor every morsel for your well being.
Member of the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau
Member of Adrain’s Network
Member of The Suffolk County Women’s Business Enterprise Coalition (SCWBEC)