Meet Our Team

Debbie McHugh is a 20-year media publishing veteran and joins Grasslands from Rodale, Inc. (since acquired by Hearst), where she served as Director of People Operations & Strategy across all Rodale brands including Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Runner’s World. Her career overseeing large-scale media operations includes the roles of senior managing editor at Men’s Health and managing editor at Condé Nast Publications, Seventeen and Aspen Magazine.

Debbie additionally helped guide the nationwide launch of Jane magazine, where she also served as managing editor. In addition to her extensive network of national journalists, Debbie also has substantial contacts and experience in the book publishing world, where she was part of the team behind several New York Times bestselling franchises such as, Eat This, Not That!, The Abs Diet, and The Men’s Health and Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises. She has demonstrated exceptional acumen in the media-publicity space throughout her career, spearheading numerous high-profile partnerships and wide-reaching programs.

Three newsletters I check every single day: Marijuana Moment, Entrepreneur, Morning Brew

Super inspired by: Brené Brown

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Alzheimer’s Association

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Skiing. Hiking. Kayaking with @dollythedachshund.

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Chloe Steerman is a strategic communications professional with a wealth of experience within the cannabis sector and a proven record of client success. Named one of the Rising Stars in Cannabis in 2020 by Marijuana Venture Magazine, she oversees all accounts at Grasslands and guides internal workflows and cross-department communication to meet or exceed client goals. With a steadfast commitment to the cannabis community, Chloe excels at ensuring the agency remains ahead of the curve in the ever-changing industry landscape, and that partnerships are developed and expanded with a calculated, client-first approach.

As a member of the Grasslands leadership team, Chloe channels her distinctive creative energy and passion to continually build relationships and employs an elevated level of strategic thinking and analysis to properly direct agency growth. Her knowledge and tactical PR experience are essential to fostering a team that achieves internal objectives and elevates the success of clients with shared core values.

Chloe has a degree in Communications and Media Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, and as a public relations specialist has secured top-level media placements in national and international media outlets such as Forbes, Bloomberg, Fox, Entrepreneur and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, among others. Originally from Philadelphia, she now lives in Denver where she takes advantage of outdoor activities whenever possible.

Three media outlets I check every single day: AdAge, Fast Company, The New York Times

Super inspired by: Don Draper

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: National Parks Conservation Association

When I’m off the clock (in five words): I’m on the road again.

Jesse Burns is a cannabis marketing veteran who served as the longtime marketing director for Sweet Grass—Colorado’s leading edible in the baked goods category—before joining Grasslands as CMO in 2020. He believes that product design and a deep understanding of the customer journey are the driving forces for exceptional brands, and that marketers must strive to understand what emotions customers experience in order to craft a meaningful brand narrative and build lasting relationships.

Jesse has received multiple awards for marketing and product design, including Colorado’s THC Classic and a Gold Clio. He also serves as a mentor for the CanopyBoulder cannabis startup incubator. He sits on the MBA Alumni Board for the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is co-chair of the programmatic committee for the Cannabis Entrepreneurship Academy, an executive education program at CU Boulder.

Three media outlets I check every single day: The Indicator from Planet Money (podcast), AdAge, CNN

Super inspired by: Exceptionally well-designed products and sexy brands

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: West Virginia 4-H Forward Fund

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Skiing. Rafting. Cooking. Sports. Music.

Pam Lipshitz is a seasoned PR and marketing expert with 20 years spearheading integrated communications strategies from inception to execution. Starting with her first job in the music industry, Pam has channeled her enthusiasm for experiencing the world into a career that follows her passions and curiosities including food & beverage, travel, innovative businesses, health & wellness and non-profit organizations.

An effective leader, teacher and team player who successfully navigates multi-channel projects, Pam counsels clients and executive leadership, and works side-by-side with her team to produce results that matter. Constantly searching for big ideas, poignant stories and PR-able moments to shape into a holistic approach, she has led best-in-class creative PR campaigns for Ketel One Vodka, Marriott International, Katz’s Deli, Boulevard Brewing Co., Al Green, Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Plaza Hotel and more. Prior to joining Grasslands, Pam was the Director of PR at Natural Grocers, the country’s leading natural grocery retailer.

Three newsletters I check every single day: Fast Company, The New York Times, New York Magazine

Super inspired by: All of the people I surround myself with

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Colorado Freedom Fund

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Outdoors. Fantastic Food. Music. Reading.

Lindsay Hoffman brings 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, strategy and event production to the Grasslands family. Highlights of her varied career include serving as the executive director of Grounded in Music; managing Festival Marketing for C3 Presents, where she created and executed year-round marketing campaigns for Lollapalooza and the Austin City Limits Music Festival; as well as launching and building the Austin Food + Wine Festival and Music City Food + Wine Festival brands, among others.

Prior to joining Grasslands, Lindsay provided business leaders holistic support and guidance in everything from company culture and customer service, to communications, events and experiences. She worked with phenomenal clients, including the Austin Music Office, Music Publishers Canada, Paper to Table’s Bonfire and The Panacea Collective, as well as offering white-glove services to multiple PR firms who engaged her across large portfolios. She was referred to Grasslands while on a trip home to visit family in Denver, and landed a gig producing The Grasslands Party in Las Vegas in 2019. The rest is history.

Three media outlets I check every day: The New York Times, VICE, The 19th

Super inspired by: Rumi

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: LifeSet Network

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Family. Food. Music. Travel. Love.

Alexa Oliphant is a PR and writing veteran since 2011, who brings deep experience in publishing and an enthusiastic and democratic leadership style to Grasslands. Originally from Anaheim, California, Alexa holds a master’s degree in English and served as an editor for numerous fiction and poetry journals before transitioning to PR. 

Beginning first in book PR at the largest publisher on the West Coast before expanding to entertainment and hospitality, Alexa found her forever industry in cannabis during the pandemic. She has secured client placements with Reuters, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Forbes, Business Insider, Daily Mail, Us Weekly, People Magazine, Rolling Stone, Maxim and beyond. In 2021, her work was shortlisted by the Clio Awards in the category of Social Good for a campaign focusing on veterans and PTSD. 

Committed to working closely with clients to exceed their goals, Alexa believes in coming out of left field and bringing real creativity to her work while remaining upbeat and approachable. 

Three media outlets I check every single day: Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Thrillist

Super inspired by: Julia Child, Maya Angelou and Joan Didion 

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Kitty Bungalow 

‍When I’m off the clock (in five words): Books. Baking. Cats. Yoga. Sashay.

Casey Echols is an impactful leader in public relations with nearly a decade of experience repping clients and brands in a variety of sectors: music, film, television, live TV, hospitality and lifestyle. She has a consistent track record of securing coverage in local, national and international media outlets and has worked on campaigns for a wide range of clients, including Paramount Pictures, Hulu, Miss Universe 2019, Netflix, Sony Pictures Classics, Cirque du Soleil, Coca-Cola, The Fox Theatre and Dreamworks Animation, among others.

Casey is adept at managing multichannel campaigns—from influencer marketing and red-carpet events to broadcast, print and online media—and is recognized for her skill at fostering positive long-term working relationships with clients and colleagues. She is driven to surpass client expectations and has secured interviews and coverage in tier-one media such as The Associated Press, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, USA Today, Entrepreneur, The Daily Beast, CNBC, CNN and CBS MoneyWatch. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Georgia, with a minor in Music Business.

Three media outlets I check every single day: Morning Brew, Rolling Stone, The New York Times

Super inspired by: Gram Parsons, Dolly Parton, my mom

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Colorado Chapter

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Snowboarding. Concerts. Outdoors. Music. Dawgs.

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Leland is a public relations and marketing communications pro with a decade of experience in cannabis across social justice, behavioral change, advocacy, governmental relations and CPG campaigns that have won CLIO and Stevie awards and a finalist for a Bronze Anvil award. 

Leland has supported local, state and national cannabis campaigns, including decriminalizing cannabis in New York City by closing NYPD’s “in public view” arrest loophole in 2014, passing New York’s medical marijuana program in 2015, the 2016 national campaign to legalize cannabis in several states across the country and the 2017 Proposition M ballot initiative in Los Angeles which passed with 79.4% voter approval.

Before Grasslands, Leland led marketing-communication efforts for nearly every vertical of the cannabis industry—supporting IPOs, launches for brands and products, investor fundraising, M&A activity, public awareness campaigns and more. His clients have been featured in top-tier national publications, including The New York Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, Esquire, Entrepreneur and CNN, among many others. In his free time, he enjoys long walks to brainstorm and ponder the next World’s Largest Pot Brownie stunt idea. 

‍Three media outlets I check every single day: Game Rant, Green Market Report, Jalopnik

‍Super inspired by: The badass women who are, or have been, in my life.

‍My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Vet Tix

‍When I’m off the clock (in five words): Video Games. Horticulture. D&D. Daydreaming. 

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Emily Meshell is a public relations professional representing a range of clients in cannabis, health and wellness, renewable energy and more since 2018. Media relations are her passion, and she has worked on campaigns for a variety of premier brands such as Wana, Willie’s Remedy, Native Roots Cannabis Co. and BeLeaf Medical. Keeping her clients happy is her number one priority, and she has secured coverage in top outlets across the world including CNN, Forbes, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, Bloomberg, Los Angeles Times and NPR, among others. 

Originally from Louisiana, Emily earned her bachelor’s in Mass Communications from LSU, with a minor in Political Science. She moved to Colorado in 2017 and now lives with her husband and two dogs in Thornton. 

Three media outlets I check every single day: Forbes, Morning Brew and Axios Denver

Super inspired by: Mary Ware Dennett, Frida Kahlo and Nancy Whiteman 

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: The Maui Food Bank

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Family. Dogs. Travel. Music. Cooking. 

Since 2018, Madison Ostrander has championed businesses across healthcare, sports and wellness, fintech, martech, climate tech, venture capital and more. 

At the genesis of her PR career, Madison supported authors on their road to publication—from debut to best-selling. She mapped out and executed strategies for successful book releases, garnered impactful media placements and organized multi-city book events. She then took her ability to craft differentiating messages that set her clients apart and applied it to the world of startups and tech, where she elevated founders and their companies through key media placements.  

She specializes in earning media coverage for clients where it counts, whether it’s a national news outlet, local broadcast station, newsletter, podcast or trade publication. Her clients have benefited from coverage in TechCrunch, Business Insider, Woman’s World, Men’s Health, MindBodyGreen, FOX, ABC, Cheddar News and more.

She holds a Business Management BA with a Professional Writing minor from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. 

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Three media outlets I check every single day: The Daily (podcast), Fast Company, The Denver Post

Super inspired by: Shark Tank

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Urban Peak 

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Outdoors. Movement. Travel. Hosting. Community. 

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Aleta joined Grasslands after a 19-year career with The Denver Post, the largest news organization in Colorado. During her time at the Post, Aleta worked as a copy editor, page designer and digital producer in several departments, including local and national news, business, features and sports. In 2014, she joined Grasslands founder Ricardo Baca as he launched The Cannabist, the Post’s award-winning online vertical covering the historic legalization and implementation of adult-use cannabis in Colorado. Together they helped establish The Cannabist as a go-to national resource for serious cannabis journalism, a platform that ultimately overtook High Times and Marijuana.com in digital traffic.

Three media outlets I check every single day: The New York Times, The Denver Post, Montrose Press (support local journalism!)

Super inspired by: The plant kingdom—amazingly adaptable and resilient.

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Outdoors. Horticulture. Craft. Cook. Explore.

Meghan O'Dea has honed her skills as a writer and content strategist for over a decade. She cut her teeth writing film and music reviews and a weekly opinion column on the 20-something experience. Early success in personal essay led Meghan to earn a Master's degree in Creative Nonfiction at UT Chattanooga, during which she attended the international MFA program at City University in Hong Kong as a visiting scholar. She has served as a digital editor for Fortune Magazine and Lonely Planet and earned bylines in The Washington Post, Playboy, Bitch magazine, Yoga Journal and Subaru Drive Magazine, amongst others. Meghan began writing cannabis stories for Willamette Week, Nylon and Different Leaf while working in the travel and outdoor media industries in Portland, Oregon. In addition to covering the intersection of travel, hospitality and cannabis, Meghan's work as a travel journalist took her from Los Cabos to Yellowstone, from San Francisco to Jamaica. She has also taught composition and travel writing at the college level and guest lectured on topics such as literary citizenship, urban history and professional development at conferences and universities throughout the United States as well as Madrid, Spain.

Three media outlets I check every single day: The Cut, New York Magazine, The Washington Post

Super inspired by: Women like Isabella Bird, Uschi Obermaier and my maternal grandmother, who dared to travel the world even in eras when global adventures went against the grain.

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: PEN America’s Prison Writing Program

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Books. Long walks. Architecture. Mixtapes.

Geoff Caldwell is a writer, researcher and marketing specialist with experience in everything from cannabis and crisis management to academia, sports marketing, publishing and the music industry. Before joining Grasslands, he wrote extensively about cannabis history, legislation and products for Where’s Weed. He also co-founded Yardarm Media, which provided editing, writing and consulting services for academic institutions and first-time authors. His professional background gives him unique insight into the ways impactful storytelling can elevate media relations and business growth. Among his diverse roles: he served as a trusted aide to the president of Duke University; was a key figure in the rapid growth of Chicago-based independent record label Thrill Jockey; a sports marketing television broadcast expert; a courier for the U.S. Army; and an intern at NPR. A native of Alexandria, Virginia, he received a bachelor’s in History and Latin American Studies from Oberlin College.

Three media outlets I check every single day: The Guardian (global news and European soccer), The Washington Post, The Athletic

Super inspired by: Lilian Thuram

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: SOME (So Others Might Eat)

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Kids. Soccer. Music. Food. Travel.

Erin Curry is a public relations professional specializing in relationship building, account oversight, media relations, strategy and design. As an Account Manager at Grasslands, she merges purpose, passion and fresh energy to deliver seamless, world-class service to every client account.

Prior to joining Grasslands, Erin began her career and honed her exacting organizational and interpersonal skills in the beauty and fashion industries in London, as well as the music industry in Columbia, Missouri. Erin has also served as a Public Relations Account Coordinator at Webb Strategic Communications where she provided public relations and account management support. She earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri (MIZ!)

Three media outlets I check every single day: The Daily (podcast), The Colorado Sun, Marijuana Business Daily

Super inspired by: Michelle Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and my mom

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Enjoying / embracing the little things.

Andre Hascall is a public relations professional specializing in strategy development, creative thinking and both written and verbal communication. As an Account Executive at Grasslands, he directs and executes on public relations strategies for client accounts and acts as a trusted liaison between clients and the media. Originally from San Diego, Andre earned his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism Mass Communications and Public Relations from California State Polytechnic University: Humboldt in 2020. While at Humboldt, he worked for the university’s newspaper, first as a writer and eventually as the Life and Arts editor. He also spent time on the school’s student-run radio station, where he co-managed the sports talk team. Andre lives in Denver and enjoys spending time with his dog, Mika.

Three media outlets I check every single day: Bleacher Report, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Lumberjack (HSU Newspaper)

Super inspired by: LaDainian Tomlinson (NFL Hall of Famer)

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Promises2Kids

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Music. Cooking. Sports. Gaming. Friendship.

Molly Sposato is a communications professional with a strong journalism background who is passionate about sharing and boosting compelling and vital stories. As an Account Executive at Grasslands, she brings a unique 360 perspective to PR, and is heavily motivated to support clients and journalists in all change-making capacities. With a focus on policy and advocacy, Molly’s dialed-in approach to PR has led to several client wins with major audience exposure, including raising awareness on the critical importance of local food systems at events like South by Southwest (SXSW), supporting the launch of the nation’s first FDA-approved psilocin drug candidate for mental health studies and building industry-advancing coalitions like Financial Stability for California Cannabis (FSCC). 

Prior to her work at Grasslands, Molly worked on the journalism side of media, with experiences as diverse as a lifestyle reporter in Maine, an investigative reporter in Hawaii, an immigration reporter in Ireland and a social justice reporter in North Carolina. She holds a BA in journalism from Elon University.

Three media outlets I check every single day: The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR

Super inspired by: Katharine Graham

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Stop Ecocide International

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Chairlift-networking enthusiast & high spirits

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Breanna Lopresti is a writing and communications professional skilled in project management and crisis communications. She has a passion for building brands, creating innovative strategies and developing strong professional and personal relationships with clients and colleagues. With robust networking skills, she has garnered coverage for Grasslands clients in top outlets like The New York Times, CNN, Bloomberg, The Guardian and Forbes. She specializes in women-owned and -led brands and excels at placing clients in coveted thought leadership speaking roles. 

Breanna majored in Communication Studies and minored in Business Administration at Colorado State University. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in New York, where she represents Grasslands at industry events and meets with journalists, NY-based cannabis and wellness brands, and Grasslands clients. Breanna is on a mission to destigmatize the nontoxic cannabis plant for all–especially women.

Three media outlets I check every single day: The New York Times, Cannabis Business Times, Forbes

Super inspired by: My parents and two older sisters

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Doctors Without Borders

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Family. Friends. Books. Snowboarding. Music.

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Lauren Garrow is a vibrant, relationships-oriented public relations professional with experience in the wellness, cannabis and natural products industries. Her background in agency culture informs her high-level skills in strategic storytelling, client leadership and integrated cross-functional communication. Lauren’s proactive approach and commitment to seeing projects to successful fruition ensures her clients thrive. She counts as a foundational moment her time spent in Oregon working at Portland neighborhood organic grocer New Seasons Market, where she honed her customer service skills and ability to stay nimble and pivot to juggle myriad responsibilities in high-energy environments.

Lauren also studied mass communications in Uppsala, Sweden, where she immersed herself in lagom culture. Lagom roughly translates to “just the right amount” and promotes a balanced lifestyle. Lauren strives to bring that balance to the high-paced agency environment, and her authentic positivity, journalism-mindedness and dynamic determination add immeasurable value to the Grasslands team and clients. 

A native of Vancouver, Washington, Lauren earned a degree in strategic communications from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and likes to keep her home filled with energy crystals.

Three media outlets I check every single day: MJBizDaily, Morning Brew, Marijuana Moment

Super inspired by: My family and friends. Strong leadership. LOVE!

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Jill’s Book Bank‍

When I am off the clock (in five words): Plants. Yoga. Thrifting. Vinyl. Gratitude.

Clarissa Colondo is a dynamic PR and strategic communications expert with a deep-rooted passion for the cannabis industry. Armed with an agency background, she brings adaptability and storytelling prowess to the Grasslands team.

Clarissa graduated from Temple University in 2021, where she majored in Public Relations. As part of her degree program, she served in an internship with The Calm, Cool & Collected, supporting the cannabis company’s B2C communications and education initiatives while gaining hands-on experience working within state medical cannabis regulations. 

With several years of experience in tech PR, Clarissa's career has been a testament to her ability to quickly adapt to shifting strategies and her talent for cultivating strong client relationships. She brings a fresh perspective to the cannabis industry, blending her tech insights with a positive attitude and an unwavering passion for people.

With her expertise, drive and enthusiasm, Clarissa strives to support the growth and success of the cannabis industry, one story at a time. She currently resides in Woodbury, New Jersey. 

‍Three media outlets I check every single day: The Verge, High Times, MJBiz Daily

‍Super inspired by: Taylor Swift, my family and friends, and all of the cannabis advocates before me

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: Herren Project

‍When I’m off the clock (in five words): Music. Cannabis. Sunshine. Cats. Food.

Lauren Finegan was drawn to Grasslands after recognizing the cannabis plant’s potential to improve daily life and enhance wellness. She joined the agency as a Diversity-in-Marketing intern in 2022 and is now a member of the marketing team. Lauren works with clients to develop the brand messaging and marketing strategies necessary to make meaningful connections with their audience, and works closely with the Grasslands leadership team to nurture prospects, manage pipelines and track revenues. She plays a key role for the annual Grasslands Party by coordinating sponsorship campaigns and managing the party’s operations and execution. Lauren also manages the agency’s designers and various business development initiatives.

Lauren earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from University of Colorado, Boulder. She also minored in Mandarin Chinese and enjoys digging into her family’s Chinese heritage when time permits.

Three media outlets I check every single day: CNN, AdAge, The New York Times

Super inspired by: My grandmother, who I call my Nay-Nay. Darryl, who pushes me to be the best version of myself—every second of every day.

My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: The Tennyson Center for Children

When I’m off the clock (in five words): Best friends. @babysilly_ . Self-growth. Food-trucks.

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Jordyn Whitaker joined Grasslands as a 2023 Diversity-in-Marketing intern and is now a member of the PR team. She graduated with a degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Throughout her internship, Jordyn had a hands-on role supporting the agency’s marketing and PR teams. She spearheaded a redesign of the agency’s long-term social media strategy and contributed to vital marketing and PR services, including content production, account coordination, media tracking and pitching, research projects and FOIA requests.  

Personable and adaptable, Jordyn brings a fresh perspective to the cannabis industry with a drive to excel and never give up, no matter the circumstances. A passionate communicator, Jordyn began her career in marketing and public relations as a social media coordinator at an agency in her hometown of Houston, Texas. While attending CU, Jordyn served as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion chair for the Chi Omega Zeta Chapter. Jordyn has also studied hospitality management and creative advertising at the Florence University of the Arts in Italy.

‍Three media outlets I check every single day: The New York Times, Business Insider, Vox

‍Super inspired by: The amazing people in my life—especially my brother, mom and dad!

‍My monthly #GrasslandsGives donation: The Cristina Project

‍When I’m off the clock (in five words): Family. Friends. Music. Food. Travel.

Mafer Alvarado is an administrative professional who is passionate about building relationships and helping others personally and professionally. Prior to joining Grasslands, Mafer started her career in HR in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where she earned her bachelor’s in Psychology from the Central American Technological University (UNITEC) in 2023.

Mafer’s desire to excel and push her career to new heights spurred her to start working remotely as a way to expand her connections and try out completely new work environments. She has now joined Grasslands as an Executive Assistant, where she’s eager to grow as a professional and introduce herself in the cannabis world. Mafer aims to bring value and harmony to the Grasslands team with her positive vibes, sense of purpose, dedication and a touch of Latina energy and Honduran culture.

Three media outlets I check every single day: Daily Mail, Business Insider, Alerta Mundial

Super inspired by: My friends and loved ones!

‍When I’m off the clock (in five words): Friends. Drinks. Drums. Sports. Dogs.