The Many Marilyns!
I'm a traveler. An author. A wife. A storyteller. A philanthropist. A creative. A dreamer. A cancer survivor. And now, a public speaker.
For more than four decades, I've embraced one adventure after another. I've explored the world, built a successful travel company, authored a memoir, faced life-threatening illnesses, married the wrong guy—twice—and even earned the title of "Creative Queen."
Through it all, I've discovered that life's greatest adventures rarely happen on schedule. They happen in the moments that ask us to choose courage over comfort, curiosity over certainty, and hope over fear.
I've learned that every chapter of life has something to teach us—if we're willing to pay attention. Today, my greatest adventure is helping others discover new possibilities in their own lives, regardless of what chapter they're in.
Because every one of us is made up of many versions of ourselves.
Welcome to mine.
Public Speaker
My talks blend vulnerability, humor, and deep humanity, whether sharing lessons from the road, navigating cancers, or reflecting on the power of curiosity and connection. I inspire audiences to rethingk what is possible at any age or stage of life.
Cancer Survivor
Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. After a hysterectomy and many months of chemotherapy, I beat the odds. I survived.
I was recently diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. Since I am BRCA1 positive, I had a double mastectomy.
I’ve been very forthright and vulnerable about my cancer journey and plan to speak publicly about my experience.
Traveler
In my mid-20s I embarked on a low-budget, solo backpack journey through Southeast Asia and India for 8 months - after which I knew I had to pursue a career in travel.
Mission accomplished: I owned a travel company for 40 years during which I dreamed up, delivered and led small-group journeys all over the planet. I called it the WOW! Travel Club - short for “Worlds of Wonder.”
Writer
Teachers (mostly nuns) at St. Stephen’s Catholic School did not offer positive, encouraging feedback to their young students. But one teacher (not a nun!) wrote, “You’re a good writer!” in the margin of an essay I submitted in the 5th grade. I never forgot this tiny bit of inspiration - and I credited Mr. Richard Ward in the Acknowledgements page of my book!
Throughout my travel career, I published a blog on my professional website called the (Sometimes) Weekly Wow. And my memoir took ten years to write, but I’m excited about the potential to inspire others (especially young people) to get off the “tourist track” to explore a deeper world - both within and without.
Philanthropist
My transformational travel experience through Asia and India created a deep respect for people who - by comparison - had few possessions but were infinitely rich in spirit.
I’m a tireless advocate for causes that advocate for access to education and economic opportunities for women and girls in the developing world. For more than 15 years, I’ve been a chapter leader for the nonprofit, Together Women Rise, which gives grants to organizations that empower women and girls in countries where they live in extreme poverty. To date, my chapter has raised more than $75,000.
