Irene grew up in Midland, Michigan, but spent her summers in Northwest Michigan, camping, fishing, and exploring. Through spending time outdoors around Traverse City with her family, Irene’s childhood memories and relationships with her family members are deeply intertwined with the lands and waters in the area, which is why Northwest Michigan is so special to her.
Irene originally wanted to be a journalist for ‘National Geographic,’ so she graduated with a BA in English & Journalism from Michigan State University, where she also played Ice Hockey for the Women’s Ice Hockey team.
After college, Irene moved to New Jersey where she worked for a non-profit arts organization in a marketing capacity, and then later moved to Philadelphia to work for DICK’S Sporting Goods corporate doing community engagement.
After nine years, she moved back home to Michigan to be near family. In her free time, Irene likes to paint landscapes inspired by places she has visited, using oil and canvas. She also enjoys running, hiking, fishing, and traveling.
