Tell us about your personal/professional background? My first career was in retail merchandising, product development and sourcing. I did this for many years, but took a break when I had my daughter in 2004. I entered hospitality sales in 2008, when a designer friend referred me to a manufacturer looking for a rep. It was a very difficult time to enter a new industry, but fortunately, I met some great mentors, colleagues and friends (many in NEWH)! I love collaborating with designers and providing product solutions that fit their project aesthetic and budgets.

What is the last book you read? A thriller called, The Good Girl…not to be confused with Gone Girl, which I also loved!

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? My daughter, Rose, now 13 years, and I have been crafting together since she could pick up a crayon. We have dabbled in lots of mediums, but several years ago, we began to create “stuff” with all my obsolete samples and swatches….from pouches to purses to credit card holders, and lots of jewelry. Our glue gun is our best friend!

How did you become involved in NEWH? Eddie & Jill from Ramsey pulled me in! Glad they did!

Tell us about your personal/professional background? Graduated from a small college in Lynchburg, VA with a Health Degree and ended up selling shoes and running a little shoe boutique in VA. Later went on to sell leather with my current company, Moore & Giles!

What is the last book you read? A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara–super sad book
(I cried a lot) but glad I read it.

If you could stay at any hotel in the world, what would it be? And why? Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. I love star gazing on a cold winter night and hope to enjoy the Northern Lights before its too late.

Name one of your favorite Bay Area pastimes? Lazy park days in the sun with friends!

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? Camping and enjoying the outdoors with my cute little family.

Favorite caffeinated beverage? Green Tea Matcha Latte

How did you become involved in NEWH?
Several years ago Leigh Mitchell asked me to volunteer for our Wine by Design fundraiser, where I served as “water boy.” I’ve been heavily involved with NEWH ever since.

Tell us about your personal/professional background?
After working for a few Fortune 500 corporations, I realized the impact of interiors on people and morale, I returned to grad school for design and haven’t looked back. It’s been 10 years and I love our industry and people.

If you could stay at any hotel in the world, what would it be? And why?
One place I’m dying to visit is Indonesia. When I get there, you’ll likely find me at a small boutique with local flavor, great design, and hospitality. Any suggestions?

Name one of your favorite Bay Area pastimes?
When city life gets exhausting, I like to stroll in one of many Bay Area parks and gardens: Filoli, Mt. Tam, Mt. Diablo, the Presidio and Golden Gate Park.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
Travel, food, good music, plants, and the good life with my better half, friends, and family.

What is one thing nobody would know about you?
My undergrad was in Mandarin Chinese, and I lived in Taiwan and Mainland China for over 2 years.

Favorite caffeinated beverage?
Cafe Cortad

How did you become involved in NEWH? – A colleague told me about Wine By Design, I attended and now 8 years later here we are.

Tell us about your personal/professional background? – I started as a residential interior designer for 6 years and then was recruited by one of my tile reps. I have been rep’ing for 11 years now.

What is the last book you read? – I am too embarrassed to answer this questions honestly.

If you could stay at any hotel in the world, what would it be? And why? – Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora bc I want a hut over the water or Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India bc I have always wanted to go to India in general.

Name one of your favorite Bay Area pastimes? – Japanese Tea Garden or Dim Sum in Chinatown.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? – Traveling or just trying new things in general.

What is one thing nobody would know about you? – Most people don’t know that I was suspended the last 2 weeks of high school and was not aloud to walk for graduation or go to prom. Long story… that requires several drinks!

Favorite caffeinated beverage? – Always Mountain Dew

Tell us about your personal/professional background?
After working in interior design for many years I decided to join the other side of the industry when a recruiter reached out. Working in Business Development in the design industry challenges me every day with new opportunities while utilizing my design experience and passion. I love design and was afraid I would miss it, but have never looked back. I work primarily on hospitality, retail and commercial projects and love what I do!

How did you get involved in NEWH?
I had been a member of NEWH for a few years prior, but when I moved to San Francisco the NEWH chapter was so welcoming and seemed like an organization I had to get involved with. I believe strongly in our mission to give back and love awarding our yearly scholarships. I value the many friendships I have made through NEWH, the SF Bay area chapter is a great group of professionals!

What is the last book you read?
“Your New Weimaraner Puppy” How to survive the 1st six months. Obviously in preparation for my family’s newest best friend. I could have listed something more intellectual but this is truthfully my latest read.

What do you enjoy while not a work?
I love exploring the many things the SF Bay Area has to offer…
strolling through art museums, catching a concert or spending time in the outdoors with my husband and 9 year old daughter are top on my list.

Favorite caffeinated beverage?
Dirty Chai Iced Latte on a hot day

Debra Calkins is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design and a minor in Art. Deb has over thirty years of experience in the contract/hospitality furniture business. She began her career on the dealer side as a Project/Account Manager in both contract and hospitality. Currently she is focusing on hospitality for Debra Calkins Associates, Independent Manufacturers’ Representatives, and loves it. She has served on the advisory board for Academy of Arts, San Francisco.

Tell us about your personal/professional background?
After working in interior design for many years I decided to join the other side of the industry when a recruiter reached out. Working in Business Development in the design industry challenges me every day with new opportunities while utilizing my design experience and passion. I love design and was afraid I would miss it, but have never looked back. I work primarily on hospitality, retail and commercial projects and love what I do!

How did you get involved in NEWH?
I had been a member of NEWH for a few years prior, but when I moved to San Francisco the NEWH chapter was so welcoming and seemed like an organization I had to get involved with. I believe strongly in our mission to give back and love awarding our yearly scholarships. I value the many friendships I have made through NEWH, the SF Bay area chapter is a great group of professionals!

What is the last book you read?
“Your New Weimaraner Puppy” How to survive the 1st six months. Obviously in preparation for my family’s newest best friend. I could have listed something more intellectual but this is truthfully my latest read.

What do you enjoy while not a work?
I love exploring the many things the SF Bay Area has to offer…
strolling through art museums, catching a concert or spending time in the outdoors with my husband and 9 year old daughter are top on my list.

Favorite caffeinated beverage?
Dirty Chai Iced Latte on a hot day

How did you become involved in NEWH? Eddie & Jill from Ramsey pulled me in! Glad they did!

Tell us about your personal/professional background? Graduated from a small college in Lynchburg, VA with a Health Degree and ended up selling shoes and running a little shoe boutique in VA. Later went on to sell leather with my current company, Moore & Giles!

What is the last book you read? A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara–super sad book
(I cried a lot) but glad I read it.

If you could stay at any hotel in the world, what would it be? And why? Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. I love star gazing on a cold winter night and hope to enjoy the Northern Lights before its too late.

Name one of your favorite Bay Area pastimes? Lazy park days in the sun with friends!

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? Camping and enjoying the outdoors with my cute little family.

Favorite caffeinated beverage? Green Tea Matcha Latte

Tell us about your personal/professional background? Alfredo Leon Orea was born in Mexico City and came to the United States in 1990 to continue his studies. He obtained a BA in Liberal Arts in 1995 from Mount Angel Seminary and University in Portland, Oregon. He continued for 4 years his graduate studies in Theology at Saint Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, California (He did not graduate from the program, he was a year short of receiving his Master’s in Divinity). Alfredo decided to join the Marines in 2000. After taking a long break from school, he decided to return to school in the Summer of 2014 at Diablo College and then to City College of San Francisco. Currently, he is studying Culinary Arts, Hotel Management and Food and Service at CCSF. He enjoys cooking, but what he loves the most is gardening and planting fruit trees. Many people who know Alfredo are surprised the vast range of different careers he has chosen, from priesthood to military service and then to the hospitality industry.

Favorite caffeinated beverage? One of my favorite caffeinated drinks is coffee, but I prefer to create my own recipes when time allows. One of them is hibiscus with ginger, honey, lemon, tangerines, and mint. I am not sure if it contains caffeine but keeps me awake and makes me lose weight.

What is one thing nobody would know about you? Something nobody would guess is I am a treasure hunter aficionado and have equipment to look for it, just like in the movies!

How did you become involved in NEWH?
Upon arriving in San Francisco four years ago, I was told NEWH was a great group to join to meet new people in the hospitality industry. I joined the first month I was here and went to an event at Restoration Hardware where everyone was very friendly and I was so warmly welcomed. I have been a member ever since and love all the different venues.

Tell us about your personal/professional background?
I arrived in San Francisco from NYC almost 5 years ago. My promotion to move to the Bay area and build the Commercial/Hospitality business for Waterworks was a dream come true. This has been a tremendous opportunity and I have enjoyed working on some amazing projects that are very satisfying. Previously in NYC I served as a project manager for Waterworks’ top two salespeople. They both taught me so much about the Commercial/Hospitality industry and we continue to collaborate on current projects today.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
Travel is always fun and last year I went to Portugal and Spain. Currently – I am focusing on California as there is so much beauty to discover here on this coast. I also love to make pottery on the wheel and have done that for the last 18 years.

What is one thing nobody would know about you? I modeled for Wilhelmina in NYC
Favorite caffeinated beverage? Latte with an extra shot

How did you become involved in NEWH?
I moved to SF six years ago from Toronto and was fortunate to meet Leigh Mitchell who invited me to an NEWH event. Fast forward 4.5 years and I am proud to sit on the Board of the SF chapter.

Tell us about your personal/professional background?
I am an interior designer by trade and practiced for 10 years before roles in sales and marketing in the office furniture industry. My career in hospitality began with Four Seasons Hotels which then lead me to founding my own purchasing firm.

What is the last book you read? Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

If you could stay at any hotel in the world, what would it be? And why?
Amanjiwo resort, Borabodor – magical experience like no other!

Name one of your favorite Bay Area pastimes?
Lands End urban hike along the coast

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
Cooking and baking

What is one thing nobody would know about you?
I play the saxophone

Favorite caffeinated beverage?
Coconut milk Matcha Latt

How did you become involved in NEWH? My company, Lapama Rugs, recommended NEWH as a great way to become involved locally in our industry. I went to the website and signed up!

Tell us about your personal/professional background? I grew up locally right here in Los Altos. I settled in Half Moon Bay where I have lived since 1978. I attended UCLA with a Fine Arts degree in Theater and have been involved with our local community theater group in Half Moon Bay, Coastal Repertory Theater, for many years doing lead and character roles in a dozen shows. I was also on the Board Of Directors. I’m also on the BOD of a local environmental group, Coastside Land Trust.. My son and daughter both grew up in HMB, have children of their own so I now have 3 grandchildren. I’ve been involved in the industry since 1980 as an owner of a major home furnishings rep group called Sell West and now as an employee of Lapama Rugs.

What is the last book you read? “Open” by Andre Aggasi

Name one of your favorite Bay Area pastimes? Mountain Biking, concerts, wine tasting

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? I’m an avid tennis player, skier, mountain biker, scuba diver and music enthusiast.

What is one thing nobody would know about you? I was a disc jockey and Music Director at the UCLA radio station, KLA, and worked in the entertainment/music business in Hollywood for several years right out of college.

Awards or recognitions? Eagle Scout.