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

10-year history as an accomplished retail professional, specializing in product development and purchasing.
Entered hospitality sales in 2008 and began Malen Concepts.

How did you become involved in NEWH?
I first entered the Hospitality industry while living on Oahu. My families interests soon took us back to California. I’ve learned, through many moves over the years, the best way to acclimate and meet people is to get involved. After attending my first couple NEWH events I knew it was the group for me.

Tell us about your personal/professional background?
I have a diverse background that has landed in hospitality design sales. I studied Early Childhood Education in college, taught preschool, worked with the special needs population and homeschooled my children. I never thought I’d end up in sales but have found that design sales suites me well. I love building relationships and assisting with the creative process. I was raised by an interior designer artist and have been known to be creative myself.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
I love bike rides with my husband along the American River Bike Trail and around the trails where I live in Folsom. While living in Hawaii you would find me under the water snorkeling, free diving with my family or at our favorite spot on a paddle board in Haleiwa.

Awards or recognitions?
I received command recognition for serving other military families as a unit Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader in 2008 and again in 2014.
2008 Detachment 40, 328 Combat Support Hospital FRG Leader
2014 Headquarters Company Pacific Division, 75 Training Command FRG leader

Favorite caffeinated beverage?
Honey Lavender Latte

How did you become involved in NEWH?
-I was inspired by Cliff Tuttle’s participation in the events and his constant encouragement to get involved. I eventually joined and haven’t looked back since. It is a heartwarming community filled with people who I genuinely love.

Tell us about your personal/professional background?
-I am a Senior Designer at HBA with nine years of international and regional hospitality design experience. I received my BFA in Interior Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

What is the last book you read?
-The Devil in the White City, by Eric Larson. I am fascinated by all aspects of history and sometimes feel I was meant to be born in a different generation. Reading about historical places, especially architecture, always fuels my passion for designing memorable spaces.

If you could stay at any hotel in the world, what would it be? And why?
-The Taj Exotica in the Maldives, or the Edition Hotel in London.

Name one of your favorite Bay Area pastimes?
-Playing with the “Capture The Flag” league at various parks around San Francisco.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
-Entertaining friends, or playing board games. Or playing board games while entertaining friends. I also enjoy elaborating on the cardboard box playhouse that I have been building for my son. It currently has a steering wheel, secret door, and a fold up counter with Stove.

What is one thing nobody would know about you?
-I was a “Smile Winner” on a kids TV show when I was around 8 years old. I won a button.

How did you become involved in NEWH?
A short time after I began working in the hospitality design industry I was invited, by a few of my very favorite product representatives, to attend NEWH events. I recall being nervous to attend my first event, wondering if I would know anyone there. Turned out, not only did I recognize the people at the event – they recognized me! I received a very warm welcome which lead me to attend more events and eventually join the Board of Directors…the rest is history!

What is the last book you read?
Cookoo’s Calling

Name one of your favorite Bay Area pastimes?
The Golden Gate Park

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
Hiking with my two dogs, exploring new crafts/arts/design, sailing with my husband

What is one thing nobody would know about you?
I am obsessed with nature and travel documentaries

Favorite caffeinated beverage?
Iced Chai Latte

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 Verne Yett Associates, Independent Manufacturers’ Representatives, and loves it. She has served on the advisory board for Academy of Arts, San Francisco.

How did you become involved in NEWH? I went to the first NEWH SF chapter meeting – a meet and greet at the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, years ago. I knew a few people there, so I joined.

Tell us about your personal/professional background? I have been involved in Hospitality Contract Sales in Furnishings since 1990, I was the Tropitone, Basta Sole, and Veneman rep for Northern California and Nevada. Over the years I picked up many other lines and was hired in 2006 by JANUS et Cie to run the North West territory for JeC and open the SF Flagship showroom. I left in 2011 to become an independent Sales Rep again, and have never looked back. I love what I do and I love the people I work with, customers, peers, and sales management.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? Traveling, cooking, working out, hiking, reading, and re-designing my home where my husband has lived for 44 years.

Awards or recognitions? Too many to brag about. HAHA.

Favorite caffeinated beverage? Caffe Latte non-fat with Illy coffee

What is the last book you read? THE PARIS KEY

Name one of your favorite Bay Area pastimes? Golf at Tilden Park at dusk.

What is one thing nobody would know about you? I was accepted into The Rhode Island School of Design as a college freshman in Fashion Design and never attended.

If you could stay at any hotel in the world, what would it be? And why? Any AMAN resort. I think they are the most luxurious resorts in the world.

10-year history as an accomplished retail professional, specializing in product development and purchasing.
Entered hospitality sales in 2008 and began Malen Concepts.

How did you become involved in NEWH?
I first entered the Hospitality industry while living on Oahu. My families interests soon took us back to California. I’ve learned, through many moves over the years, the best way to acclimate and meet people is to get involved. After attending my first couple NEWH events I knew it was the group for me.

Tell us about your personal/professional background?
I have a diverse background that has landed in hospitality design sales. I studied Early Childhood Education in college, taught preschool, worked with the special needs population and homeschooled my children. I never thought I’d end up in sales but have found that design sales suites me well. I love building relationships and assisting with the creative process. I was raised by an interior designer artist and have been known to be creative myself.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
I love bike rides with my husband along the American River Bike Trail and around the trails where I live in Folsom. While living in Hawaii you would find me under the water snorkeling, free diving with my family or at our favorite spot on a paddle board in Haleiwa.

Awards or recognitions?
I received command recognition for serving other military families as a unit Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader in 2008 and again in 2014.
2008 Detachment 40, 328 Combat Support Hospital FRG Leader
2014 Headquarters Company Pacific Division, 75 Training Command FRG leader

Favorite caffeinated beverage?
Honey Lavender Latte

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, the NEWH president looped me in and asked me to volunteer for our Wine by Design fundraiser, where I served as “Water Boy.” I’ve been involved ever since.

Tell us about your personal/professional background?
Previously I worked in corporate HR for a few Fortune 500 companies, but returned to grad school to pursue more creative challenges. I was asked to start design projects early on and began designing and consulting in 2009, which branched into opportunities in residential, commercial, and hospitality design in solo and collaborative roles. I feel privileged to work in an industry I love, doing work that I am passionate about with wonderful people.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
I enjoy traveling, exploring the world in terms of art, design, architecture, food, culture and people. I’m seldom disappointed, and always happy to come home to my native California.

What is one thing nobody would know about you?
Few people know my undergraduate was in Chinese, and that I lived in Taiwan and China for over 2 years combined. It was an incredible experience.

Favorite caffeinated beverage? Cafe Cortado