Author: KaraBautch

When Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire needed a fresh approach to increase airline mile donations, I developed and pitched a partnership proposal to the Orange County Board of Supervisors — ultimately securing approval to collaborate with John Wayne Airport. From there, I led the creative and strategic buildout of Trips That Transform, including a custom website, airport-wide marketing collateral, and a full campaign rollout. The result: record-breaking airline mile donations and a standout example of community-driven impact.

As I reflect back on my first solo trip to Europe, my main thought is why didn’t I do this sooner?

As I arrived in Amsterdam, I was met with a mix of emotions. This was my last major stop before heading back to California. I wasn’t ready to go home. I didn’t want this adventure to end.  

I left Vienna disappointed in myself. I did not plan correctly. I did not give the country a chance. I was determined to make Budapest amazing, even if the weather forecast was for pouring rain and 45-degree weather. As the train pulled into the station in Budapest, I was quickly reminded of the toll the…

I stood in the rain at my hotel in Prague, willing my Uber driver to arrive. Please don’t let me miss my train! Please don’t let me miss my train! My type-A mind began racing as to what would happen if I didn’t make it. I took a deep breath and stopped myself. “There will…

Prague. Wheels Down. This was it. Now, I was on my own for three whole countries. Three countries where the primary language was not English (ok, yes, everyone speaks it….but still). I was going to navigate, explore and put my language skills to the test! Ahoj! Prosím! Děkuju! As I left the airport (thank you,…

I did it. I finally took the plunge. After years of watching all of my friends travel the world on their own, I decided that I would too. Why not? A few days after Christmas, I found cheap airline tickets from San Diego to London (my favorite long-haul flight…mostly because it’s the only non-stop option…