Name: Michelle Dondero
Job: Brand and Communications Manager at Brasswood Estate
Hometown: East Northport, New York
Education: BA in Communications and Digital Media at Fordham University
Q: Describe your path working in the tourism field.
I never thought my path would lead me to the tourism industry, but looking back, I’m glad that it did. I was born and raised in New York. I studied Communications and Digital Media at Fordham University and traveled abroad to Rio de Janeiro for Visual Design. As a new grad, I jumped into what excited me. With a background in performing arts, I took the tools I learned to tell stories of things I cared about. I crossed industries and worked with makers in retail, artists in Hollywood, interior designers, and event professionals. Becoming the Brand and Communications Manager at Brasswood Estate is the amalgamation of years of creating with curiosity. From the type-setting of our menus to the photos on our website, every experience with a guest is a new opportunity to share our story. I love the challenge it brings. Success in tourism, like design, is in the details.
Q: What do you like most about working in Napa Valley?
One of the reasons I moved to California was for the sunshine, so first and foremost - the weather! But, I love working in Napa because of the seasonal energy it has. Everything is intertwined in the viticulture that surrounds us. I think it serves as a metronome for wellness and balance. A daily reminder to eat well, take rest, be open, and grow together.
Q: Is there anything you'd like visitors to know about Brasswood Estate and/or Napa Valley?
Brasswood Estate is where wine, food, and design converge. Each facet of the property offers a unique experience rooted in hospitality. Everyone you meet wants to bring you the best Napa Valley has to offer.
Q: What are you most proud of?
I am proud of the relationships I’ve built in the Valley so far. It’s a small community with a lot of talent and I am grateful to be working with some of the best.
Q: What are your goals in the industry?
If I can boil it down to one sentence - I hope to inspire people to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty around them.
