Freelance Council Candidates

Barbara Barrielle (Running for Chair)

Bea Broda (Running for Chair)

My name is Bea Broda and I have been a member of SATW in the Freelance Council since 1997 and have also served as the President of SATW as well as two terms as chapter chair. I am an Active in the Canadian Chapter and would love to continue my involvement in SATW as the Freelance Council Chair. My activities and friendships within SATW are some of my life’s most rewarding aspects.

I have been producing, writing and hosting travel TV shows and associated web-based video clips since 1987 and have surfed the paradigm shift in communications and technology along with the rest of our society. I went “from crayons to perfume” myself in learning various photo and video editing programs and recognize how frustrating it can be when there are so many paths to take – all with a price tag attached. 

 I believe that a major reason for our survival, growth and success has been in keeping abreast of the changes in our profession with education and information. The future demands that we continue to evolve and keep our skills honed as we seek opportunities around the globe to create our treasured life’s work.

Our talented and productive members are all storytellers who occupy space in a wide variety of media. For me, being flexible with our professional development to provide inspiration for each medium is vital, whether they be involved in a more traditional publishing background or are social media stars, website builders or bloggers. 

Finding relevant and visionary speakers is important and I would welcome communication from members with PD requests in order to attract top-notch experts. Which apps must we have on our phone? How can I reach the ear of an editor or publisher? How about a discussion on ethics as we explore various cultures with pens and cameras? What are the best ways to put a personal touch on our work? Our Freelance Council meetings should help distill all of that into something we can put to work for us.

Also important to a travel journalist is the availability of affordable, enticing meeting destinations. I am motivated to keep my ears to the ground in finding hosts and airlines that would benefit from the wealth of editorial that members of our council provide.

My main objective is to help steer the Freelance Council towards valuable opportunities to advance the goals of each and every member.

Sharael Kolberg (Running for First Vice Chair)

I am an internationally published freelance travel writer and author with more than 20 years of experience. My articles have appeared in U.S. News & World Report, Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Thrillist, Sunset magazine, Outside magazine and more. I have also worked as professional photographer, blogger, broadcast journalist, content creator, social media strategist and website developer. I’m interested in running for SATW First Vice Chair to help facilitate professional development for our freelance members. Whether you’re new to travel writing and want to learn how to craft the perfect pitch or are a veteran writer interested in getting higher paying assignments, professional development is important to learn and grow your career. I look forward to finding engaging presenters to discuss topics that are timely and useful. I held a similar leadership role for a PTA parents’ education group for nearly six years during which I booked best-selling author and industry-leading experts to discuss timely issues. You can learn more about me and my work at Sharael.com. Thank you for the opportunity to become more involved in SATW and to enrich the experience for our members.

Eric Lucas (Running for First Vice Chair)

I am a 50-year journalist who believes that the old-school values that once governed our profession need renewed attention—basics such as spelling, grammar and simple thoughtful integrity. My credits range from the Los Angeles Times to Westways and MSN.com, and I spent years as an editor at Alaska Airlines Magazine. As well, I’m the author of six Michelin Green Guides, eight other books, and maintain an active corporate editing practice. I’ve won more than 40 writing awards, and have been to 64 countries on five continents. My wife Nicole and I live on a small farm on a remote island north of Seattle.

Aja Hannah (Running for Treasurer)

Debi Lander (Running for Treasurer)

Hello all! I’m a freelance writer, of course, and an avid photographer living in Sarasota, Florida. I’ve maintained my membership in SATW since 2011. I acted as Auction Chair from 2014-2018 and formerly served as second vice president of the Eastern Chapter. I currently volunteer as a New Member Navigator. I value the networking opportunities SATW offers and attend SATW meetings and events whenever possible.

As an undergraduate, I majored in Business Administration. Although long ago, I recall my accounting classes and case studies. I feel I can handle the Freelance Council books and would look forward to working with others on the board.