Meet Hillary Mortensen, the sales manager for the Northwest team. We sat down with her to learn a bit more about her love for travel, the Northwest and more.

Where are your favorite place you’ve traveled to and/or your favorite travel experiences?:

My favorite travel experience was going on a solo trip to Europe where I got to visit a few of the international cities on my bucket list – Milan, Istanbul, Athens, London, Paris, and Venice. It was amazing to experience the different cultures and taste all the best foods known in each city.

Aisle, middle, or window seat?:

Aisle

What inspires you about travel and tourism marketing?:

What inspires me about travel and tourism marketing is the way it connects people to new places, cultures, and experiences. It has the unique power to spark curiosity and a sense of adventure. I love how it taps into storytelling – whether it’s the charm of a hidden village, the thrill of a bustling city, or the peace of a scenic beach.

Where did you go to college and what did you major in?:

I went to San Diego State University and majored in Communications with an emphasis in Advertising and Marketing.

How has your degree helped you in your professional life?:

As a sales professional, it’s important to master effective communication skills so that you can build strong relationships that can lead to long lasting partnerships. I’ve always loved advertising and marketing (Superbowl halftime commercials, anyone?) so, it’s no surprise that I ended up in this field after college.

What is your favorite part of your job/career and the impact you make?:

I’m a people person so being able to collaborate with my team and our clients to find the best possible solution to exceed their goals and meet their needs brings me great satisfaction every day.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?:

I love to try new restaurants and explore new places especially when I’m traveling. I’m very adventurous so I’ve done everything from ziplining to skydiving, not once but twice!

What is(are) your favorite emoji(s)?:

😁

What are your favorite movies, books, or podcasts?:

I’m big into personal development so one of my favorite books is 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think and a podcast called New Mindset, Who Dis?

What do you love about the Northwest?:

The lush greenery. I grew up in Southern California so when I saw the Pacific Northwest for the first time, I was in awe by its beauty. It truly has something for everyone – from the ocean to mountains, vibrant cities, charming small towns, and nearly everything in between.