Meet Barbara Ali, who at age 16 boarded her first international flight to Denmark where she became an exchange student and learned to love travel. She spoke a new language, experienced Danish culture, and made lifelong friends.

This was just the beginning of a lifetime of travel. Next she served a career in the United States Air Force, doing everything from electronics repair on fighter jets to executive officer duties. She has always been willing to take risks, and operate outside of her comfort zone, finding tremendous personal and spiritual growth along the way.

Using what she learned from traveling the world, she brought the concept of roundabouts to the midwest while working at Wisconsin Department of Transportation,as a way to improve safety and reduce crashes. It was a hard sell, but she is no stranger to struggle, and looks forward to a challenge.

Divorced with two children at age 40, she prayed for a positive change of direction. What she got next was something totally unexpected. She married a Somali Muslim entrepreneur, who happened to be a tribal prince and the son of a former Somali Secretary of State. She found herself learning about new traditions, helping refugees from Muslim countries, and hosting international guests. They had a son Omar, born with Down syndrome, which led to more acceptance and love than ever before.
Together they travel the world. She is a best-selling author with 20 travel related titles, including “The Milwaukee Bucket List” and a series of adventure books featuring her son exploring places they have been.

A mesmerizing storyteller, she is a featured speaker at events where she spins travel related tales. She gives tips about making an adventure rather than a vacation, and discusses the importance of collecting experiences over things.

Barbara has learned that much can be learned from other cultures, their people, and travel in general. She shares that now in a business model for heart-centered entrepreneurs where they are able to generate one million dollars in sales in one year by leveraging the power of high-trust relationships built at international live events. These retreats offer an opportunity to meet local entrepreneurs in the host country, and perhaps create global partnerships. There is always an element of adventure depending on the setting. It could be a rafting trip, hiking through rain forest, or dinner served in a Bedouin tent camp. These are one of a kind experiences that are designed to get participants out of their daily routine and leave them with unforgettable memories and relationships.