In other countries, I am known as "Belle", "Rene", and "Rena", yet each name, like "Belle", has a story to tell. When I went to see Helicopter Pilot icon Pete Gillies and his incredible wife Pat Gillies in Riverside, California, I was dressed in a yellow jumpsuit that could be seen in complete darkness.  A little girl in the restaurant saw me, her first words were 'Belle'. I turned to face the girl. Her mother noticed. She said: "The jumpsuit reminded my daughter of Belle's clothing from Beauty and the Beast, and she thought, 'You are Belle.'" I observed a sparkle in the little girl's eyes.

My first helicopter flight in Salzburg, Austria, started with the pilot asking, "Do you feel dizzy? Because many people get nauseated the first time they fly in a helicopter."
Dizzy, no way. I smiled at the pilot.
I felt liberated, independent, thrilled, and enjoyed the birds-eye view.

This was the start of my journey, working long-term in Switzerland on projects before moving to the United States to pursue my dream of becoming a helicopter pilot, which I succeeded. However, my trip did not end there. Instead, it prompted me to start writing. But first, I had to conquer a massive challenge, the toughest challenge I've ever faced. The ugliest and most horrifying word a human being can hear.
CANCER.

Surviving cancer and getting well in a foreign country - the United States -  was a huge challenge. But I did it—and much more.

My desire to seek the truth and share the facts drove me to pursue a career in writing and journalism, which I began at this time.

A wise man once said that taking care of people is the most effective way to help nature. I found that very true and based on this quote and what I have observed, I founded my concept "Leonardo Da Vinci Biodiversity". Visiting poor communities, living among them, in order to gain insight into their struggles, to feel the fear they have, but at the same time to be inspired and hopeful despite their challenges.

Scottish Highland Cattle is one of my favorite images from Europe, but most importantly it reminds me of a compliment that I received from award-winning wildlife photographer Antonio Coelho. Check out: Antonio Coelho

In addition to journalism and helicopter processes, I've gained great experience in nature protection, particularly for wildlife.

I had several amazing moments photographing wildlife, but one in particular stood out as I was watching a herd of zebras. One zebra noticed me sitting on the ground, motionless, with just my lens.
Zebra's eyes indicated that her curiosity will eventually outweigh her shyness. At this point, she began to approach me. My heart rate increased, and my fingers trembled. Pretty tough to take the photo when the hand started shaking. An unforgettable event.

A further change occurred in my writing career in 2024: I became a volunteer editor for  Whirly-Girls International Women Helicopter Pilots Collective Pitch, a non-profit organization I've been a member of since 2016.