Margarita joined the ASTA team in October 2004 and today serves as ASTA’s Director of Association Services. She oversees operations, financial management, member services and administrative staff supervision for the association. She works closely with the Board of Directors and the ASTA team to achieve ASTA’s strategic goals. She is a staff liaison to several committees and oversees budget planning and management and many aspects of planning meetings and webinars. Margarita enjoys spending time with members and learning about the fascinating spice trade.

Margarita’s professional career spans more than 35 years of experience. Her prior work experiences included accounting and payroll management, meetings support and event management, technology, project planning, the hospitality industry, and all aspects of association management.

Margarita is a native Washingtonian. Margarita enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with her son, taking her rescue dog on adventures, and excursions to the Virginia and California wine country.  She supports animal rescue and welfare advocacy and volunteers at several animal rescue organizations. She also fundraises for human health research organizations. Believing it is important to give back to your community whenever possible, Margarita spends time with various community service organizations.