About Me

I left my career as a commercial interior designer/project manager and dove into a world filled with words, travel, and cars. I became an award-winning journalist, photographer, and contributor for esteemed outlets like The New York Times, Car and Driver, Forbes, Hagerty, TREAD Magazine, Outside, AAA via, Popular Mechanics, and more.

As a journalist, I cover all aspects of the automotive industry, global travel, and inspire people to do their part to change the world for the better. I appreciate diversity and pave my way through adversity. My creativity as a wordsmith crafts unique and carefully curated content about a variety of subjects (primarily using my own photography). As a photographer, I have a keen eye for capturing stunning images that tell a story and evoke emotion.

My ability to craft engaging and informative articles with visually striking photographs has earned recognition and praise from press associations, industry experts, and readers. My expertise in diverse subjects has allowed me to bring a fresh perspective and new insights to the publications I contribute to. My passion for journalism, photography, and dedication to delivering high-quality content has made me an asset to these outlets as well as a trusted voice in their respective industries. View my publication list, awards, professional background, projects, and volunteer efforts via LinkedIn.

I also co-founded and manage Crankshaft Culture with my husband, Andy Lilienthal, and help run Subcompact Culture, a small car blog.

In addition to writing and photography, I regularly appear on podcasts and radio shows and give interviews about various subjects. This includes my travels, experiences, and diverse background. And, along with Andy, we're freelance PR/marketing consultants who have a proven track record of developing and executing effective marketing strategies that drive results.

All these elements come together to create a well-rounded and dynamic portfolio that highlights my passion for creativity and commitment to delivering exceptional work for my clients.

If you’d like to talk about writing and/or photography opportunities, let’s connect!

In addition to journalism, and along with my husband, Andy Lilienthal, I’m the owner and founder of Crankshaft Consulting, offering clients a wide range of PR and marketing services, including project management, copywriting and copyediting, blog and newsletter content generation, social media management, product promotion and photography, event coverage, targeted research, and more.

I work with well-known brands and start-ups alike and welcome project-based and monthly retainer-based clients. Since I work for myself, my schedule is flexible and accommodating.

If you're interested in talking with either of us, drop me a line!

Born from German immigrants who moved to the United States without knowing a word of English, I believe that hard work pays off—especially being a woman in a male-dominated industry. 

A dual citizen of Germany and the United States, I travel the world and compete in a wide variety of automotive rally events as both competitor/media (partnering with automakers like Volkswagen of America, Subaru of America, Jeep, Honda, and INEOS Automotive). I’ve successfully piloted an all-electric crossover 1,400 miles across a Barren desert, with just my co-driver, a map, and a compass. With my husband, Andy, as the driver, I’ve successfully navigated our 1991 diesel Pajero, a tribute vehicle to the legendary late, great racer Rod Hall, to the Arctic Ocean and back in temps dipping to -43 degrees Fahrenheit as part of a 10-day, 5,000-mile road rally.

Andy and I also competed in the 2024 Alcan 5000 Rally with INEOS Automotive, winning the largest class segment. We also participated in the northernmost rally in the world, the Baltic Sea Circle Rally. We were the first non-European team to compete in and finish this rally with an all-electric vehicle, as well as the only all-electric team that year, piloting an early-gen German-market Volkswagen ID. Buzz van through nine countries in 16 days, totaling 4,771 miles.

To me, those who dare will succeed. I expect the unexpected and document each experience along the way. If you’d like to connect about a travel or event opportunity, let’s talk!