Hi! My name is Allison Iurato, and I am the founder and owner of Alto Intercultural.

My journey in the intercultural communication space started as many others: curiosity. Growing up, I had always been interested in “learning” about other cultures. However, when I studied abroad in Normandy and interacted with many students from around the world, I realized that true intercultural competency wasn’t about “learning about others.” It’s about recognizing, understanding and appreciating differences, and such interactions occur in our everyday lives, not just during times of travel or exchange programs. If we are to truly embrace a world of cultural differences, our communication competencies and learning must be intentional.

After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Communication and French/Francophone Studies and my Master’s in International Affairs, I took the corporate route working at a utility company in roles that included key account management, community building, governmental affairs, outreach, communications, customer service and clerical. I am still working there today as an Advisor partnering with high-visibility accounts.

I began to casually blog in 2017 and created my podcast “Making It Here and There” in 2019, but it wasn’t until January 2021 that I began to use social media as a learning platform by creating content on interpersonal communication, intercultural communication competency and the intersections of culture and “everyday” topics, such as food, movies and video games. I focused on building a strong network with others in the field, and I was determined to start quality discussions- if not perhaps explore discourses. Since then, I have presented with SIETAR USA, SIETAR Europa, Young SIETAR and The Interchange Institute, participated in a panel on DEIB strategies in the workplace for Diversity Network and completed several certification courses.

Personally speaking, I currently live in Northern New Jersey with my husband and child, and I enjoy a variety of activities, including traveling, scuba diving, swimming, hiking, kayaking, jogging, cooking, watching movies, visiting museums, pencil drawing and playing video games.

I am excited to bring my expertise to this field and look forward to connecting with you!