Meet the Team

Susan Renke
Founder and Director
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From her first jobs at A&W Root Beer and Denny’s to working for The Culinary Institute of America in the Napa Valley, Susan has spent her entire career in the food industry she loves. Her current position as Promotion Director for the Pacific Northwest Canned Pear Service allows her to continue that journey - working with food and agriculture, connecting farmers and chefs. As President & Founder of Food Marketing Resources, Susan specialized in foodservice business development and marketing for clients such as Driscoll's, USA Pears, Sunkist Growers and Women Chefs & Restaurateurs. Her passion is connecting those producing our food with the restaurant industry. The launch of Global Palate Adventures was a natural extension of Susan's interest in food, wine, agriculture, and global cuisine.

One of the constants in Susan’s career has been her opportunity to travel throughout the United States and abroad to experience firsthand how culture and food are intertwined. Susan has taken cooking classes in many cities throughout the world. She believes there is no better way to get to know a new country and to immerse yourself in its culture than to roll up your sleeves and learn from the local culinary experts.  Susan is excited to combine her love of food, travel, and agriculture through Global Palate Adventures. 

In addition to travel and cooking, Susan’s passions include learning about wine, textiles, interior design, architecture, and wildlife – all perfect companions to her culinary travel adventures. Susan has two amazing grown daughters and lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Allison Boyer ​
Travel Advisor, Tour Coordinator and Social Media Manager
Allison studied medieval literature at university and graduated with a degree in film. She traveled around the country with her mother for work when she was young and fell in love with seeing every new corner of the world. During university, she studied abroad in England and then moved back for a few months once she graduated. She has directed, written, and produced multiple short films and television shows; but her passion lies in traveling and helping others to travel. In 2018 she organized a six-month European road trip for herself and a friend. Her favorite countries she's been to include Scotland, Morocco, Croatia, Poland, Belgium, and Germany. She is also a licensed travel agent, happy to help everyone travel their way. Currently, she resides in Portland, Oregon where she coordinates trade shows, and organizes travel excursions - planning trips all over the globe.