A former senior executive with numerous business and marketing communications awards. Author of THANK YOU FOR THE SHOES, RaffaelaMarie Rizzo, earned an MBA from Jacksonville University and a BA degree in media studies from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, where she graduated magna cum laude. She has been a life-long volunteer in community and faith-based organizations to help bring comfort and solace to those in need. Her passions are people, family stories, community, genealogy, history and travel. Born in Italy, raised in Connecticut, she and her husband now make Amelia Island, Florida, home.