Born in 1956 in Hattenhausen, Switzerland, Hedwig Vicki Burkhard grew up in a family of eight, fostering a lifelong passion for travel and culture. Her professional journey began with a photography apprenticeship, later earning a master's in marketing. She built a distinguished career in sales, photography, advertising, and marketing before emigrating to Hawaii in 1991, where she co-founded the Swiss Café. After relocating to California, she launched a corporate career and founded an international consulting firm. Now based in Southwest Florida, Vicki manages vacation rentals in Switzerland, a Bed & Breakfast in Jamaica, and serves on the Swiss American Club board.