A wise person once said that most relationships are like "why not?"...where people settle or just get comfortable. I'm looking for a relationship with a compelling "why"...a relationship where I am learning and growing, full of wonder and excitement, yet comfort and security.

Who am I? I'm a city girl with an international background, passionate about my career and making a difference in the lives of others. I'm ambitious, driven, and always working towards becoming my best self -- both personally and professionally. At the same time, I strive for balance and serenity. My job involves a lot of networking which I love, but in my personal time I prefer to surround myself with a small group of close friends.

Who am I looking for? I'm looking for someone who inspires me with his ambition and passion, depth of character, and strong sense of integrity. Someone who is open-minded, empathetic, intelligent, and kind. My ideal guy would have a full and interesting life, exposing me to new ideas, places, and things.

I work in special events and fundraising at a national nonprofit membership organization that offers volunteer and leadership development opportunities for professional women.

Right now I am applying to graduate business school but plan to stay in NYC.

Favorite books: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success (Deepak Chopra), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), A Return to Love (Marianne Williamson), Your Best Year Yet (Jinny Ditzler), The 4-Hour Work Week (Tim Ferriss), Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Robert Cialdini), The Good Body (Eve Ensler), The Three Inch Golden Lotus (Feng Jicai), The Awakening (Kate Chopin), Feeling Good (David Burns), Random Family (Adrian Nicole LeBlanc)

Movies: Crash, Love Actually, Wedding Crashers, The Notebook, Good Will Hunting, Thirteen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Food: Japanese fusion, Spanish tapas, Italian

1) Meaningful relationships
2) Big ideas
3) NYC
4) Restaurants
5) Puppies
6) Personal growth