Mary Anne Desmond has been exposed to different cultures from an early age. She lived in Japan as a small child when her father joined the Air Force and was transferred there. Years later when the family was transferred to Rome, Italy, Mary Anne attended the American Overseas School and developed a life-long passion for Italy's culture, people and food. It was that passion that prompted her to study abroad in Florence during her junior year in college and then to live in Florence for 14 years. During her years in Florence, Mary Anne worked for an import-export company and then for a tour operator.

Her enthusiasm for travel eventually led her to tour Guatemala where she met her future husband, Sirio Calogero, a native of Rome. In 1990 Mary Anne and Sirio moved to Phoenix, Arizona. While Sirio taught Italian at the local colleges and universities, Mary Anne worked in the travel industry and became known for her expertise in Italy. It was their passion for Italy that led the couple to create Il Viaggio in 1995, a tour company specializing in custom tours to Italy.

The company was sold in 2002 however Mary Anne continues to work as a consultant to the new owners and also to organize itineraries for local clients. In addition to her career in the travel industry, Mary Anne has been active in the local Italian organizations and has facilitated Italian language groups for the past 6 years.

Although American by birth and ancestry, Mary Anne is certain to have Italian blood running through her veins.