Was It Something I Said?: Everyday Etiquette to Avoid Awkward Moments in Relationships, Work, and Life

Alison M. Cheperdak, J.D., is the founder of Elevate Etiquette, a distinguished consultancy that offers social, business, and dining etiquette courses, as well as international protocol. From private coaching to keynoting conferences, Alison is a sought-after speaker who shares her expertise in etiquette and executive presence with individuals and organizations around the world. She has spoken at Harvard Law School and the US Congress, and her insights have been featured in Vogue.com among other publications. Alison also educates and inspires millions each month across social media with her daily etiquette posts.

Her passion for etiquette began more than a decade ago while planning her wedding. With a growing curiosity about wedding etiquette, she purchased her first etiquette book, sparking a lifelong interest. Since then, she has read countless books on etiquette, protocol, and emotional intelligence, and graduated with merit from The English Manner and Beaumont Etiquette's Train the Trainer Grade One and Grade Two Programs.

Alison's professional background profoundly influences her perspective on etiquette and social graces. After graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Villanova University, she worked as a TV news reporter and anchor for an NBC station in New York. She then moved to Washington, D.C., where she earned her law degree from The George Washington University Law School. Throughout her legal career, Alison worked in a large corporate law firm as well as in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of the federal government, including the West Wing of the White House. She also served in a senior leadership position at a national nonprofit.