I am a proud Monrovian who was born here 61 years ago, attended Monrovia Schools from preschool through high school, served the City of Monrovia as an employee for 38 years and have owned my home here for 31 years. I look to be of service in some capacity in the community as long as I am able.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Share a little about your childhood and your family.
I was born in Monrovia at Monrovia Community Hospital, where my mother worked until she retired. While we lived in Duarte, I attended school in Monrovia from elementary through High School, as my parents believed that Monrovia offered a better education. I attended Huntington Elementary school, which was segregated with only black and brown children in attendance from preschool through the third grade. We were integrated into the other elementary schools in Monrovia in 1970. I then attended Bradoaks from fourth to fifth grade. I lived and grew up with both my parents, and an older sister and brother. We spent a lot of time with my other relatives who all lived in Monrovia. I am married to my husband Larry. We have five children and five grandchildren.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I served as an employee for the City of Monrovia for 38 years. I retired in 2020. I held various positions throughout the years. For the last 10 years of my employment, I held the position of Neighborhood and Business Services Division Manager. There were many elements of my position that I really enjoyed. I had great employees and co-workers that are life-time friends. I was glad to be a part of Monrovia’s growth over the years. I enjoyed partnering with others in the community and seeing our residents work together to create a true sense of community.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mikomi, Old Town Pizza, Panera, Sena, so many choices
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
I worked in Monrovia for 38 years and have lived here for 31 years. I grew up here in Monrovia. I loved Monrovia Days and the carnival. My cousins and I loved swimming at the Plunge. We also loved attending the Fiesta at Immaculate Conception Church, as well. Times and traffic were slower then, and one of my fondest memories was playing stick ball in the middle of the street.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Aruba, just because that is our destination for our next vacation. I am looking forward to enjoying one of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean and enjoying a little music at their music festival.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
Abbott Elementary, Bel Air, The Good Doctor, 911, and so many others
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
Not really. I would probably say to love others as God has loved you. Always be willing to listen and learn. Be a positive force in every area of your life.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel more to many places. Be a testimony to others about the power of God in your life.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
Not so much into bands, but really like the Gap Band. Love R&B and Gospel.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Plunge, JC Penney, Kmart
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Michelle Obama at Mikomi’s
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
The sense of community. This community partners within their various city departments, school district, non-profits, the chamber, and other agencies collaboratively to address concerns and to make changes that benefit the residents and business owners.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
So many mistakes and most not funny. Well not to me anyway. I would like to say that I’ve learned from most of them. I bought a car that was a stick shift, but didn’t know how to drive it. I learned by stalling out and practicing to eventually drive that car.
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I pray a lot. Although they may know that.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Maturing in my relationship with God and sharing some of that wisdom with others.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Having a relationship with God and answered prayers.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
God. I still feel my mother’s prayers.
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
A movement to combat this hate and division that is so rampant right now. A movement that would educate others about how if we look beyond color, status, etc. we are more alike than not. No one should feel lesser than another.
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Humble, empathetic, spiritual
