Debra Synott

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Where were you born and did you grow up here? Share a little about your childhood and your family.
My parents were both born in Los Angeles. My mother’s parents came from southern Italy in the early 1900s, and my father’s great-grandparents came from the Czech Republic. I was their only child, and we lived in Pico Rivera until I was 10, at which time we moved to Glendale, as my father was in the banking business and got a job there.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My very first voluntary and paid jobs were both as a gymnastics coach at the Glendale YMCA. I feel fortunate to have been recognized for my talents and given the opportunity to gain confidence in my leadership skills. It really brought out my confidence and my personality.

I always loved math, so when it was time to go off to college, I had to decide between Mathematics and Physical Education. I chose math and graduated with a BS in Computational Mathematics and an MS in Software Engineering. I discovered NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena as I was starting to look for my first job, and it was the perfect fit for me. I worked in the Deep Space Network as a Mathematician and member of technical staff, later doing mostly software engineering. It was my first, last and only professional job, although I took some years off in the middle to raise my two daughters.

I have also been a photo coach for many decades, helping people to organize, digitize and safely preserve their photos and memorabilia and to create memorable books about whatever is most special in their lives. I am passionate about creating books of my travels and special events in my life.

Lastly, I consider myself a professional volunteer. Most of my philanthropies focus on supporting children to give them the foundation they need to thrive in our society.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mikomi Sushi, for sure – their Superman Burrito is the best, Grano for their homemade pasta, Basin 141 for their Bloody Mary, Sena for their gourmet tacos and jalapeno margaritas, and the Pour House for their Happy Hour appetizers, dog menu, dancing and tajin rimmed watermelon jalapeno margaritas.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
I moved to Monrovia in 2019, and it was a move I should have made years ago. I wish I had raised my kids here. Monrovia has been so welcoming to me. I love all that it does for the community and I love the friendliness and diversity of the town.

Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
It is the people that have made Monrovia home for me. John Watson of the Monrovia Welcome Wagon was the first to welcome me and make me feel a part of the community. I see him and his wife, Katie, often when out and about in the town.

My neighbor, Tom Yohn, goes above and beyond to welcome everyone into the neighborhood,  If there is any time he is needed for anyone who needs a helping hand, he is there. I never felt alone during Covid isolation knowing he and his wife, Sharon, were just two doors down.

I met Donna Baker online on Next Door, and she invited me to join her Zoom book club during Covid. The six of us now meet in person, and it is so nice to have these amazing women nearby. Donna is Ms. Monrovia and has been my go-to person for anything Monrovia. She is an inspiration in all she does for this community. I know Monrovia appreciates her.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I just got back from Lake Como, Italy. Last year I went to Zimbabwe. I would go back to either of those in an instant, but there are so many other places to see and experience. I would love to visit Brazil to experience the music, the dance (think Samba), the food and to see Iguazu Falls and the beautiful beaches.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
I enjoy movies and TV that inspire and those that leave me smiling.

Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
Dance like nobody’s watching. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Sing like nobody’s listening. -William Watson Purkey

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I still haven’t gone hang gliding, and that has been on my list for decades.

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
I would say I put on anything I can sing and dance to. I don’t have a favorite band, but I enjoy country, Motown and oldies.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I’m new to Monrovia and had only been to the Falls before moving here, but I love the square in front of the library. It really feels like a small town community. I love the photos I’ve seen of Monrovia in the early days with the model T’s on Myrtle.

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?
I’ve always been an Oprah fan, and she has a house right next door to my cousin, so I would love to get together and chat with her about life and how it takes just one person to make a difference in so many people’s lives. There are so many changes needed still in this world, and I’d love to get her opinion on how we could help the homeless situation, what steps we could take to bring the political parties better at seeing eye to eye and working together, etc.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
I love how Monrovia cares for its residents and puts so much effort into acceptance and making it a wonderful place to live.

Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
I’ve made many, but apparently I have blocked them from my memory. That is pretty funny.

Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Dancing is my therapy. Sometimes I have to force myself to dance, but once I get started, all stress is released, all problems resolved or at least brought into perspective. Find me Monday nights country dancing at the Pour House on Myrtle.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I loved Niagara Falls, Virgin Islands, Lake Louise. The common denominator is water.

Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My two daughters are my greatest achievement. They really were my main focus in life, and they really are amazing women raising amazing kids of their own.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My daughters, sons-in-law, and grandbabies.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My grandchildren. Enough said.

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?
Invest in our children. All children deserve an amazing education with inspiring teachers. The future depends on our children. Our country, our politics all depends on our children. Let’s teach them to love, listen, empathize, and accept. I would also like to see every child with a photo album of their story in their hands showing the people that love them and those who came before them.

Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Dedication, Honesty, Organization