I was born and raised in Monrovia, and am thankful to have returned to my community almost two years ago. I didn’t anticipate moving back – I originally thought my time at home would be the two weeks of quarantine back in March of 2020, and then I would return to my small San Francisco apartment and to my job at the Red Cross. As we all know now, those two weeks turned into months, and I found myself falling in love with Monrovia all over again. I jumped at an opportunity to work locally at the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity office down the street from my childhood home in Donor Care, and now spend my days getting to work with a ton of amazing people that have a passion for helping others and affordable housing.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a small family. I’m an only child, and my mom is an only child, so you can imagine just how small we are! Regardless, I do think I have one of the best, most supportive and caring small families out there. I am grateful for them every day!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve been lucky enough to have worked in nonprofits and government, including time at the Red Cross in International Services and Service to the Armed Forces, and time working for the Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv in Israel. Now, I work for San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, where I have the honor of partnering with our faith, youth, civic and individual supporters in helping families experience safety, stability and joy through homeownership and critical home repair.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I absolutely LOVE Sena – I would argue that they have some of the best fries in the world! Las Marias on Foothill is another favorite spot and is a great place to stop if I’m craving an amazing taco or burrito. Really though, I don’t think you can go wrong with most restaurants in our city – they’re all phenomenal!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I grew up in Monrovia and have lived here almost my whole life. I left for five years to attend college and work in San Francisco, but am happy to be back and close to my family and community!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Paul Van Ast is one of the most passionate, dedicated, and wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of working for. I am very lucky to have a boss that truly cares about making a big difference in the lives of others in his community. He’s also a wonderful mentor, and never fails to give much needed advice. He certainly has some incredible stories to tell, as well, of past careers, travel and life – and always manages to teach a lesson whenever he shares!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My list is so long, I don’t think I could possibly limit it to just one place! I’m hoping to visit at least 100 countries in my lifetime – I’ll be hitting 30 with Iceland this summer!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Parks and Rec is my favorite TV show. I see the main character, Leslie Knope, as a role model in how she cares so much for others and her community.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
YOLO (“You Only Live Once!”). When I was younger, I remember YOLO going through the motions of being something serious for young people, then becoming somewhat of a joke response. For me, as I get older, it’s come back full circle. Sure, it’s a funny acronym with a handful of internet jokes behind it, but I think there’s a lot of truth to it. Life is fleeting, and it passes quickly, and something like YOLO can remind us to be in the moment, appreciate what we have, where we’ve been and where we’re going. I think it’s incredibly important to acknowledge that we do only live once – and we should cherish what we have!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to visit Antarctica!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Green Day! They were my first favorite band at 12 and I have yet to let anyone else take their place.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Paint ‘n Play! My dad and I spent a lot of time painting ceramics there, from my very young years to my teenage years. My handprint was up on their wall until recently, as well, from my 5th birthday party!
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 would love to have lunch with an old friend and role model of mine, Omer, that I haven’t seen in quite some time. She lives many miles away from me near Tel Aviv, and as I quite appreciate her mentorship and advice, I would love to take her out for brunch at the Monrovian.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I’m always blown away by how beautiful Monrovia is, with the mountains looming, the greenery, and even the wildlife, like the bears that come to steal our trash. It’s such a gorgeous place to live.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself growing within my current field of getting to work with passionate and generous supporters of nonprofits! I love getting to meet such wonderful people at work and feeling like I can make a difference too alongside them.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was on the television show, Glee, as a background cellist!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Norway, because of its natural beauty.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
LOVE Halloween. Fall is the best season and Halloween is the best holiday, hands down!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Getting boba with some great friends and colleagues
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom and dad inspire me everyday. They’re amazing, kind people and I’m very lucky to have them.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh baked cookies!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Warmth, comfort and love
