I grew up in Temple City, but have lived in Monrovia since 2010. I have one daughter, and she is my focus in life and the reason I work hard. I work at City of Hope and as a walk-on coach for the Performing Arts Department at Temple City High School as a Choreographer. I am a Senior at the University of La Verne, working toward a BA in Business Administration. I enjoy going to my daughter’s volleyball and basketball games, hanging out with friends and dancing.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have one daughter, five siblings, three nieces, with a nephew arriving in April 2022, three grand-nieces and one grand-nephew. Also, I include hundreds of current and former students and teammates of my daughter who I call “my kids.”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I work in IT at City of Hope as a trainer on various software systems, and I find joy in helping the employees learn and do their job more efficiently using technology.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
38 Degrees, Peach Cafe, Merengue
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in the San Gabriel Valley for most of my life – twelve years in Monrovia
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Oh my, there are so many I couldn’t choose just one. The volleyball and basketball families, the teachers and coaches in the schools, the fun bartenders and servers, so many great people here!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
To see one of my best friends who is in the Coast Guard and just received a promotion relocated to Staten Island, NY. I am extremely proud of her and want to celebrate her success!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Remember the Titans. I don’t really watch movies or TV, I don’t have time.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind, do something nice, remember there are people who may need more than you have to give but you can still find a small something to make their day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To be a tambourine girl in a band and back up singer, although I can’t sing. Other than that, to graduate college the same year my daughter graduates high school. Class of 2023 I hope!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Prince….all day long. Prince even when I can decide. Prince on good days and bad days and any day. Prince.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Jake’s Roadhouse – the Lemon Raspberry Pancakes. YUM!
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 have no idea. Maybe Sheila E so she could tell me stories about Prince and working with him. I would meet for lunch at the Monrovian, and sit outside on the sidewalk where everyone could see that I am having lunch with Sheila E!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that this is a suburb of Los Angeles and I can walk to so many great places! The beauty all around and the sunsets with the palm trees silhouetted.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I have no idea. Maybe a backup singer tambourine girl? I’ll work on voice lessons now. Probably still working at City of Hope and hanging out with my cool daughter and her friends and traveling to cool places.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was born at night but not last night. Kidding. Ummmm….I organize giant events and things, but truly freak out inside when speaking on a microphone.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Parasailing in the Cayman Islands.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite Month – April, my birth month and Diamond is the birth stone. SCORE! Favorite Holiday – They kind of stress me out, so I would say none and make every day a holiday for someone. Single best day on the calendar – My daughter’s birthday because she has made me a better person who works harder than I have ever imagined I could.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Living here in Monrovia. I truly love the community and being part of something greater than myself.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter, Brooklyn – I bet you were shocked by that answer – and her teammates and my students.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Freshly Brewed Coffee
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Joy, Appreciation, Community
