I was recently asked by AZ Foothills Magazine to answer a series of questions for their “Trendsetter to Know” section. While I certainly do not consider myself a trendsetter, I am always happy to talk about my passion for providing kids with a path out of poverty through education. Below are my responses.
Title: Steps of Love Board Member and founder of a program in Rocky Point that helps kids living in poverty go to school.
Age: 59
Married/Single: Married
Kids: 3 grown sons- 32, 30 & 30 years old
City you live in: Phoenix
A typical day in my life includes… in the U.S.: some opportunity to be active—preferably in nature. In Mexico: connecting with the students we support
My favorite thing about Arizona…Its natural beauty and proximity to Mexico
I’m listening to…A podcast called “The Life You Can Save”
My family…Is everything to me.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…My mother who passed away much too soon.
One thing I cannot live without…Connection with others—especially children
When I was younger, I wanted to be…A teacher
I’m inspired by…The amazing, resilient students we support in Mexico.
The one person who motivates me is…My husband who has spent almost 40 years helping me balance dreams with practicality, dealing in facts but never losing ideals and, most importantly, always supporting and trusting me in my search for the right kind of life for me.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… That where a child starts in life would not determine where they finish.
The perfect day would be…Either a hike and then relaxing in AZ with my family or spending time with the kids we serve in Mexico.
My favorite escape…The beach in Rocky Point, Mexico
My life…is nothing like I thought it would be at 59 years old! To many, my decision to devote the rest of my life to helping kids living in poverty in Mexico go to school probably seems like a crazy mid-life crisis–I think my husband might consider it one of the most expensive mid-life crisis ever! It has certainly been a bit crazy and very challenging learning a new language, launching a program in another country and figuring out how to lead non-profit organizations on both sides of the border at my age. However, when I am in Mexico seeing so many young people we serve have the chance to go to school and have hope for a better future, I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.
I’m currently working on…finding more balance in my life! Several years traveling back and forth between Rocky Point and Phoenix every week or two along with the rapid growth of this program has made it difficult to maintain balance.
Always…remember that our fingerprints never fade from the lives we touch.
Never…forget that to the world you may be only one person but to one person you may be the world.
Favorite Quote…I have two all-time favorites: “When you find yourself in the incredibly fortunate position of having more than you need to survive, rather than raising your standard of living you should raise your standard of giving.” and “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Biggest Dream…To leave this world just a little bit better than I found it.
My Pet Peeve(s)…Closed minds and judgement of others.
You can make a tax deductible donation to support students in Rocky Point at www.stepsoflove.org.