St. Paul, Minnesota
My Mother and a group of women from our Neighborhood started a nonprofit called Book-Start in 1970 I was 7 years old, and I would help pack the books for families in our area. At age 16 my mother volunteered to use our home to shelter women last minute who were in dangerous domestic partnership's my job was to help them feel safe and welcomed with no judgment- It was a humbling experience. Very shortly after we housed a few women the city opened a women’s shelter, ironically which is now located on Grand Ave. And my home for many years was behind the women’s center. I donated regularly. As a family, we all volunteered at Dorothy Day Center and for Catholic Charities.
Organizations I support, currently I reside in Stuart Florida where I’m a member of the women’s club, the group I volunteer with-in the club is helping young women who are high school seniors, who would like to attend college, they are usually first-generation young women in their families to attend college. We meet with the girls to talk about their dreams, and future, and help with college prep, applications, and full funding for their four-year and two-year degrees. Our club has graduated over 200 young women who now volunteer as well. Of course, the Ordway Theater as a young kid I remember the opening of the Ordway and how proud our community was to have a first-class theater in our city. Our family has generational memories of attending Christmas productions and the regular season of music and theater.
My current vocation is in Talent Acquisition, Executive coaching, and Out-placement. I love helping people discover or re-discover their unique talents and gifts - creating/translating a career story that connects them to the right opportunities.
PEOPLE the human factor
Yes, it was fun and easy for me to help young people see their unique gifts, and gives me immense joy.
Writing and animism I love to sit in natural spaces and connect through language.
My Mother, of course, she showed me helping others is the greatest joy. And asking for help is not a weakness but a strength.
That’s a tough one but I love Shun Lee Palace in NYC
If I can have that level of Chinese Cuisine that would be tops - 2. French country food.
Anywhere by water - Lake Superior, Brule River, or the Atlantic Ocean. With a picnic of course.
Hmmm... trustworthy, an advocate, adventurous, traveler, creative that’s the opinion of the person sitting next to me as I write this so not sure if it is the consensus :) And how about accommodating and dependable too...
I grew up in a farmhouse my grandparents built in the Red River Valley a few miles northwest of Crookston, Minnesota. I’ve been in the Twin Cities for the past 30ish years, so it is truly home to me now.
It’s hard to pin down an exact time: As a child, my parents involved me in church activities, 4-H, community theater, and performing in nursing homes. They demonstrated an attitude of helping out wherever you see the opportunity. In adulthood, my volunteer activities followed my children, forming a babysitting co-op through Early Childhood Family Education, volunteering with Boy Scouts and Minnesota Youth Symphony.
My daughter got me involved in the Miss Minnesota Organization, which is a preliminary competition to Miss America. The organization is branded as apolitical, encouraging young women to take their passions for improving the world into their academic and career goals. What makes this organization unique is that it supports contestants who have strong opinions. It helps them learn to interact with those who may have quite differing views. Those of us who volunteer in the organization recognize that we are not in an echo chamber, which opens our eyes to new ways of seeing things. My local organization, MISS CHAIN OF LAKES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, established in 2013, has grown from sending one young woman to the state competition to now sponsoring six contestants. For each of them, I provide scholarships to support their academic pursuits. It is my pleasure to open doors for them whenever I can.
There is nothing more fulfilling than helping someone recognize how remarkable they are. As I learn the journey someone has been on, I see how they have responded to adversity, problem solved to make the way smoother for others, and celebrated accomplishments.
FUTURE. My work with young women reminds me of how much progress has been made in my own lifetime and it inspires me to think that these young women will use their passions to make the world a better place. They give me incredible hope for our future.
Before I retired, my work involved coaching people on problem solving and how they communicated their plans to resolve a problem. I loved seeing people transform as they turned bad problems into opportunities for taking the next leap forward. Prior to my corporate career, I was a freelance musician and composer. My experience with creating performances grounded me in running a local Miss America competition every year and coaching performers to bring their best to the stage.
A farm girl at heart, I am happiest when I’m in my garden listening to a podcast or eBook. In that flow state I can spend hours before I realize it is time to go back in the house. My husband has had to remind me to come in when a thunderstorm rolls in.
Many people inspire me as I learn their stories of overcoming obstacles. Specifically, and personally, I am inspired daily by my children: watching them build their careers and create a beautiful life fills me with great joy.
Life is such a series of enjoyments; I don’t really pick favorites. I make my own yogurt, so that might be a favorite food. A dinner I love making is a curry chicken with rice, yogurt sauce with raisins. It has lots of curry, garlic, and paprika. I’ll whip up a batch of naan, add some homemade wine: so enjoyable!
One that is not over scheduled so I can lose track of time and get lost in creating something.
Here are some words I got back when I queried my group chats: motivated, curious, generous, creative, organized, empathetic, sincere, charismatic, reliable are a few of the words that were used.
Born in Houston, Texas, but raised in Minnesota since the age of 2.
It actually began in the spring (May) of 2011, but I eventually placed it on the back burner, and then in recent years revived it.
I am the Creator, the Founder of what I hope will be a motivational movement for people everywhere. This charge to Get Up and Get Movin' with put people on a journey to better health, and even beyond that inspire them in other areas of their lives.
That's easy, whether it's through singing or speaking bringing joy, hope and encouragement to people, and knowing that something I did brought a little sunshine into their life!
MOTIVATION. I think of motivation because that is a large part of my purpose, and the mission of Get Up Get Movin'. The organization's goal is to motivate people living sedentary lives to become physically active and improve their health. It also extends beyond physical activity, into complete wellness. Ultimately, our goal is to motivate people towards complete wellness: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Life is hard, and sometimes difficult to navigate, and just a bit of motivation can make all the difference in the world. If I can bring a little peace, or a little to someone's life, then it simply makes my day. I am also a proud ambassador for Jesus Christ, and part of my purpose is to be a blessing to others.
Spending time with my family is number 1, but also singing, traveling, eating and sleeping (lol) I love them all!
Another easy one, my parents! The lessons they taught me, the instructions and love they've given me, and the life that they've lived before me has all formed me into who I am.
If you think it's CHICKEN, then BINGO!
Sleeping in, late brunch, and hanging out with my family/friends. I love the care-free feeling of a day off.
Fun-loving and always positive, busy, but excited about it, caring, giving, and loving--at least that is what I'd hope they would say.
Park Falls, Wisconsin
August, 2017
I’m chair elect for the Board, preparing to become the Alumni Board Chair in April, 2022.
Helping people find their passion and watching them take action to achieve it.
Dedication. Because everyone I’ve met through the UMAA (employees and volunteers) are dedicated to their work and the U.
Yes, in both places, I am serving people. At the U, it’s students and alumni. At Medtronic, it’s patients and employees.
Cooking and baking
Brené Brown. She’s not afraid to talk about any topic, ask hard questions and become a better person. I love her quote “I’m not here to be right, I’m here to get it right.”
Pizza with fresh toppings - a spinach side salad. :-)
Being outside, active and in nature - in any season.
I see the good in the world, I want to make a difference and I like to celebrate the simple things in life with others.
Cheffing Good - Dine Good - Do Good
Dine4Dinners@gmail.com 651-767-2721
Copyright © 2024 Dine4Dinners - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy WEBSITE BUILDER
Inflation has exacerbated the effects on individuals and families dealing daily with food insecurity. At Dine4Dinners® we strive to combat hunger in partnership with organizations that provide meals for those in need of daily nourishment through dependable, reliable, and sustainable sources. Help make a difference to pay it forward.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.