Age: 37

Occupation: Southeast coordinator for Birthday Wishes

photo by Lisa Bul

Proudest Accomplishments

Hands down my biggest is having my children and being a mom. And also the work I do for Birthday Wishes as the coordinator for the 14 homeless shelters in the southeast. I get to do what I absolutely love, which is to give back and coordinate the parties.

Perfect Day

I’d spend the day with my children, doing something they love. I love watching them when they’re having so much fun. And I’d go to a gathering with friends and family that I was not hosting, but just enjoying.

Looking Forward

In the long term, I’m looking forward to when there are no kids in homeless shelters and we wouldn’t have to do Birthday Wishes because everyone would have their own party. For now, I’m looking forward to my kids helping me at parties and learning how to give back.

Pass it on

I’d pass on advice to get your kids involved in community service early on. That’s something my mom taught me. It gives them the sense that the world isn’t all about them and teaches them to focus on what they have, rather than what they don’t have.