Q: What made you want to join the West Valley Food Pantry team as the Sorting and Bagging Coordinator?

A: I wanted to join the West Valley Food Pantry team because my mom and sister have been involved with the National Charity League and have volunteered at the Pantry for the past seven years. Hearing about their experiences and seeing firsthand how much the Pantry means to our community made me excited to become part of the team myself. I love that the Pantry brings people together while making such a meaningful impact locally!

Q: What are you most excited about in your new role?

A: I am most excited to meet and get to know all of the wonderful volunteers who dedicate their time to the Pantry. I’m also excited to learn more about the different ways the Pantry serves our community and to find new ways that I can contribute!

Q: What has been your favorite part of your first few weeks at the Pantry?

A: My favorite part has been getting to know everyone and seeing how welcoming the Pantry community is. There’s also a very special pup who says hi every morning, which is definitely one of the highlights of my day! It has been so fun getting settled in and learning something new every day.

Q: What is one skill or talent you bring to the Pantry team?

A: I think I bring a fresh, excited energy and a willingness to jump in wherever I’m needed! I also love working with people and creating a positive environment, so I’m always happy to help, meet someone new, or take on a new task.

Q: What is one thing you’re looking forward to learning in your new position?

A: I’m looking forward to learning more about everything that goes on behind the scenes to keep the Pantry running. There are so many moving pieces that make it possible to serve our community, and I’m excited to learn from the amazing people who make it all happen.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working with the community?

A: I really enjoy getting to know the people in our community and hearing their different perspectives and stories. I love learning what brings people to the Pantry and hearing why they choose to come back each time. It’s really special to build those connections and see how the Pantry can become a meaningful part of someone’s life.

Q: What is something you think people might be surprised to learn about you?

A: People may be surprised to learn that I have been a performer my entire life! I grew up working in the entertainment industry as an actress, dancer, and model, and I absolutely love performing and being part of a creative community. I’m definitely not shy about breaking into a dance when the opportunity comes up!

Q: When you’re not at the Pantry, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: I recently graduated from college, so I’ve been enjoying this new chapter and staying busy with the things I love! I coach the Calabasas High School Pom team and run my own small pet-care business. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and doing anything creative or entertainment-related.

Q: What is something on your personal bucket list?

One of the biggest things on my bucket list is to go on a safari! I would love to see animals like elephants, giraffes, and monkeys in their natural habitat, and especially the little babies! It would be such an incredible experience and definitely something I hope I get to do someday!

Q: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life, it would absolutely have to be an açaí bowl! Lots of granola and fresh fruit make it my absolute favorite every time. I could probably eat one for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and never get tired of it!