II was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. I attended Irvington Elementary, Fernwood Middle School and I am a proud Jefferson High School graduate. I also attended Mt Hood Community College, where I worked towards a journalism degree. I recently retired from United Parcel Service after 34 years of service. My length of employment highlights my loyalty, as well as my love for customer service. The desire to serve has always been within. My mother was the Vice President of Human Resources of the Portland Chapter of a national nonprofit. From a young age I watched, shadowed, and admired her and her work, with hopes of doing the same one day. When I became of age, I wanted to get busy. I worked alongside her at the campaign headquarters. My job was constructing campaign packets and assisting with numerous community outreach and fundraising events on the weekends. I learned firsthand how giving is a blessing and also a fulfilling act of service. It wasn’t a job, but more of a lifestyle. In keeping with the service model and personal joys, I had a party design business, Celebrations Unlimited. In this role, it was my pleasure to make others happy by creating small or grand vignettes. It’s always about the smiles. Being a core founding member of Supporting Our Society, affectionately known as SOS, feels full circle. It’s a natural progression for me. I know my Mother is guiding me, as I show up everyday with purpose.