Over twenty years ago, I stepped into a food bank for the very first time. When asked why I was there, I replied that I wasn’t there to feed hungry people. I said I was there to work hard, and if hungry people benefited, then it would be a job well done. The interviewer replied, “Good.”

I still embrace the idea of working hard, but I would no longer answer the question in the same way. I have come to believe that it is a privilege to help people in need. I believe that in many ways we owe a debt of gratitude to many of the people who turn to us for help, as they are the people who care for our children, tend to our homes, serve us meals, work our land, and help our parents age with dignity.

Finally, there is one belief that I hold above all others—people are in need for one of two reasons, decisions they have made or circumstances beyond their control. In either case, hunger cannot be the price they pay.

I have spent my entire career in the nonprofit sector and I am proud to bring my 20 years of professional development experience to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. As a passionate nonprofit leader that takes pride in serving my community, I firmly believe food is a basic need that everyone should have access to. With a strong understanding of the critical role community support plays, I strive to provide the best donor experience possible. As a donor myself, I believe the mission of the Redwood Empire Food Bank is the easiest mission to get behind and my goal is to encourage others to join me in this effort. Donating to the Redwood Empire Food Bank is an investment in our community.

Born and raised in Sonoma County, I am proud to live, work and raise my children in this community. I appreciate that my education and career path in the nonprofit sector has led me to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. It is the work of our community, with a daily goal of doing better, doing more and giving to those who need a bit of help, a smile and someone to share their story.

Before I had the privilege of joining the Redwood Empire Food Bank team, I was a faithful donor and believer in our mission. I have worked in the area of finance for a number of for-profit companies for over 30 years. The opportunity to contribute here has been the most rewarding years of my career.

Sonoma County has been my home since 1988 when my husband and I relocated from Washington State. Our love for Northern California, Sonoma County and this community runs deep in our souls, surrounded by family and friends and this beautiful landscape.

I’m proud to call myself a Hunger Relief Worker, who also works in the capacity of a leader in this organization. With my 20 years of experience as an Operational professional in the for-profit space, it’s gratifying and rewarding to put that experience and knowledge into the work that we do here to end hunger in our community.

As a Sonoma County native, giving back to the community for which I live and work is both gratifying and rewarding. I worked in the for-profit space for over 20 years prior to joining the Redwood Empire Food Bank team and I’m grateful to be able to use that experience to support our neighbors in need. It is a great honor to be a Hunger Relief Worker and help positively impact our community.