What is your role at the Food Bank?

I’m the Operations Manager in our warehouse in Marin.  A typical day there starts with a meeting with my team, in which we go over all of our scheduling and special deliveries.  I then set up, and open the shop floor to our partners. This is one of my favorite things to do, as I’m moving food items around to make it easier for our partner agencies to pick out the food they need.  It’s also my responsibility to make sure the shop floor coolers and freezers are fully stocked and at the proper temperature.  Then it’s all about managing the Marin operation, including welcoming in the many people who come to volunteer every weekday.

What’s your favorite thing about working at the Food Bank?

I would have to say it is all the amazing and talented people that I’ve encountered within the organization as well as the community. As the youngest of 3 children raised by a single mother on a fixed income, it was the norm for us to wait in line for a bag of food at our local church. My mother would accept this kindness, bring it home, and make magic with it in the kitchen. We didn’t have a lot of the finer things in life, but we always had enough; and each other. I never forgot about all the nice people handing out the food, or the smiles on the faces of those receiving it. Those types of fond memories make me the Food Banker that I am today.

Have you been personally impacted by your experience at the Food Bank?

My first 7 years with the SF – Marin Food Bank, I was a route driver, delivering food to our partner pantries, and meeting the people that we serve and hearing their stories.  I can honestly say that those encounters have made a lasting impression on me, and inspire me to work harder to better serve the people in need.

What motivates you to do what you do?

Passion and purpose. Being a member of a successful team. Having a career that is meaningful, rewarding and exciting, and at the same time creative.

What’s something people might not know about you?

I’m a fourth generation San Franciscan. My great grandmother, Sarah, was born in the city in 1889

Tell us your best joke.

How do you make a handkerchief dance? You put a lil boogie in it!  ;^)