Our staff represents a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We are activists and entrepreneurs, political organizers and master storytellers, geeks and creatives—but mostly we’re just super cool people. Want to know more? We sat down with Monica, our new Creative & Technology Traffic Manager, for a quick Q&A…
1. What did you want to be when you grew up?
An air force pilot, which is quite funny because I am afraid of heights!
2. What are your favorite hobbies or interests?
Cooking, reading, jewelry designing, and massage therapy.
3. What has been your coolest volunteering experience?
I worked with an organization in Puerto Rico called Alianza de Autismo de Puerto Rico on their first summer camp for children with autism. Specifically, I provided craniosacral therapy for the camp’s participants.
4. What social movement inspires you most?
The Syria Campaign. As a mother, there is nothing more important to me than the safety of my family. Watching the struggle that every human being is experiencing in Syria, and the lives of the children is breathtaking.
5. Favorite quiet hideout in the Flatiron district?
I am a country girl and I need nature, so Madison Square Park.
6. Who was the last artist you listened to?
Paco de Lucia (I love Flamenco music).
7. Where did you grow up?
In the mountains of Puerto Rico.
8. One thing about you that people probably wouldn’t guess?
That I love tattoos and piercings. Aside from that, I’d say the way I live in simplicity. I live with purpose. I prioritize the important things in life: relationships, my family…I want more moments with the people I love. I have what I need. I value simplicity because I want to truly enjoy life. Success isn’t having more, it’s living more.
9. What is the next book we should read? Documentary we should see?
The book I would recommend is Coach Wooden’s Leadership Game Plan For Success by John Wooden. In terms of a documentary, I have a hyper 5-year-old, so I am afraid I haven’t watched anything for a long time!
10. What’s your mantra when you’re overwhelmed or discouraged?
I either tell myself « If it’s gonna be, it will depend on me, » or « If I were about to die, would this (situation, event, thought, etc.) be important to me? »
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