Board Member since 2023
Company
Client Onboarding Manager at Citi
Location “We Are” mural in Black Rock
Hometown Buffalo, NY
What experience led you to where you are today at the land trust?
“I was a part of The East Side Avenue’s Community based Real Estate Development Training Program…it was a program that was teaching individuals about how to develop real estate, and at the end of it we graduated and part of that included a membership with ULI and I would participate in the walking tours that they provided. So on one of the walking tours, Adam was one of the leaders… and he was talking about the land trust and how they were looking for some new board members… I had never heard about this organization before but it sounded really cool… it’s completely different from anything I’ve ever done and I love to experience new things.”
What is your interest in the land trust? Why are you here? What do you hope to accomplish?
“Initially I really just wanted to learn because I don’t know a lot when it comes to protecting waterways, I didn’t even know that people did that or how that came about…but then as you learn more about how nonprofits work, it’s like even if I can’t necessarily provide insight into the technical aspects, there are these other parts of it where my expertise or the experiences I’ve had before… that can be used in that capacity. So I wanted to figure out what type of skills I have that I can offer to help this organization grow. I want to give back in whatever way I can give back.”
What’s your favorite part about being on this board?
“Learning about the properties that we have…hearing the stories behind them but then also being able to see the thought process and the deliberation that takes place in terms of how we acquire new properties…I love being a part of this organization where we are taking on brownfields…I’m learning so many new things from being here”
“I like to travel everywhere…anything that is by the water is always going to be a great experience for me because I love to be in the water…I love a warm vacation where I can be on the beach and sleep for a few hours. I am also the kind of person that likes to visit new cities and walk in regular neighborhoods… I really just want to see how other people live…you learn so much when you can just immerse yourself into the culture…Also food, I love to eat well… I go to the West Side Bazaar, I love all the restaurants there but there is a Korean restaurant that I really love…So traveling, food, family and friends, those are the things that bring me joy.”
What brings you joy?
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
“Going on hikes, it’s something I picked up during the pandemic…Zoar Valley is my favorite… when you get to the end you can just sit in the water and it’s so refreshing, but it’s also such a journey.”
What is your favorite season?
“Summer. I love warm weather”
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
“The power to cure illnesses, that would be pretty cool.”
