| What do you like to do outside of work? Any hobbies? | I spend a lot of time with my dog. I love photography, dancing, art, and drag queen culture. And lately I have been doing a lot of home improvement projects. |
| Do you have pets? Tell us about them. | Yes! I have a sweet dog named Zubi. She is milk-chocolate colored, about 45 pounds and FULL of energy. She’s a border collie / australian kelpie mix and she’s incredibly intelligent. She even knows over 30 tricks!!! |
| Describe your living situation. | I live in a cute little home in McMinnville, Oregon with my dog. I painted it orange because I love orange. And I am creating a backyard oasis! |
| Do you have any children? How old are they? Tell us about them. | I haven’t given birth to any kids, but I have co-parented and helped raise several throughout my life. I also refer to my former youth group kids as “mine”. 🙂 |
| Where are you from originally? What got you to Oregon (or wherever you are right now)? | I was born in Zimbabwe, Africa. I have lived a lot of years in NW Oregon, but also in Northern California. I have also lived for shorter periods of time in Brazil and South Africa. |
| What effect did the quarantine have on your personal/work life? | The quarantine was very challenging personally and professionally. For all of our work, we had to pivot and re-create everything from scratch to be available online. And while it was extremely difficult, it has allowed us to reach far more people and be more of a support. Personally, it was very isolating and lonely. For over 2 years I only saw about 15 people in person, and not very often. But I’m starting to venture out again in small amounts. |
| Where is somewhere you’ve traveled? What are some things you liked about where you went? What was that experience like? | I have been privileged to travel to over 30 different countries. I love them all for different reasons… I love the people, the cultures, the foods, the sounds, and learning about other customs and ways of living. One of my favorite moments, however, was walking off the plane onto the soil of the country where I was born after being gone over 25 years. I felt like a missing piece of me was reconnected with my heart. |
| What was your first concert? How old were you? | Richard Marx at the Oregon State Fair when I was 14! |
| What is one of your favorite books, movies, or bands? Why? | Because I was born there and I care about social justice issues I love movies that are based in Africa – like The Constant Gardener, Blood Diamonds, Hotel Rwanda, etc. |
| Describe one of your favorite meals. | Oh man! I love so many foods!!! Thai coconut soup, Italian gnocchi, Mexican chimichanga, Japanese sushi… I love textures, smells, flavors, and the kinesthetic experience of food. |
