When were you introduced to Cameron House?
When I was 16, I was introduced to Cameron House when a friend asked if I would be interested in becoming a Bilingual Afterschool Program (BAP) tutor for elementary school students. Little did I know, it would become a very crucial stage in my life during which I learned about responsibilities, leadership and communication skills.
What roles have you played at Cameron House?
I started as BAP tutor when I was in high school and then became Bilingual Youth Program director for two years during college. A few years later, I was a tutor again for an adult enrichment computer class under the Employment Coordination Program. From 2010 to 2013, I served on the Cameron House Board of Directors. Since 2015, I have been on the Cameron House Foundation Board.
What are you currently up to?
Currently, I’m a Controller at an Architectural and Interior design firm located in Novato.
Our son, Jayce, was born on November 22, 2015. It’s an amazing experience to be a dad. So far, fatherhood has been easier than I thought it would be. My favorite part is just to watch him grow and see him laugh with me. And the most challenging thing is trying to give him a bath while he furiously kicks his legs in the bathtub like he is training for the Baby Olympics freestyle.
What did your experience at Cameron House teach you?
Cameron House provided me an opportunity to be a leader. I learned how to inspire people with confidence, focus on common goals, and be genuine. It shaped me to be who I am today and I still use these qualities daily in my professional career.
CH is my extended family and I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by the passionate people who are involved. Not only do I get to share laughs and tears with friends whom I’ve met throughout the years, but it’s very special to me to see that the kids who I used to teach, graduate college and build a family of their own!
What are your hopes for the future of Cameron House?
Cameron House is a place that makes a positive impact for many people’s lives, as it did for my own, and I hope that it will stay that way for future generations to come. CH helps and educates youth on values, leadership, and communication skills by fostering relationships and friendships in the community it serves. In addition, I hope that the organization can continue to help ease the pain and make life easier for those who are in need due to difficult circumstances through CH’s service programs such as counseling, cancer support, domestic violence, food pantry, or education.
I am also blessed to be a part of the Foundation Board where, I can share my expertise to help preserve these services that CH provides.
Why do you continue to support Cameron House?
I continue to support because CH shares the same core values as I do. We both believe in giving back to the community that once supported us. As I have learned since my first job at CH as a tutor, life is a two-way street of giving/receiving and teaching/learning. I also feel very supported by the CH Family with how happy they are to see Jayce, Laura and I!
I am very proud to be a part of the CH family.