Where are you from? How did you hear about the SF Bicycle Coalition?

I was born in Tijuana, Mexico. My family immigrated to the U.S. when I was in second grade, and we settled in sunny San Diego. I moved to San Francisco in March of this year, and used biking as a way to learn my way around the city. I quickly heard of the SF Bicycle Coalition through a friend and had my first introduction to the organization’s events on Bike To Wherever Day! 

Tell us a little about what your work is here.

I am your new Volunteer and Membership Coordinator! My work is primarily focused around our volunteers and members. I assist with all volunteer logistics including outreach events, Volunteer Night, Women and Non-binary Bike SF Coffee Club, as well as planning and executing bigger events such as Bike to Wherever Day and Winterfest. 

What aspect of your new job are you most excited about?

I am most excited about getting to know our volunteers and members and am really looking forward to getting to know them at our upcoming events!  I am also really excited about becoming a more informed advocate for bike safety in the city. As someone relatively new to San Francisco, I know I have a lot to learn in terms of how biking affects our different communities and the challenges we face navigating through such a dense landscape. 

What inspired you to work with nonprofit organizations to promote social change?

I grew up in a single parent low-income household, which meant that my family and I always struggled with transportation. Owning a car was too expensive, and the thought of my mom getting bikes for 5 children and herself was unfeasible at the time. Now as an adult, owning my own bicycle and using it as my main source of transportation has helped me find empowerment and pride in the struggles I faced growing up. Having known this struggle, I always knew I wanted to work with low-income families and organizations that fought for social change. I never knew that an organization like the SF Bicycle Coalition existed until I moved to SF. It’s been incredible to find and now work for an organization that advocates for safe, reliable, and affordable transportation. 

After recently moving to the Bay Area, what do you like about it?

I have been in the Bay Area for seven months and have completely fallen in love with the amount of diversity and cultural acceptance there is in this city. As a Hispanic woman and someone who left home for the first time, it has been really comforting to be able to find a piece of home when I visit panaderias, mercados, and local restaurants in Mission District. I have met people from all different walks of life and am learning a lot about different cultures. I am always discovering new local events, restaurants, and places to visit. 

What do you do when you’re not working at the SF Bicycle Coalition?

In my free time, you will most likely find me rock climbing, out on a run, biking through Golden Gate Park, or trying new dessert recipes at home. I also enjoy roller blading, hiking, painting, house-gazing, and spotting cats on windowsills!