In this month's edition of Staff Spotlight, we're thrilled to present Jazmin Joyce, a key player in our team at ActiveSGV. Jazmin leads the administrative efforts for the Go San Gabriel Valley E-Bike Share Program, which is working to create access to E-Bikes via a monthly subscription model for e-bike sharing. Jazmin has also led programmatic and administrative efforts for the San Gabriel Safe Routes to School Program in 2021 and the Go Coastal Program in 2023. Jazmin brings over a decade of expertise in community outreach, engagement, program management, and event planning.
Fun fact: Jazmin was born in Mexico City! She likes dancing to Cumbia and attending free music festivals. She thrives in nature, enjoying activities like running, hiking, biking, and exploring the waterfalls of SGV. A good coffee shop is her ideal spot for reading or catching up on emails. She enjoys the thrill of hunting for treasures at yard sales and thrift stores. Jazmin is passionate about organizing spaces and subscribes to the Marie Kondo philosophy that an organized, tidy space leads to a happy place. Since the pandemic began, she has honed her cooking skills alongside her husband. They have some great vegan recipes on rotation now! Look up “ CROWD-PLEASING VEGAN CAESAR SALAD by Oh She Glows” and thank me later. She has been primarily plant-based since 2017 when she gave up meat for “la cuaresma,” and it just stuck. Her favorite colors are blue and green, and lastly, she spends a lot of time with her Vizsla-Greyhound-Labrador mix, Keanu. Keanu comes everywhere she goes, so expect a furry +1 when you invite her somewhere.
Get to know Jazmin Joyce better in their own words below!
How did you get started working at ActiveSGV? I started working with Active SGV by supporting the Noches de Las Luminarias annual fundraiser in 2021. After that, I was offered the opportunity to work on the San Gabriel Safe Routes to School team to lead the program’s Walk to School events, bike education classes, and pedestrian and bike counts. I joined the Go SGV Team in 2022 and have been with the Go SGV team ever since.
What do you like most about ActiveSGV? I really like the people and community at Active SGV. It is really nice to be with like-minded individuals who care about the community, environmental advocacy, and sustainability. Everyone is also super nice and fun to be around! Organizationally, I like the organized structure, the intentional planning and engagement with the community, and the focus on work-life balance for staff (I am very grateful for this!).
Favorite and memorable ActiveSGV experience: Participating in Active Streets Open Streets has been among the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences. During these events, I make it a point to take a break on my ride to immerse myself and savor the atmosphere entirely. I find a spot in the middle of the busy street to pause and soak in the scene: the laughter of children, couples enjoying their ride, and older folks feeling safe as they walk or bike. It sometimes makes me emotional because you can imagine what our communities could be like with permanent open spaces for people. In places like CDMX, for instance, this is a regular Sunday event!
If a friend from out of town were to visit, which place in the SGV would you take them to and why? First things first, we are going to Cafe De Leche to get a Matcha Latte and catch up on life in the cute outdoor patio vibes lol, second I would take them to the Millard Canyon Falls because it’s one of my favorite, local, more shaded hikes with a lovely little waterfall at the end. Afterward, we would head over to Girasol in Monrovia or La Barca in El Monte for some good Mexican brunch! After that, we would stop by Matilija Lending Library and Bookstore because it is a super cool bookstore. My coworker and her partner also started this library; how cool is it that I can say that! :D <3. Lastly, you must check out Moo Tea in Alhambra for some yummy boba tea owned by some super awesome people in the SGV!
What are you currently listening to, reading, watching, or digging? I just finished The Bear and two seasons of Traitors, the UK and US versions. I am the cliche- like-all-kinds of music person; one day, I'll be playing cumbias, corridos, Spanish rock, and Spanish folk, and another day, I’ll put on Bossanova Jazz, hip hop, R&B, and house. I am also very into podcasts! Quick plug to check out the Active SGV Podcast! Yes, we have a podcast!
Regarding books, I am so embarrassed to say I have not read a single book this year, but I am working to change that in the last half of the year!
