In our February edition of Staff Spotlight, we are highlighting Amy Wong, one of our amazing Program Specialists and co-founders of ActiveSGV's Women on Wheels-WoW. Amy has worked with us on some of our biggest projects and is a passionate and creative leader. She always brings a smile to the office--and to think, her path to us started with a just Google search! Find out more about Amy below! 

1. How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?

It all started with a simple Google search. Fresh out of college, I was driven by a passion for advancing environmental justice but didn't know exactly how I would go about doing so. After months of job hunting and testing out various volunteer positions, through a Google search, I came across Day One, a public health non-profit based in Pasadena. I started volunteering there and eventually was hired as part of the team. It was during my time on Day One that I was introduced to ActiveSGV (formerly BikeSGV) and also Nature for All (formerly the San Gabriel Mountains Forever coalition). I am fortunate to be continuously working towards environmental equity and justice in the San Gabriel Valley.

2. What do you like most about ActiveSGV?

We're all passionate about creating sustainable communities here in the SGV. Since almost all of us are from the SGV, we live and breathe the issues we're trying to solve. That authenticity inspires and fuels me and gives me hope.

3. Favorite and/or memorable ActiveSGV experience?

I have a lot of great memories at ActiveSGV. I enjoy the moments spent outdoors. One experience that was really fun was our Women on Wheels bike-packing trip. I'd never gone before, and we biked southwards to camp overnight at a beach. Funnily enough, we rescued a turtle that was lying on its back in the middle of the street, and it ended up coming with us back to the SGV via Metrolink.

‍4. If a friend from out of town were to visit, which place in the SGV would you take them to and why?

We'd start with a beginner-friendly hike in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument- either at the East Fork or West Fork of the San Gabriel River. I grew up thinking these mountains were far away when, in actuality, they are only 30-40 minutes away by car. Then we would eat lunch at Thien Tam, a vegan Vietnamese restaurant in El Monte (I love their bun rieu). Finally, we would hang out at a local park, such as Peck Road Park, to picnic with burritos from La Palma and watch the sunset, enjoying the view of the lake and mountains.

5. What you're listening to/ reading/ watching/ digging right now:

At the moment, I'm reading Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut. I want to read The Changs Next to the Diazes next it's also our Book Club book for ActiveSGV this year.

Follow Amy on Instagram (@amy.j.wong) and Twitter (@amyjwong)!