Behind every great team is a dedicated and hard-working leader who guides and inspires their team to achieve big things. At ActiveSGV, David Diaz does that! As Executive Director, he works every day to continue realizing the Active mission and inspires our team to work the hardest we can to create a more equitable and healthier San Gabriel Valley. As an involved community member and leader, he actively participates in building more resilient communities and is constantly thinking of ways we can better serve our community members. This month, he shares how he got started at ActiveSGV, what he loves most about it, and what he's digging these days.
1. How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?
After failing to show up for my first scheduled interview at Day One (El Monte Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Coordinator position), I was fortunate enough to be given a second opportunity to interview by Christy Zamani. This time around, I showed up and was fortunate enough to be offered the position! Shout out to Christy Zamani. I really wanted to work at Day One because it aligned with my passion and interests of serving the communities I grew up in, El Monte and South El Monte. I was born in Ensenada, Mexico. However, I grew up in El Monte/South El Monte, where I made some of my best friends, met my wife, and still live now. While in college, I learned about how systemic racism impacts underserved communities, how zip codes determine life expectancies, and how displacement and redlining have led to the toxic environments communities of color live in today. During my time at Day One, I was able to connect with a lot of great people, including the all-volunteer staff of "BikeSGV" Javier Hernandez, Andrew Yip, and Wesley Reutimann. I am fortunate enough to be one of the folks who made the transition from volunteer (since Jan 2014) to full-time staff as of April 2018.
2. What do you like most about ActiveSGV?
Purpose and mission-driven work. I wake up every day thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in the SGV. The climate crisis is real; the planet is on fire, and we must take action every day to change the outcome. I firmly believe the work we're doing is making a difference today and for future generations. Other cool perks are I get to ride my bike to work every day, I have awesome colleagues, and a flexible schedule.
3. Favorite and/or memorable ActiveSGV experience?
626 Golden Streets, March 5th, 2017! After years of anticipation, it was great to finally see this event come true. Wes R came up to me and nearly tackled me with joy, it was the best! Post-event folks surprised me with a birthday cake, too, which was super cool. (Love good surprises)
4. If a friend from out of town were to visit, which place in the SGV would you take them to and why?
An #Active day in the SGV (let's pretend it's a Saturday):
- 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Run/workout at Legg Lake.
- 9:30 AM - 11 AM: Breakfast at Ajos y Cebollas.
- 11:30 AM: Visit the only mural in SEM (10930 Central Ave).
- 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Bike tour around the Emerald Necklace (with stops at Burritos La Palma, Progress Brewing, and the Jeff Seymour Family Center).
- 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Rest (Visitors need rest time too).
- 7:00 PM - ?: Gold line station tour starting from Azusa Station toward Union Station.
5. What you're listening to/reading/watching/digging right now?
Currently vibing with a few things: Quiet by Susan Cain (Learning about the less known Ambiverts. Google it!), A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway and the MLS Playoffs (Go LAFC)!
Stay connected with David on Instagram: @poppadiiaz.
