Name: Stephanie Lucas
Age: 39
Title: Executive Director of Give Garden
Married/Single: Married to Julian Lucas, Phoenix Firefighter… a real live superhero.
Kids: Joshua, 6 year old, a master Lego builder. Lily, 4 year old, our budding artist.
City you live in: Phoenix, AZ
A typical day in my life includes…
the only thing consistent with my day is that it’s never consistent. In addition to being the Executive Director of Give Garden, I also hold a full-time corporate position. Between these work roles and my role as mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, my day is often jam-packed. My corporate position includes traveling to the east coast regularly, so some days I’m at multiple airports before noon and others I’m working from my home office in yoga pants. Other days, I’m out meeting children and families that need a bit of nutrition advice and support. I do love to run, hike, listen to audio books, cook, and play hide-and-seek with my kiddos. I’m an avid board game player and you can often catch me playing chess with my son or Settlers of Catan with my husband.
I was born…
in Santa Fe, NM – the land of enchantment.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
really, you have to ask? Clearly, it’s the sunshine and the great foodie scene.
I’m listening to…
Thirty Million Words by Dana Suskind. Amazing audio book about the development of a child’s brain. Also, a cover of Fade Into You by Ben Harper.
My family…
couldn’t be where I am without them. I’m blessed to have 2 dads and 2 moms, which also then blessed me with 6 siblings/step-siblings. My parents both lost a parent before the age of 25 which has shaped who I am tremendously. It has taught me life is precious. There is nothing too big or too small that we cannot overcome with the right support.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Brene Brown! My favorite author. After listening to her audiobook, “The Power of Vulnerability” I will never be the same. Besides being incredibly entertaining, this book helps bring to light ways to better understand why we behave the way we do and what we can do to improve on those behaviors. It was recommended by my best friend of nearly 25 years, Jen. Jen is that friend that no matter how much time has passed we pick right back up where we left off and I know we will be friends until the end of time.
One thing I cannot live without…
my hubby. He is my rock, my silent cheerleader, my partner in crime.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a semi-truck driver, ehem, a bright orange semi-truck at that. My sister wanted to be a professional cheerleader. I agreed to drive the girls to their performances in my semi. I was 5. I married a firefighter that drives the fire truck…closest I want to get to driving a semi-truck now a days.
I’m inspired by…
perseverance!
The one person who motivates me is…
me! I am the person in the arena. I get to choose what will make me fall or what will make me rise. I can’t do it alone, no, but I alone am responsible for being self-motivated to help those around me be healthier today than they were yesterday.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
the ability to effectively see the world from someone else’s point of view. To understand where they are coming from and evaluate how it might benefit you to alter your point of view because of the new experience or how it might not.
The perfect day would be…
exploring a new city with my husband. Travel comes with learning about new cultures, seeing unique art and eating new foods.
My first job was…
at a steakhouse decorated like a church. It was called The Holy Cow. I know, you need not comment.
My favorite escape…
fortune cookies. Yes! I’ve been collecting the tiny strip of white paper with inspiring messages for over 20 years. I have bowls of them lying around my house. Love the moment of dreams or reflection they often evoke.
My life…
has involved good food at every step. I’m grateful to my mom for being the most influential cook in my life.
I’m currently working on…
understanding how to be a more “in tune” mom to my two children. It’s tough being a working mom to find the time to be engaged enough to be fully aware of their needs. Somedays I hit it out of the park and others I fail miserably. I’m a work in progress and the journey has been worth every smile and tear.
Always…
push a little harder. The goal can be reached!
Never…
burn a bridge. It’s not worth it. I’ve made this mistake a few too many times.
Favorite Quote…
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”- Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist.
Biggest Dream…
to attend culinary school, just for fun.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
crunchy snacks in a quiet room. My very patient husband can attest to this.
