Meet Carla, Who Stewards Relationships for Good
Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Carla Nina, the newest member of the 1MISSION team here in Phoenix. In this Q&A, we ask her about her new role on the team, as well as her childhood in Ecuador and what she enjoys doing when she’s not raising money to provide safe, secure housing for the families we serve.
Hi Carla, welcome to the team! Tell us what you’ll be doing in your new role.
My title is Partnerships and Events Manager. I am responsible for stewarding relationships with partners who can help 1MISSION accomplish its mission. I am also responsible to help coordinate fun, engaging, and exciting events that connect people with 1MISSION. The part of the job that excites me the most is contributing my skills, time, and resources to give people in poverty the opportunity to earn a house by serving their community.
You grew up in Ecuador and I know your parents are still there. If you were to introduce someone to Ecuador for the first time, where would you take them?
I was born in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. I was involved in competitive gymnastics and I represented Ecuador in South American tournaments. At the age of seventeen I was given a gymnastics scholarship to train in the United States. I have lived in Utah, Massachusetts, Florida, Oklahoma, and Arizona. My parents still live in Ecuador. They used to come and visit once a year prior to COVID. I was there in March visiting them. My husband and I would like to take our kids on a trip to Ecuador in the next few years. The sights we would like to see are the Galápagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest, and Mitad del Mundo monument (which is located just outside of Quito and it’s the only location where the equator runs through an easily accessible city and not through deep oceans or thick forest).
Sounds amazing. Speaking of going to Ecuador with your family…
Yes, something new in my life is that I recently got married! Bruce and I are blending a family with seven children. We have two kids at Grand Canyon University, one at Northern Arizona University, one at Glendale Community College, one in high school, and two in elementary school.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy going hiking at Thunderbird Mountain, doing Zumba class at Mountainside Fitness, paddle boarding at Lake Pleasant (just 20 minutes north of my house), or having quiet time reading a book at home.
What are one or two things about you that would surprise people who have just met you?
During my master’s program in International Relations I did a study abroad in Nice, France. During my time there I was able to travel to London and Rome. It was a great opportunity to explore backpack traveling on my own.
Also, I enjoy painting and adding new pieces to my beginner painter collection. A few years ago during the COVID-19 lockdown I was able to delve into paint-by-number on canvas projects while listening to several audiobooks. I may not be the greatest artist, but as E. A. Bucchianeri put it, “Art is in the eye of the beholder, and everyone will have their own interpretation.”
