Tina has been on the board since December 2018. Tina loves being able to be a part of The Open Door and she believes it has broadened her view on local hunger.
When Tina first heard about The Open Door, she had been donating food to the organization through her local church. At the same church, Tina saw in a bulletin announcement that The Open Door was looking for a new representative on the board. Being an active volunteer, Tina knew she wanted to do something that would have a real impact on her community.
“I wanted to be a part of this organization because The Open Door could demonstratively show that they had a direct impact on the community which was just amazing,” Tina said.
Tina also knew the importance of providing food in a way that is respectful and dignified from her own personal experience growing up. Tina admires the open door saying that “The Open Door provides quality, healthy food in a way that treats everyone in a kind and professional manner.” She believes that the stigma around food insecurity is problematic and is passionate about changing the dynamic for others.
Tina has been working to accomplish that goal for the last two and half years. She is actively driving awareness to the organization through her professional network and community connections. Tina said that the best way she could help the organization was by letting people know about The Open Door. She understands how much The Open Door wants to help reach clients wherever they are in Dakota County.
According to Tina, one of the things she is most passionate about is helping the elderly residents of the community. She believes that bringing attention to people of all age groups is essential and wishes more people would recognize the barriers that face the elderly people in our community who may be unable to get food or ask for help. “I feel like the elderly are often looked over or forgotten,” Tina said.
Despite Dakota County’s reputation as an affluent county, Tina wants to continue working to spread awareness about food deserts and people in need in our community. She encourages people to look within their community instead of assuming food insecurity only exists in other places.
When Tina is not working or volunteering, she loves to host gatherings for her friends, boat on the Mississippi River, and spend time with her family. Tina’s favorite aisle in the grocery store is the deli with the cheeses and meat because of the amazing variety and how fun it is to share with others.
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