I Love My Community: Rebecca Ray
Rebecca Ray, director of community relations and development for Family Resource Center, recently sat down with HERLIFE Magazine to discuss her family, involvement in the community and dreams for the future.
HLM: What do you love most about where you and your family live?
RR: I was born in Los Angeles and lived there until about the age of 11. From there, I grew up in Reno, Nevada. I’ve lived in Stockton for 22 years now. Truly, there are so many caring people in our city; it’s not just a soundbite. There are people here who’ll get in the trenches to make a difference. Plus, I’ve made life-long friends here that I consider an extension of my family.
HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
RR: Through my role at Family Resource Center, I get to share the power of what childcare can do for moms, helping to lift their families up by sharing their stories and testimonials; it’s beautiful to be able to do that and to help others. I participate in Boy Scout endeavors with my kiddo that help our community, and I serve on the School Site Council at my son’s school.
HLM: What sparks joy for you?
RR: My husband, our kids and our five-year old granddaughter are my heart! I love any time I get to spend time with my extended family, too. I’m blessed to have such a loving family.
HLM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
RR: I graduated from University of the Pacific as a non-traditional student in 2009. I juggled being a working parent on top of the course work, but I knew that if I kept persevering it would make for a better life for me and my family. I’m pretty proud of myself for that!
HLM: What’s your free time passion?
RR: I really enjoy going to see the shows at the Stockton Civic Theatre; our local talent is soooo good! I also enjoy reading and crocheting; I’m working on blanket #2.
HLM: Top three bucket list goals?
RR: I’d love to be on Wheel of Fortune. I’m a Wheel Watcher, as geeky as that sounds, so being able to spin the Wheel, solve puzzles and win big would be right up my alley. I need to audition and get this checked off; when I retire, I’d like to volunteer at the library; I’d love to go see a Broadway show in New York City.
HLM: Can you describe a key event that had an impact on your life?
RR: I’m adopted and about five years ago I was able to meet and connect with my biological family. Being vulnerable enough to go through that experience, not knowing how it would turn out, taught me so much. As it turns out, I have a loving, surfer-skateboarder for a dad, aka Pops!
HLM: Do you have a favorite quote?
RR: “You are unrepeatable. There is a magic about you that is all your own.” -D.M. Dellinger. True for all of us!
HLM: What are you currently reading?
RR: My oldest son, Sam, recommended a book to me called The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin. It’s zen-like (listening to the audiobook), and it’s reminding me that no matter the craft, we’re all artists in our own right. Everything we contribute to is art.
HLM: Favorite food or dessert?
RR: My family’s Iacovino sauce, a spaghetti sauce that my aunts and uncles now make for our get-togethers that was passed down from my Granddad Iacovino, and from his family (and so on and so on). It’s just the best!
