Go to any restaurant in town, walk down any neighborhood, chances are you will run into Adina having a meaningful conversation with a local over lunch or a walk. The relationships and the trust that she has built with an entire community is impressive. I have often told her that I sometimes see her as the Mayor because she is so connected. And since we are honoring some of the most positive influential women in our city, that list could not be complete without her name on it.
Some fun facts about Adina…
Before coming to Scotts Valley, where did you live?
Before coming to Scotts Valley I lived in Santa Cruz. And before that I was in the Bay Area. When I finished graduate school (Nutrition and Food Science at San Jose State University) I received an opportunity to work in Product Development at a candy company that was near Natural Bridges Beach in Santa Cruz. At the time, that company was called Harmony Foods. Now they are called Santa Cruz Nutritionals. I couldn’t believe my good fortune to be working at a dream job making candy near the beach.
What brought you to Scotts Valley and how long have you lived here?
After I got married and we started our family in Santa Cruz, we all wanted to live in a neighborhood near good friends where the schools were within walking distance of our home. And we already knew people who loved raising their families here. One of our dearest friends, Helen Youmans, even found our home for us here. And we have lived here since 2008.
What do you love most about living here?
First and foremost, we love our people here. And we also greatly appreciate the beauty of places like the Glenwood Preserve and the Sky Park Trail — sorry I can’t just say one answer here.
Please describe what drives and motivates you to do more for others and for the people of Scotts Valley.
I love how many givers there are in this area. And I love being able to help. And there have been so many opportunities to help. Such as helping to lead a Girl Scout Troop, lending a hand at schools, assisting with food drives, serving at fundraisers, doing beach cleanups, making murals and so much more.
I definitely agree with the idea that we rise by lifting others. And there are so many givers doing the lifting here. For me, giving starts with so much gratitude for all of the people who have helped and do help to raise and lift me. Their support energizes me and gives me the chance to give too.