The impact and influence that Darshana Croskrey brings to people she meets is impressive. Darshana runs the Scotts Valley Senior Center and has earned the trust and respect of the people in Scotts Valley and she does so always in a patient and calm manner. A person who everyone respects and trusts, Darshana’s value in our community cannot be measured or overstated.
For all of the above and more, Darshana is being recognized as a TOP 10 Positive Woman Influencer for 2024.
My husband, Willie Croskrey and I, with our two daughters, Shauna and Sarah, were living the South Bay – Gardena, CA.
What brought you to Scotts Valley and how long have you lived here?
We had been firmly entrenched in our local school and neighborhood community when Willie got a job transfer to Santa Cruz. Initially, we rented in Capitola for three months whilst we looked to purchase a house. We found and moved into our current home in Scotts Valley, just over 30 years ago in October 1993.
What do you love most about living here and what motivates you to do what you do?
There are so many things that I love about living in Scotts Valley….
Just like everyone else who moves to Scotts Valley, I love its small town feeling. That feeling has not changed for me in my 30 years here; one is always bumping into people you know when you are out and about, and there are oftentimes, conversations to be struck up with strangers.
I love how everyone immediately rallies around when support is needed for a calamity or project. We continue to have an incredible amount of active volunteerism supporting our community. I feel it is truly wonderful and unique, that our Scotts Valley leaders (within City, Police, Fire, School, City Council, and other Boards and Commissions), are so EASILY accessible to us, the residents of Scotts Valley!
Please describe what drives and motivates you to do more for others and for the people of Scotts Valley.
My motivation to help others comes from my parents. They, following their faith and within their means and capability, always gave the best of themselves and what they had, to others. Growing up, they modeled that behavior to me in so many ways that just like osmosis, over time, I believe it was instilled into me to do the same.
There are two driving forces of cultural and spiritual importance to me. Firstly, that children, ALL children, their needs and protection take precedence as they are our future. And secondly, our Elders are not only to be to be revered and cared for, but protected as well.
I have been volunteering since my eldest was nine months old and will continue to do so. I always love bringing people together, brainstorming ideas, helping to make things happen, speaking up when necessary, and being a team player. I have often been told that my enthusiasm sparks others to offer their help. We need everyone’s help to keep Scotts Valley a vibrant, welcoming, safe space for all that takes a village for sure!