Rebeca Olmos-Escatell

In all she does, Rebeca seeks out a spark of joy she can share with others. She believes giving someone hope requires nothing but a sincere smile, so it’s something she gives as often as possible.

What makes you feel proud?

I’m so proud of my heritage, and also being able to interact with many different cultures and beliefs, because I just focus my attention on the fact we’re all God's creatures.

What keeps you up at night?

What keeps me up at night is the desire to be able to make more awareness for environmental issues.

Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?

My Mom has been the most influential person in my life. She not only took care of my first breath or steps in my life, but she taught me to believe both in God and to be a better human being every day.

What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?

I always keep in mind that the difficult moments that come our way are simply lessons we have to learn from. The physical limitations I have, they have been guiding me to make various changes in activities, jobs and hobbies. I take them as adjustments that I have made.

One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?

A year from today I will be 57 years old. I will continue to live each moment with the greatest gratitude and joy, following my hunches for where I have to be, who to help, and making a difference in my community, city, country and the whole world in living with love and in peace.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I ever received is to be myself, and to give the best of me at all times.

“I’m so proud of my heritage, and also being able to interact with many different cultures and beliefs, because I just focus my attention on the fact we’re all God's creatures.”

What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?

In my family and in the community, I am working to raise awareness of recycling, consciously reusing things and avoiding the chain of consumerism and pollution.