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Things to do
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CARLOS ORTIZ staff photographer
Stephanie Paredes
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Personal: 28, of Rochester, single.
Occupation: Cultural and Programmatic Initiatives Coordinator at Rochester Institute of Technology’s North Star Center for Academic Success and Cultural Affairs. I am responsible for the development and implementation of cultural and professional development programs for the North Star Center. I work with the RIT community to foster cultural awareness, intellectual growth and leadership development. I truly enjoy my work and the students I serve.
Community activities: Member of the board of directors of United Way, involved with Community Lutheran Ministries Inc., community service efforts with the Red Cross. I get involved wherever I am needed. It’s all about Living United!
My favorite thing to do in Rochester: Wine trails with my hermanas, acting in Rochester community theater, community service, Dominican Festival, Lilac Festival … actually all festivals.
Biggest challenge I’ve overcome and how I did it: I have had many challenges in my life, none “bigger” than the others, just different. My biggest challenge was embracing it and finally and truly believing that God will never give me anything I cannot handle. He has given me the tools and people I need to make it through whatever life may bring.
One thing I’ve always wanted to do but never have: Audition for a Broadway show.
If I could change one thing about myself it would be: To have longer hair and answering only one thing to “what’s one thing” questions.
The talent I would most like to have: I’d love to learn how to play the piano and trumpet.
The one thing I can’t live without: God, my family, my hermanas and my humor.
My favorite movie: The Wizard of Oz.
One of my favorite sayings is: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.”
A person who has inspired me (and why): Only one person is so hard to say, but I will say that I have been blessed with a remarkable mother, Aida Avila; my dear friend Maggie Harris, who is in essence my second mother; and my hermanas from my sorority Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority Inc. at Lambda Chapter. I have been so blessed to have so many strong, ambitious, encouraging and extraordinary women in my life. They inspire in more ways than they can ever imagine.
