Collaborate or compete?
Group projects in high school were wild. 😆
Now we're all about doing our own thing because of our rocky high school experiences.
But honestly, collaborating might just give you the edge you need.
How do I build? By collaborating.
These were my closing words for participants of The Rebuild program, Survivors of the Eaton fires. This program was ideated by @lisc_losangeles powered by US Bank @usbank .
Thank You for having me a faciliator. I will never forget our time together.
Music was not an option—it was a requirement.
Vesna Cikovic
David Lum
Pat Lord - May she rest in peace
Thank you for giving me the gift of music.
It stretched my mental capacity, fueled my creativity, and taught me how to perform with discipline and heart.
My Dad would invest in pianos and instruments so we had the best tools to excel in music.
The cost of music lessons was graciously covered by my Aunt, who dropped off a check every month so we could attend classes at Brimley and Sheppard.
My Mom did the pick ups and drop offs.
My brother and I both grew to love music deeply, and to this day, it remains a daily topic of conversation between us.
We met Vesna, a piano teacher who truly cared and quietly demanded excellence. Our mom insisted we practice for a minimum of two hours a day— no matter what, rain, shine, hail, snow, or sleet. Under Vesna’s guidance, my brother and I became one of the best piano duet duos in the City of Toronto for many years. She nurtured my love of classical music and developed my brother’s gift of playing by ear. Vesna, we thank you.
On Sundays, I would be dropped off at Auntie Pat’s house, where I learned the power of storytelling—using my voice and music. I spent countless hours with her, mastering the craft of singing and performance. If you’ve ever heard me sing, you’ve heard her in my phrasing and tone. I miss you deeply. Rest in peace.
One of the most challenging and rewarding chapters of my musical journey was under the direction of David Lum. He is one of the most remarkable and talented musicians of our time. I attended his weekly classes and his after-school program, which gave us the opportunity to win numerous awards and travel internationally with the ACI band. I’ll never forget those years. My brother and I often reflect on them—the discipline, the intensity, and how they deepened our love and respect for music.
Music has shaped my life. And now, I have the privilege of helping young people in San Francisco discover the transformative power of opera.
I honored to join the San Francisco Opera Guild as a Board of Director.
Up or down?
🔄 Share to bring awareness to this cause.
Some stories change the direction of your life.
Watching my mother slowly drift into the world of Alzheimer’s has been one of the most painful and humbling experiences of my life. Loving someone whose memories are fading teaches you that love is no longer about what they remember… it’s about what you remember, and how fiercely you hold onto it for them.
Being a long-distance caregiver comes with a quiet ache. There are moments I wish I could be there for every doctor’s visit, every difficult day, every small victory. But through this journey, I’ve realized caregiving is never done alone. It’s a circle of love.
I want to salute the people who carry so much of that love every single day: my Aunt, my Dad, and my brother. The patience, the late nights, the hard decisions, the emotional strength it takes to care for someone you love so deeply I see it, and I am endlessly grateful for you.
This experience has also awakened something new in me. A deeper purpose. A passion for Alzheimer’s advocacy and for sharing my mother’s story so that more families feel seen, supported, and understood.
My mother gave me so much creativity, resilience, and the gift of believing in my own hands. Now I want to honor her by using my voice.
This video is just the beginning of that journey. 🤍
For my mom.
For caregivers everywhere.
And for the love that remains, even when memories begin to fade.
My daughter has a growing passion for ballet, and I thought about her throughout the San Francisco Ballet Festival.
As I watched the performance, I kept thinking about what it means for a young person to fall in love with an art form. The discipline, the imagination, and the years of practice behind one effortless moment.
It was such a powerful reminder that no goal or dream is ever impossible.
Sometimes we need to witness excellence up close to remember what dedication can create. Sometimes we need to sit in the audience and be reminded that every extraordinary performance started with someone’s first class, first dream, first brave step.
Thank you to Kim @kcfama for the invitation, and well done to San Francisco Ballet on a beautiful performance. @sfballet@sfballetschool
Baby girl you got next.
Green means GO! 🛻💨🚦Still processing this night✨
Over $40 million raised for Tipping Point Community @tippingpoint and a room filled with people who truly believe in the power of community.
Hearing the stories of 3 successful participants gave me chills. The kind of stories that stay with you long after the night ends.
But what inspired me most was seeing my friends’ vision, dedication, and years of hard work come to life in such a beautiful way. The trust, generosity, and love in that room was unforgettable. Well done @niissh and @maryammuduroglu .
Moments like this remind me why impact work matters so much to me. 🤍
Oh and to top it off... a performance by @ludacris .
#Philanthropy #SanFrancisco #LuxuryWithPurpose #Communityimpact
10 years ago, I emailed the @cfda requesting invitations to attend fashion shows. Now, I am invited.
A full circle moment.
This weekend, I experienced the @evaroitalia Evaro Italia Spring 2026 Fashion Show at the historic Fairmont San Francisco @fairmontsanfrancisco .
A private salon-style runway presentation.
Made in Italy ready-to-wear and couture.
Live music.
Italian elegance in San Francisco.
I started as a dressmaker with big dreams and a deep love for beautiful construction. Over the last decade, that love has grown into brand building, digital marketing strategy, consulting, and helping creative businesses tell stronger stories.
So to sit in that room and see emerging designers celebrated felt incredibly special.
This is also why I am proud to serve as an advisor with @raisefashionnow , supporting emerging designers with the strategy, insight, and access needed to grow in an industry that still requires both talent and sponsorship.
Congratulations to Evaro on a beautiful show. Thank you for bringing Italy to San Francisco and creating such an elegant space for fashion, craftsmanship, and vision.
10 years in business.
10 years of dreaming.
10 years of becoming.
My full look by @maravalmade
#10yearsinbusiness 10yearsofdreaming
LA Day on Friday
9AM Drop baby to school.
1PM hop on @united
3PM with the girls at @dior
5PM Shopping on Rodeo
8PM Back home in my his arms
10 years of dreams. #10yearsinbusiness
