Destiny relocated from Arizona in 2014 and “never looked back.” She quickly fell in love with the Pacific Northwest and she credits RDF for helping to make Portland feel like home.
Why did you decide to do the kind of work you are doing now?
I got into the legal field in high school actually! One of my cousins is a [brilliant] attorney and I started as her filing clerk during the summer months. She is also legally blind so I was her driver for court appearances and got to sit in the court room. Learning from her and watching her work fueled my passion for helping people. Ever since then I have always worked in a law office – doing mostly family and criminal defense, some federal, which was really exciting. So, I started off at RDF as a legal assistant in 2014 and then transitioned into my new role in the last couple years.
What skills would you like to master?
Tap dancing! I’ve always been drawn to it. I picked it up for a little over one year when I moved to Portland and I felt like I got the hang of it quickly. At that time I just couldn’t commit to the practice – but I’m not giving up yet. One day I will be another Eleanor Powell!
Tell us about the last adventure that you went on?
Gosh – it’s been too long. In 2019 I went to Puerto Penasco, Mexico and stayed right on the beach. It was beautiful and such a fun time. I’m due for another adventure SOON!
Could you give a 40-minute presentation on a topic with absolutely no preparation?
Yes, skin care! I’m such a huge proponent for skin care – I just recently became a licensed Esthetician! I have my own line (DOLA Skin Care) and can spend 12 hours straight researching ingredients and making recipes and not even get sick of it.
What small gesture from a stranger made a big impact on you?
This didn’t happen to me, personally, but I witnessed an act of kindness that made my heart so happy I cried (tears of joy are common thing in my world). I was waiting to turn left at an intersection, and the walk sign didn’t make a noise like a lot of them do, to signal that its okay to walk. I saw a blind man standing on the curb, confused and not sure if he could cross the street or not. People were just walking past him, not paying attention – I almost put my car in park right there to got out of my car to help. Then a man realized what was happening and he turned around and went back, lightly touched the mans shoulder and walked him across the street. And they were talking and smiling with each other. That’s what it means to be human. We take care of each other and form connections. I just started balling. Haha, I’m getting teared up now just thinking about it!
What’s the silliest thing you’ve done that actually turned out pretty well?
Hmmm…that’s tough. I’m sure there’s other occurrences, and probably more recent, but what’s coming to mind is the time I sang karaoke for my first (and so far, only) time a few years ago. I had always wanted to do it – because I love music and dancing – but I have always been terrified. I must have been feeling it that night because I chose an old and really fast Garth Brooks song (“Ain’t Going Down…”) and just went for it! And, I’m proud to say that I crushed it! I put on a real show – I would have made Garth proud.
Stay tuned for another RDF Employee Spotlight next month! If you want to learn more about our RDF Team and culture visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
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