HI, MY NAME IS… Stefanie Smith.
I’VE LIVED IN PHOENIX FOR 28 YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… I’m a very rare bird in that I am fourth generation Arizona native! I am from the southern part of our beautiful state and have called central and east Phoenix home for the past 28 years. I love how the Valley has grown and changed over the years and that areas like PV are conscious of how development impacts the beauty of the desert.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES…getting up early, spending some quality time with my four-legged kids (husband is usually still asleep) before heading off to a job I am blessed to have and love! I’m the executive director for Clarendale Arcadia Senior Residences.
MY FAMILY IS… my husband, our three dogs and one crazy cat are my immediate family, though I am close to my extended family, especially my grandparents who are in their mid-90s and have been married for 75 years!
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… well, loved ones is the true and honest answer, however a materialistic answer is SHOES! I have a BIT of a shoe obsession (or problem).
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY… is a hard one as I love movies! I must choose two; “Love Actually” because for me, the resounding message is to follow your heart and that love, in its many forms, usually wins; “Hoosiers” because it embodies the coming together of a team (a team has many forms) and the power of hard work and commitment to a common goal.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… an ambassador to a foreign country.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… Oh boy, as my husband and friends can attest, I cannot carry a tune. At. All. However, what I lack in talent, I make up for in enthusiasm! I would belt out “We Are Family.”
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my husband, John. He doesn’t allow me to be too hard on myself and is an incredible sounding board. He is supportive with everything I do and keeps me grounded.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… my team at work. I am fortunate to work with a group of leaders who have a true passion for what we do and the culture of our community and who are diligent, yet never miss a chance to have fun and share smiles and laughter.
THE PERFECT DAY IS… an early round of golf with my husband followed by a nice meal and ending with walking the dogs through our neighborhood. Simple is good!
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… Halo Animal Rescue. I am passionate about rescuing – especially bully breeds. Don’t shop for pets – ADOPT!
MY LIFE IS… Blessed. I have a great life. A wonderful husband, good friends, our fur kids, and a career I am passionate about (serving seniors) with a great company (LCS & Clarendale Arcadia).
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… my grandmother’s engagement ring. She and my grandfather have been married for 75 years and she gave me her engagement ring to wear when my husband and I got married this past April. It was my “something old.”
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… a month long stay at a cabin in Wyoming with our dogs, complete with long hikes during the day and relaxing by a cozy fire with a good glass or two of wine at night.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… from my grandfather. “Work hard, keep learning, and be honest in everything you do.”
