Where are you originally from? Prince George's County, Maryland - about 30 minutes outside Washington, D.C. My parents are originally from Haiti.
When did you join FIT4MOM? In 2020, during the pandemic, attending virtually from home, when pregnant with my first child. Fit4Mom was really a lifeline for me during such an isolating time and going through something so wildly new and different.
What classes do you attend? Fit4Baby and Stroller Strides virtually, then eventually in-person HIIT classes, and Running Club. Now back to Fit4Baby for my second child! The first time I came in-person after the pandemic, we did HIIT on top of the RTC parking garage, and when we laid down for one of the exercises, I realized I hadn't seen the stars in a year! I think about that moment a lot and that I am glad Fit4Mom was there to pull me out of my baby cocoon.
Who is/are your workout buddy(ies) and their age(s)? My son Avery is about to turn 4 years old. My second child is due early October.
What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM? Having people to talk to who know what you are going through and encourage you to invest in yourself and your health.
What is your current job? My job is to drive forward virtual & augmented reality research by focusing on human needs and creating new experiences. I work with researchers and scientists in Reality Labs Research, a part of Meta.
Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village? Not having any family or close friends in this area, I definitely have learned that it takes multiple people to raise a child! As parents we get so worn out. I am grateful we have found a couple past daycare teachers who are able to babysit sometimes!
What is your favorite beverage? I don't get to drink it often, but I love a drink called Cola Lacaye from Haiti. It has a great taste and smell, and brings back nostalgia from drinking it growing up.
What is your favorite dessert? Apple pie.
You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do? If on my own, go get my hair done! There aren't really hair salons for my hair in this area (Eastside), so I often have to travel pretty far.
What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination? Going back to Kauai with my husband-- it is where we had our honeymoon :)
How has becoming a mother changed you? I didn't know anything about kids going into it and so I learned a lot about being silly and meeting them where they are in their development. It is really amazing to see how they experience the world as they grow, it really makes you appreciate the miracle of our existence much more. I think it has made me more patient with people in general, and I think more out of the box when working creatively.
I am happiest when... I'm learning something new :) Including about myself!