Staff Spotlight: Take Five with Patty Duh
What is your role at EPIC ‘Ohana? Pono Process Lead / HI HOPES Match Kaua’i Site Coordinator. Two years ago, I became an EPIC employee but I've been involved with EPIC `Ohana since I was 15 or 16 as a program recipient. Then at the age of 18, I became involved with the HI H.O.P.E.S Youth Leadership Board on Kaua’i.
Share with us your favorite EPIC ‘Ohana story? Honestly, there are so many stories that I have with EPIC `Ohana and many of my colleagues now have literally watched me grow up in a sense. My favorite story would be when I first started working at EPIC and so many individuals who knew me were so excited to find out that I was their co-worker and hearing the excitement in their voices. I've never felt so welcomed into a workplace before.
Describe EPIC ‘Ohana in one word: Accepting
What would you like others to know about EPIC ‘Ohana? EPIC has changed my life. Without EPIC, without my colleagues, I would not have been able to learn and continue growing in my professional capacity. I would not have had the chance to heal from trauma that I've experienced. EPIC is a place that truly cares not only about the community but their employees and it means a lot to work within an agency that does.
What is your personal philosophy? Regardless of the degree, knowledge, and experience I hold. I am no better than someone else but equal to them. With that being said, I can also grow and learn from other individuals as long as I am willing to accept it.
What is one thing you couldn’t live without? This is going to sound very cliché but my family and friends. While I am a source of strength for myself. They are also my sounding board, strength on days when I feel too weak, motivators, cheerleaders, and more.
What are you listening to/reading these days? I am not really listening or reading much these days. But I am watching a lot of TV Shows like WandaVision on Disney +, Criminal Minds on Hulu, 100 on Netflix and more.
What is an interesting fact that most people don’t know about you? An interesting fact about me that most people don't know is that whenever I travel somewhere, I collect Snow globes from those places I've visited. I would say I have a pretty unique and growing collection now.
