Danae Long is our Scheduling Supervisor, making her critical to the smooth running operations we need and expect here at VBA. Do yourself a favor and take five minutes and get to know her a bit better; we’ll wager there’s stuff here you just didn’t know before.
- How long have you been at VBA? I’ve been with VBA for 3 years and I am the Scheduling Supervisor.
- What about VBA inspires you? Everything! Our incredible staff, the kiddos we work with and my peers in the back of the house. How can I NOT be inspired when surrounded by compassionate individuals making a difference in the world?
- What in your personal life inspires you? Life itself! Life is one hell of a ride and even in the darkest of times there is still light to be found (or whatever Dumbledore said But truly, the journey of life is a beautiful thing and I remind myself daily of how lucky I am to do what I do.
- What is the most challenging aspect about your role? Working towards maximizing services/schedules for our clients and staff.
- What do you like the most about your position and the least? THE FALL. Hahahah, the beginning of every school year is pretty tough. It’s kind of like working on a 500 piece puzzle that turns into a 1000 piece puzzle halfway through. Although it’s the most challenging aspect of my position, working towards maximizing services is the most rewarding!
- If you weren’t at the office, what would you be doing instead? Working on my business! Whether it’s traveling to expand it or getting out there and digging for the crystals myself!
- How do you define success? Being happy! Money isn’t everything, it starts with loving yourself.
- What three books would we find on your bookshelf at home? Harry Potter, Harry Potter, Harry Potter (did you know I like Harry Potter?)
- How has outside knowledge or experiences prepared you for this role? I had previously worked as a legal assistant at a boutique law firm that represented the County of Los Angeles. I was in charge of assisting with over 300 cases at a time and it was key to put out high quality, attentive work at a fast pace. While here I learned that even though it was a high-stress environment, you can still have fun and make it a bit stressful environment! It also taught me how to work smarter and not harder and to manage my time wisely. I had also grown up immersed in my family’s business and had always been taught to be business-minded. My dad, mom and brothers have all taught me the different aspects of business and I’m so grateful I was exposed to that at a young age.
- If you could pick one person to travel the world with, who would it be and why? I can only pick one?! It would have to be my mom! My mom and I have always wanted to do the Amazing Race together.
- Who is your personal hero and why? My dad! I could go on and on and on about all the reasons he is my hero, but I’ll keep it short. I watched him break his mind, soul and body not only supporting our family, but everyone around him. He grew up very poor working in labor farms and didn’t even finish middle school. He worked his butt off and created his own opportunities so he could get his GED, college degree and start successful businesses. He is such a compassionate, hard working man and has never hesitated to extend a helping hand to anyone in need.
- What is one thing nobody at VBA knows about you? That I have a business! Pandemics tend to give you tons of extra time to work on things you’ve always wanted to do.