Roxanny I Armendariz
Joined the Board of Directors in 2023
23 yrs ago I asked for a volunteer opportunity at NeDA and the rest is history, I fell in love with nonprofits and the work each do, after 3 years of volunteer work a position was open and I jumped at the opportunity. My role as a counselor allowed me to wear many hats which is great because I love learning. One of my passions is to make people laugh out loud. Our work, our life all can be stressful so I make sure to make you smile because why not. I am married with 3 children (don’t do it). I am from San Juan Puerto Rico, my husband is from Mexico and we have 1 son, 2 daughters. I love the ocean, but I can’t swim. I love to read, I’m fascinated by history and scared of it too. I probably enjoy the hat of being a facilitator the most, here is where I get people to engage in being positive to change. I can facilitate financial presentations and be happy, no paperwork, please.
Exodus Lending is just right for our community. I got involved back when David Snyder was doing community gathering to create what was later called Exodus Lending; we will meet at a church and organize to go to the payday places and try to get some sort of paperwork that will show the APR before taking on a payday loan. I was amazed at what a payday loan was doing to the community. I didn’t know what a payday loan was and I wanted to learn more. When I came across a client that had a payday loan Exodus Lending was there to help me and my client. I am grateful for Exodus Lending and proud to be part of their journey to protect us from predatory lending, you guys want to create laws that protect the well-being of others so I say hell yeah I am in.
Who is one person who inspires you and why?
My grandma Ines inspired me, she was deaf, most of her familiy members too, she had 4 children, 2 were born deaf and back then no resources were available for their condition, yet she manage to create the most beautiful cakes, pastries, and food to support her family. I have so many freaking memories of woman that was so kind, that show me that in life you treat others with respect. I will sit for hours and watch her make cakes and paint porcelain dolls. She is my inspiration, she will always be.