Anne Shenberger, 61, Philadelphia
Executive director for CASA/Youth Advocates
Coolest thing about her job: The volunteers we work with come from all walks of life, with such a wide variety of experiences. They have such commitment and enthusiasm and passion, which energizes me every day. Second, our staff and board are equally passionate, committed, hardworking and enthusiastic. If I’m ever the least bit apprehensive about something, I just look to our volunteers, our staff and our board. They pump me up and get me energized. Third, the opportunities we have to do something in the best interest of the kids, who’ve experienced tremendous trauma, stress, pain and sadness. We’re able to do things for them that no one else has been able to do.
The last thing she read: Every day, I read the Inquirer, the Daily News and the New York Times. My favorite books are totally escapist in nature—murder, mystery, espionage, twists to the plot and unusual endings are what I like. I typically go for Nelson DeMille, Sue Grafton, Lisa Scottoline and Patricia Cornwell.
The last thing she ate that she loved: Anything from the CSA farm-share that my friend and I are splitting. Having one is like getting a gift every week. We have a lot of fun finding recipes for things we’ve never cooked.
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Role models: Jane Addams, the mother of social work. My parents are also role models for me.
The perfect vacation: A biking trip, along with wine tasting somewhere in France.
What she likes most about herself: I have a great sense of humor. I’m an eternal optimist and I’ll never say die.
Pet peeve: People intent on seeing the worst in everything.
What she admires most about others: Everybody is different. We share a lot of innate commonalities, and yet everyone is so diverse. We all look at life differently.
Country or rock? Rock. Though my sister, who’s a bit younger and more into pop culture, said I should get an award for the most uninformed individual on earth. I go back to the oldies: Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen.
Words to live by: Always look for the silver lining and the window of opportunity.
