Meet Denaee Amaya | Public Servant, City Commissioner, Board Member

We had the good fortune of connecting with Denaee Amaya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denaee, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Five years ago, I began my public service career. As a first-generation college graduate, I was eager to accept any and every position that came my way. For years, my motto was “pursue every opportunity, you never know what may come out of it”. In theory, it was a great idea until it resulted in severe burnout. The lack of balance between my career, mental/physical wellness and home life responsibilities quickly caught up to me – which lead to moments of anxiety and depression. Now, I am more intentional about the opportunities I choose to engage in and align them with my goal at the time.

I believe balance is about staying even – not allowing myself to become too consumed with one part of my life. If I am spending a lot of my time at work, I ensure that I prioritize time to rest and recharge.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a public servant by heart and craft. I believe that title was given to me when I became an older sister to my 3 younger siblings. Their radiating presence cultivated my love for helping others, especially young people. As a student, I enjoyed participating in leadership programs, running in class elections, and mentoring our youth. Once I graduated from Arizona State University, I was ready to attend law school but quickly realized I would not be interfacing with members of the community, as often as I’d hoped. To fulfill that goal, I interned for the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement and started my career serving the City of Los Angeles. That experience truly shaped my passion for helping vulnerable communities and provided me with the tools to grow in my profession — but the growth wasn’t always linear.

As a young woman of color, I’ve faced adversity and many moments of imposter syndrome. Oftentimes, I was the youngest person in the room and It took time for me to find my confidence. I had a difficult time believing that I was deserving of these opportunities and qualified to influence positive change in my roles. This discomfort gave me perspective and inspired me to get involved in my hometown. For 3 years now, I have served as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner and President of the Library Board of Trustees for the City of Covina. These experiences molded my mission to advocate for inclusivity, diversity, and equal access to opportunities. Soon after, I became the youngest board member to serve on the current YWCA – San Gabriel Valley, Board of Directors.

Now, when I am confronted with doubt, I reflect on the challenges I’ve overcome. Every obstacle shaped my path and made me more resilient. Moving past my fears allowed me to serve my city and now, the State of California. Currently, I am working for the California State Assembly and advocating for the needs of my community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Covina, I love supporting our small businesses. Head over to RAD Coffee for their signature Matcha Latte. It is a must to stop at Red Devil Pizza for a slice of Pepperoni and Sausage. After dinner, walk over to Scoops on Tap to satisfy your sweet tooth.

On Fridays, we hang out at Edna Vees for some tasty Micheladas and walk our dog to the local farmer’s market.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A Love Letter to my Community; My success has been shaped by many extraordinary people, all with their own unique stories. Four parental figures raised me and they all had a profound influence on my life. However, my mother is the inspiration behind my passion for serving others. She is compassionate, thoughtful, and fearless. My grandparents, mother, and her siblings immigrated to the United States and forged their own paths in this country. Their strength and resilience have served as my guidepost for years.

The best chapter of my life started when Aaron and I first met. He is my beloved partner, best friend, and “Forever Volunteer”. Public Service is a career that exceeds the 9-5 standard. The reason I am able to succeed and still remain true to myself is due to his continued love and support. We also recently became “Pawrents” to a 5-month-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Kylo, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Lastly, I would not be where I am today, without the friends, family, colleagues, mentors, and countless people that have supported me. Whether it was volunteering on my first school board campaign or donating canned goods to a food drive I organized — I am forever thankful for every person who contributed and believed in my vision for our community. They serve as my motivation to keep fighting the good fight.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/denaeeamaya/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/denaee-amaya/