ASHLEY SMITH is the Administrative Assistant to the CEO of Foothill Credit Union (Our Rotary Club member, Brian Hall). She is married with a 10 year old daughter and 4 year old son.

She presented with detailed powerpoint with pictures explaining her family, sports and personal history. She was athletic in her youth. She played tennis with her grandfather as early as three years old. She revered the man who always encouraged her to set her to aim high.   She played club soccer at the age of 10. In High School she played three sports but she had the opportunity to go to the Bolletieri Tennis Camp in Florida where several of our greatest U.S. tennis players were coached. Thereafter she committed to Tennis as her main sport which allowed her to obtain a full ride scholarship to Cal Poly Pomona.

She described some geographical moves: Originally from Palm Springs in her youth, College and work in Southern California, meeting and marrying her husband in 2010 and going to Missouri to support his grandfather for 4 years and the eventual return to our neighborhood.

In the Q&A she said she enjoys the variety of her work that her position allows at Foothill Credit Union.

BRUNO ESQUIVEL  related his success story as an immigrant.  His parents moved to the U.S. from Guatemala (legally) when he was 6 months old and moved back when he was 10.  He said they worked hard, often with two jobs each.

Education was a priority for his parents so he had the opportunity to go private school in Guatemala  which encouraged him to go in the direction of Industrial Engineering, but not a fit. He ended up in corporate sales for the phone company.

At age 20 he returned to the U.S on his own, supported himself with various jobs until landing at Bank of America. He worked his way up, was able to go to college and completed a Business Degree from Cal State L.A.

He is the principal of the Edwards Jones office in Arcadia. He said all of his experiences led him to this job, a perfect fit for him.  He has received regional recognition from his company, mentors others and continues with his own development including his Series 6, 7 and other licenses to offer all the expertise needed in financial planning, estate planning, insurance and investments.

Bruno is married and has two Shitsu dogs.  In his spare time he and his wife enjoy movies.

He finished his presentation summarizing a quote from Booker T. Washington: “Those who are happiest are those that do the most for others” -a perfect credo for a Rotarian.