A LITTLE ABOUT ME
Hello once again! Daniela here, writing from the bipolar state of Florida. I’m twenty-four years old, originally from Caracas, Venezuela, but I moved to Miami at the age of five. I’m a recent grad of Florida International University (FIU) where I finished my Masters degree in Hospitality Management. About a year ago I discovered my love for cycling. I first started to notice it when I would drive to work Saturday mornings and I’d see groups of cyclist riding in a peloton, just the sight of them would make me smile. A couple of months after that, I took up cycling and now I feel there’s no better way of spending a Saturday morning than on my bike.
Biking across the country is something that I’ve always wanted to do, but I never dreamed that I could actually do it. Once I heard about Bike & Build, I was determined to make it a reality! The first time I heard about B&B was from a photographer called Michael George (instagram: @migeophoto, take a look you wont be disappointed!). On his website I stumbled upon the pictures of his legendary B&B trip, and I told myself I had to sign up for this adventure! I love to travel, so seeing a large part of the country from a bicycle sounds like a dream come true!
With Bike & Build, I’ll be able to raise awareness and funds to improve our nation's affordable housing crisis. I will be connecting with Americans across the country to exchange information about housing issues, and working alongside community members during affordable housing building projects. I am also going to experience the beauty (and challenge) of the American landscape from the seat of a two-wheeled, human-powered vehicle. Besides the physical accomplishment of cycling cross-country, Bike & Build shows how both individuals and organizations are working towards affordable housing goals in their home states. The Affordable Housing cause is a national one and a lot of cities/towns have people working to solve this issue every day.
My job has led me to work with inner-city children over the past years, an overwhelming number of which are directly affected by the affordable housing problem. I have seen the direct impact that a lack of adequate housing has on a student's attitude, motivation, focus, and overall performance. My goal this summer is not only to make a difference across the US, but also network with people I meet along the way so that I can bring innovative ideas back home.
Even though I know it's going to be an insane challenge, I'm extremely excited about biking across the country next summer. I've always wanted to see as much of the US as possible, and Bike & Build is a great way to see a huge variety in landscape and spend a ton of time outside while also helping others and spreading an important message. I can't wait to get started!
In order for me to participate in Bike & Build, I must raise $4,500. I need your support in my cross-country Bike & Build endeavor. If you choose to donate, your contribution will be tax-deductible. You can make a contribution clicking on the donate button below which will direct you to the Bike & Build site. The proceeds from the trip will be used to help fund affordable housing projects. A couple examples of volunteer affordable housing organizations Bike & Build works with include Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together. Your donation, together with contributions from others, will have a substantial impact on the affordable housing crisis throughout the country.