Today we’d like to introduce you to Katia Callahan.
Hi Katia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Katia Callahan. I was born and raised in Mexico City where I graduated as a kindergarten teacher. Later I relocated to San Francisco where I lived for many years and started to actively volunteer in schools where my son used to go. Seven years ago, I moved to Chula Vista, where I fell in love with our city. I actively participate in activities focused on the well-being and growth of our community. Chula Vista is the city where I currently work, live & volunteer in seven local organizations.
I will share a little bit with you about Eastlake Food to Go! that has brought so much joy into my life.
I started this Facebook page on March, 13th when the pandemic started.
My sister Dania has also been a big part of this.
The reason why the page was created its to support our local small businesses, restaurants- family owned and franchises alike- that create jobs & generate revenue here in our community. Also, business owners in our city that own restaurants in another city. I believe that if we support each other & try to make a difference, we will be stronger & united.
I don’t make any money doing this. This has been five yrs of volunteered hours. Mornings & Nights , tired or not I do it with all of my heart & dedication. I don’t regret it because I have seen so much love, so many stories that is the best thing that have happened to me.
I won’t stop. I will keep searching for ways to help & doing what I can do to help make our city better than others by connecting dots.
Some facts:
I started also a networking event called The Eastlake Hub where business owners and community members meet to network together, embracing each other.
When any of our members are in need or going through a hardship, I post and the whole community comes through.
This will be my 4th year that we do an event on Thanksgiving to feed anyone that is struggling in our community. This is the second year that I united forces with two local businesses, 3 N 1 Restaurant & Bar and Westcoast BBQ in Eastlake organizing a sitting down dinner. With the same purpose. Thanksgiving.
Last year we hosted over 50 families.
The Eastlake food to go Facebook page has over 25 k members.
Instagram over 9k.
Bonita and South Bay food to go has over 6 k.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A lot of people think that this is my job or that I make an income out it. I do this from my heart.
Also, I don’t allow any negativity or political opinions in the page. If someone posts something negative about a business I will delete it as part of the rules. They know that the page is only to support each other and its not a review page.
People have been mad about it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently work at WishWell Counseling and Empowering Center. I am the Outreach Coordinator.
I meet the founder of this organization through The Eastlake Hub.
I love their mission on coaching kids, teens and families in life skills, processing emotions, giving them tools to succeed in life.
What makes you happy?
Helping others.
Why-
Life has given me so many opportunities. I am a cancer survivor, lost my vision when I was 18th for a year and so many other things that has made live life.
I always say- life is fragile. Everyday its a gift.
Contact Info:
- Website: Wishwell: Your Professional Counseling & Empowerment Center https://share.google/JUgsH9SgzGCJvgZiB
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastlakefoodtogo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3551880468217331/
