Nice to Meet You!
Did you know that the In and Out-of-School Time field has some of the greatest working professionals that ‘Inspire Youth, Inspire Learning, and Inspire Change’ year-round? TEAMBOOST proudly features BOOST Partners, Ambassadors, and Leadership Team members in the GTKY (Getting to Know You) collaborative blog series! Today, let’s Get To Know BOOST Leadership Team Member, Erica Cardoso (She/Her).
Thank you, Erica, for your meaningful contributions to the BOOST community! We appreciate you!
Get to Know BOOST Leadership Team Member Erica Cardoso (She/Her)
Erica is the Risk Management Associate for Think Together in Santa Ana, CA.
What is one thing that motivates you? Share your inspiration.
Challenge! I’m constantly looking for something new to do and learn! I love to keep busy so anything I find interesting in exploring is always motivating.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! 
My sweet four-legged buddy Zuca! He’s seriously my companion and shadow. He does not like to be held at all, but does love a good belly rub and a walk!
What go-to song would you sing at Karaoke night?
Shania Twain’s “Let’s Go Girls!”
Share any unique hobbies or talents.
I hold a Cosmetology License – and absolutely LOVE special event hair styling. Lately, I’ve been into Pilates and reading. I’ve also explored cake decorating, event decor, and planning. Recently, I have loved diving into photography. Also, country music concerts have been my jam.
Favorite animal noise?
Oh my – the DONKEY! Because it’s the only noise I can decently make.
What is your most treasured book to read?
I am currently reading “The Wrong Family” by Tarryn Fisher. Add me on the Goodreads App!
Share an inspirational quote that resonates with you.
“Dream until your dreams come true.”
If you could be any person for a day, who would you be and why? 
Not sure I would be any one person, but if I could walk a day in the life of another person I would explore an array of careers (country singer, detective, mortician, etc.)
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Love yourself and know it’s going to be okay!
If you really knew me you would know that…
I love being part of my Portuguese culture.
Today for breakfast I had…
Banana Cream yogurt with granola, strawberries, & blueberries.
From all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you, Erica, for sharing your leadership with us. You are a wonderful partner and a shining light for youth!