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The Way the World Interacts With Her

Candy lives in Baltimore, Maryland. “For those that
aren’t able to picture physically where it is,” Candy said,
“we are on the Mid-Atlantic coast of the US. My neigh-
borhood in particular, Locust Point, is on a peninsula
surrounded by the Baltimore Harbor which is a part of
the Chesapeake Bay. I say this because there is a culture
around this location of enjoying spice like Old Bay or
Chesapeake Bay seasoning, local seafood, and water ac-
tivities. I enjoy all of those things.”
Her unforgettable memories of her childhood also
relate to these experiences. She spent a lot of time play-
ing outside as a kid – crabbing with her family, going to
her first baseball game – Baltimore Orioles, and just
enjoying being outside in general.
Even as she grows older, nature remains her trusted
companion. When she’s not occupied with coffee-related
pursuits, she finds solace in the great outdoors, engaging
in activities such as hiking, swimming at the beach or
pool, kayaking, and expressing herself through the art of
drawing or writing.
is another trusted companion Candy found when
she grew up. She started going to a People of Color Sang-
ha when she lived in Washington DC ten to twelve years
ago now. She also sometimes went to the Vietnamese
buddhist center to sit or participate in an event, though
she doesn’t speak the language (Chua Giac Huang). “Both
communities were so welcoming and I keep in touch with
some folks from my community there.” Candy said, “Med-
itation is grounding for me, studying the dharma – the
preciples, the precepts, learning from the stories of the
Buddha help guide me personally and professionally. All
of that makes life a meditation – a practice. I’m always
checking myself. One of her meditations is to conscious-
ly create more time for herself. “I am doing that, slower
than I would like.”

Conversations with Herself

Candy is a graduate of Florida A&M University,
American University, and Universidad para La Paz. She
holds degrees in chemical engineering, international af-
fairs, and natural resources and sustainable development.

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