It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us. So often we get bogged down in the hustle and bustle of daily life, and we forget to pause and give thanks for everything that makes life so good. This year, BOCAteers were extra thankful for special treats delivered from Porto’s Bakery and sent by the BOCA culture team. We also participated in a super fun Friendsgiving happy hour with a virtual painting party and a ‘favorite foods’ exchange. Each team member was assigned a secret someone to send their favorite food/snack item to. We then enjoyed the snacks together while painting. Distance is definitely not a hindrance to BOCA bonding thanks to our amazing culture committee!
Before we all head home to spend time with loved ones and eat too much food, BOCAteers share below what they are most thankful for this year…
Kathleen Shanahan
Founder
I feel thankful everyday – family, friends, love, kindness of people, authentic to myself and others. I appreciate each and every day and I want to say Thank You! I love BOCA in all of its carnations. To love and happiness. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Anthony Lam
Account Director
I am thankful to have a healthy family. With the recent birth of our daughter, I am learning to appreciate the little things a lot more and am thankful for the love and support that my wife and I have received from our family.
Sammy Totah
SVP and Partner
This may sound cliché but I am truly grateful for good health. For myself, my wife, my friends and family. And not just physical health but mental health as well. The mind and the body are truly connected. It takes work and a good support system (from your home to your work environment) to make that happen. I’m privileged to work every day with a diverse group of people with all different personalities and backgrounds. But most importantly, I recognize we are all here for each other. We can lean on each other in good times and bad. It takes a strong foundation to build a home and that’s what we have at BOCA.
Kayla Castro
Account Coordinator
This year has flown by! Time really does fly when you’re having fun. I am thankful to have those I love around me and in good health. This year I also moved out of my parents to my first apartment away from home so I’m grateful for a successful move and for my boyfriend for making it such an easy transition and supporting me through everything.
Taylor Byers
Account Director
This year especially, I feel so grateful to have such supportive family and friends. My fiance and I are getting married on Dec. 9 and planning our wedding has been the most exciting journey thanks to our loved ones.
Diego Vasquez
Editorial Director
As always, I’m thankful for my family and friends, and especially grateful that the pandemic is under control enough to be able to actually enjoy time with them in person. The past few years have been tough for everybody, but it will be great to enjoy the holidays in real life this year — the food, laughs and good times just don’t hit the same on Zoom!
Kat Perry
Account Executive
Travel is something I’m extremely grateful for since it provides an opportunity to learn something new –a language, a culture, a recipe– with a hands-on approach. This year, I’m especially grateful for travel, as I was lucky enough to backpack through Europe for the summer. In 94 days, I was able to explore 14 different countries and 32 new cities where I met lifelong friends, tasted local foods, and learned something new every day.
Janet Sauter
Account Executive
I’m extremely thankful for my family and friends, new and old. As each year passes by a little quicker than the last, I’ve learned to appreciate the small things that make each year even better than the last. This Thanksgiving, I am super excited to spend the day in bed, with my boyfriend and dog, binge-watching the new “Criminal Minds Evolution” series. Neither of us is big on Thanksgiving food so we’ll be ordering pizza and enjoying some quality time together as a family.
Lauren Brown
Content Specialist
I continue to be thankful for my family and friends, and our good health. Another day alive is a great day and I’m happy to be here for it all. I’m especially thankful to be spending Thanksgiving on the beach in Mexico this year with my family!