Hello. Can you tell us your name and profession?
Sabrina Davoodian. Senior community manager
I manage a portfolio of associations and do everything from building their budgets to bidding out million dollar replacement projects. I have a couple of things I dabble in on the side, but that’s my main career and passion.
Sounds like alot of responsibility! Is this a path decided upon starting in college or does it start before that
Well, I started college at 14, so I definitely was not an aspiring community manager back then. To help pay for college, I got a full time job doing basic accounting for Associations. From there, I got exposure to other aspects of the field and began to pursue the path to where I am now.
I noticed your photos are photographed in a variety of locations. Does your work involve travel or do you like to explore in your spare time/on vacations?
My work keeps me local where my clients are, but I travel any opportunity I get – even if it’s a short camping trip within a 6-8 drive.
Any recommendations for California locals?
If you live in California, I believe it is a MUST to see Big Sur, the Bixby Canyon Bridge, and Carmel at some point. This area epitomizes the beauty of the California coast. I didn’t think it possible, but it deepened my appreciation of my state. It’s a road trip must, and very close to so many other great places California has to offer.
When I’m in need of a short and sweet vacation to reset and relax, I love taking the hour and a half ferry ride over to Catalina. It feels like I’m leaving all stress behind on the mainland. I highly recommend renting a golf cart and exploring Avalon in it. Without a golf cart, it’s difficult to take in all Catalina has to offer. The best views are a climb… which brings me to the next recommendation, which is exploring Avalon on the bike. I enjoy taking my road bike, but mountain bikers will appreciate Twin Harbors on the opposite end of Catalina.
Picacho, next to the Colorado River on the southeastern-most part of the state, is one of my favorite camping spots. The sunsets are unreal, and the river is amazing in the summer. Sandbars appear and disappear with the flow of the river, and there is a ramp for launching boats.
On the way there, stop by Slab City. Described as, “the last free place” it’s a group of squatters that have created their own community outside of government. There is no running water or electricity. However, what it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in personality. The art and projects the residents have taken on have transformed the landscape… literally, in the case of Salvation Mountain.
Those are soooo many places! Thank you for all those recommendations. I’ll be sure to personally check some of them out.
Have you traveled outside the state/country before?
Yes, 10 states and 5 countries so far, but I have a long way to go.
Based on your experience, could the idea of traveling on a smaller scale be considered just as satisfying as traveling nationwide/worldwide?
Absolutely! I think as long as you’re exploring new places and enjoying new experiences, it doesn’t matter if it’s nearby or across the world – you’re going to have a great time.
I’m down to my last few questions. Since you are my first interviewee so far that is not a freelancer or contractor, what are your thoughts on one day working remotely.
I’m sure you are working remotely now while the world is in the middle of dealing with the Coronavirus but can you see yourself wanting to work from anywhere or is becoming a digital nomad, not for everyone.
That’s a great question. I don’t think being a digital nomad is for me. Even though I work from home regularly, I would prefer to not have to work during my travels. That way, I can be fully immersed when I’m exploring, and I can still give my work 110% without feeling like it’s taking away from other things.
Last question.
Pineapple on or off a pizza?
Pineapple on a pizza is blasphemy. Definitely off.
Good choice. Thank you for your time
Writer’s comment
Sabrina is an old friend from high school and we periodically still keep in touch. Over a decade ago we had fun times sitting on the grass during lunch.
