Katy Mendes
Posted by Love Hope Strength on Apr 4, 2008
My name is Katy Mendes. I’m 35 years old and originally from a small town in France called St. Andre de Bage. My heritage is Portuguese, which, in strong part, has made me an independent, strong-willed woman. From an early age, I was taught to fight for the things I believe in, which in turn has provided me a strong set of values and passion for things such as friendship, quality and being good to others.
I received my academic training in France, in Business & Social Economics, and began a career in that field. However, at age 25, after a few years in the business world, I realized that the typical ‘desk job’ was not my true calling. Instead, an instinct which I had recognized since childhood, to help people, began to emerge. In wanting to explore this feeling, I decided to take some time off from work. Based upon the recommendation of some new friends from Denver, CO, I decided to come to the States for a four-week visit. Now, after 9 years, I have yet to return…
When I first arrived in Denver, I didn’t speak any English, so I decided to take a 6-week intensive English course. Shortly after, I decided that I wanted to begin studying ‘Sports & Performance.’ So, I enrolled at Metro State College, and subsequently got my B.A. in this area. While in school, I also completed a 1-year Massage Therapy certification, which helped further my desire to help others. It also helped me pay for school…
In retrospect, moving to Colorado and completing another degree proved to be significant challenges, but doing so helped me realize that life is all about growth, both personal and professional. This being said, I continue to challenge myself today in as many ways as possible. For example, I regularly compete in long-distance running races, participate in extreme sports such as skydiving and surfing, and travel as regularly as possible to new destinations in the USA, Mexico and Europe.
Formally, I am a fitness instructor and trainer, who works with people to affect positive change. I thrive on helping people become more comfortable with who they are – both inside and out. Informally, I am a good friend and confidant, and often find myself serving as the ‘shoulder to lean on’ among my colleagues and friends.
Perhaps the biggest virtue for which I stand is that of justice. I understand that there are many problems in the world, and that we all need to ‘roll with things’ so as to not get too wrapped up in problems, but when I see someone who is being treated unfairly, I will make a point of doing everything I can to right a wrong. This is especially true for those who don’t have the means to defend themselves.
I am fascinated by medicine and improving the health and well-being of my clients and myself. The shows I watch on TV and the articles I read are almost always focused on nutrition, disease, new medical techniques and medical research. It is from this interest that I decided to get involved with the Peru Rocks program. I am hoping it will give me the opportunity to go beyond just raising money and allow me to get involved at a hands-on level, to directly help those who are ill or less fortunate. It is another challenge for me…but is one that is ready to be met!
Tryst Rocks!
Posted by Michelle Poirer on May 1, 2008
Tryst Rocks
Hosted by: Michelle Poirier and Katy Mendes
Location: Tryst Cocktail Lounge - 1512 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
When: Saturday, May 10th, 6 - 9pm
Cost: $10 per person suggested minimum donation
You are invited to join local Peru Rocks Trekkers, Michelle Poirier and Katy Mendes, for an evening of cocktails, raffle items and generous people all within one of Denver’s most sensual and sophisticated atmospheres, Tryst Lounge on Larimer, to raise money for the INEN Cancer Center in Peru.
The small $10 suggested donation will provide you one well drink ‘on the rocks’, a house wine or a bottled beer. Plus, Tryst is graciously donating the full cover charge to the funding that Michelle and Katy are required to raise for their trek to Machu Picchu in Peru. We ask you to please share your own love, hope and strength with this deserving cause.
Peru Rocks is going to be an epic event benefitting Love Hope Strength Foundation (LHS).
For details on Tryst, click here
