We had the good fortune of connecting with Amaris Runia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amaris, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
At one point I was also an outsider. I believed that once you were in, you were in. I thought that it was going to be easy and all you had to do was get there. I’ve since realized that is not the case. You still have to do the work, you still have to show up. Everyone is going after the same things you are and you deserve to be there just as much as they do, but you also have to work just as hard if not harder to stay in the game.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have worked in Social Service majority of my professional career. I spent some years in Administration as well. I graduated with a bachelor’s in human services, and started working in non-profit. I do feel that where I am today was somewhat of a struggle to arrive. I had to climb corporate ladders and deal with workplace politics, but I have landed in a position that I enjoy and allows me to hone in on my skill set. I think what sets me apart from others is my versatility and the variety of fields and sectors I have worked in. On StrengthsFinder, empathy is my number one strength. What got me through was remembering why I was here and who I was helping, and what things would look like when I eventually made it to the other side. I’ve learned so many lessons along the way. One being, you will miss something about the phase you are in, so don’t wish your life away.

I am most proud of the work and care I give to the people I am helping every day. I want the world to know that I am not your average girl. I’ve experienced a lot in life and that all reflects in the work I do and create. I have a passion for storytelling, and I am excited to eventually share that part of me with the world. I am most excited about my future because I am excited to explore my craft and eventually turn my hobby into my career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, my best friends did just come and visit, and this is what we did.

Friday, I took them to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, and we hiked around there. Then we went to Issa’ Rae’s new coffee shop. Then we went to Dockweiler beach and ended the night with dinner at Madre’s in Mid City.

Saturday, we walked to a coffee shop, hit Santa Monica and went to a rooftop bar. Then we grabbed In and Out for dinner. Then went to one of my friends for a PowerPoint night. After that, we went to out to one of my favorite places, The Bungalow.

Sunday, we went to The Getty and then grabbed dinner at a cute Mediterranean restaurant.

On Monday, we went to LACMA and then walked around downtown, stopping at the Grand Central Market. On the way home we stopped at to Erewhon.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout out to my Basic Acting class teacher. She believed in me so without here, I wouldn’t be here, literally. I wouldn’t be in LA, so I have a lot to thank her for.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amarisrunia/

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