CAI-NJ May 2019 (w)

GET to KNOW... Industry Leaders With 5 Questions

JACLYN OSKIERKO CAI-NJ

If you were not in this industry, what would you be doing? Teaching. I was originally pursuing a degree in special education.

ASHLEY GRAY, CMCA FIRSTSERVICE RESIDENTIAL, AAMC I cannot go a day without... Coffee My worst day is... Mondays...who likes Mondays?

I cannot go a day without... Chocolate! I am eating a Twix as I answer these questions! What was the last book you read? The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. I refuse to watch the show because I enjoyed the book so much, I don’t think it can live up to the book. My real life hero is... My mother, she was a single mom for most of my life and she was amazing at it.

If you were not in this industry, what would you be doing? Event or travel planning What was the last book you read? Mindshift by Price Pritchett for the Emerging Leaders Program with FirstService Residential. When I am not working, you can find me... Traveling to a warm location with palm trees.

When I am not working, you can find me... At home with my little man!

JENNIFER NEVINS, CMCA DW SMITH ASSOCIATES, LLC. What is a special talent you have?

I LOVE TO COOK! I have been cooking and entertaining for years. Growing up in an Italian family, we always knew that spending time with family was a blessing and food was always an important component of each occasion. Food has always represented so much more than sustenance for me...It has represented love, tradition, laughter and wonderful memories.

I cannot go a day without... Ugh...thinking about food. I’m sure you see a theme here... What was the last book you read?

My favorite book of all time – “A Short Guide to a Happy Life” by Anna Quindlen. This small book is a reflection on what it takes to live deeply each day rather than merely existing. I keep this book on my bedside table and often re-read it as a reminder of what’s important in life. It really provides a perspective shift, which we all need some days! My real life hero is... Mary & Leo Perrine – my parents. I am lucky to still have them in my life. I dedicated my first cookbook entitled “Abbondanza” to them because they have been a true inspiration to my family, and they have always represented “Abundance”. I’ve always been amazed at how they provided abundance when we had so little...but love, caring and attention are not expensive. When I am not working, you can find me... Planning my next trip to beautiful Italy. I have been fortunate in the last few years to visit and I am truly inspired by meeting extended family and learning about the proud history of people throughout the country. As you can imagine, I am equally inspired by their passion for food, wine and regional specialties!