Gina Gargano: A Heart for Helping Others.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we sat down with Gina, whose compassion and humor shine through everything she does. Here’s a peek into our conversation:

Q: Who’s a woman who really inspires you – whether in your life or career?

Gina: My great-grandmother. She came through Ellis Island after losing her husband with her two small children, one being my grandfather. She was detained for a long period of time because she was a widow traveling alone, but made it through. Her strength and determination always stay with me.

Q: Was there a moment in your career when you thought, “Wow, I’m really proud of this”?

Gina: My whole career has been working with the elderly, especially with dementia patients. I’ve been doing this since college– over 30 years now! Just seeing a smile on their face or hearing them laugh, makes my day. That’s my reward.

Q: Have you had any role models or people that have inspired you along the way?

Gina: The residents/patients throughout my career have always inspired me. One in particular stands out – she turned 103! She asked me to do her makeup for her birthday, but told me not to much because “it’ll give me wrinkles!” She came from Ireland and worked in a factory for many years after her husband passed away during World War I. Her strength and humor are the stories that stick with me. There were also the women who survived the holocaust, one who escaped from a concentration camp in the South of France and walked through Italy and was sheltered by a Catholic Priest. Others who faced racial segregation in the US South and had to go through many hardships. All these women really have been an inspiration to me.

Q: Is there a moment in women’s history that really resonates with you?

Gina: Voting rights. The fact that women had to fight for something so basic and essential really hits me.

Q: If you can have lunch with any woman, past or present, who would it be and why?

Gina: Mother Theresa. Her life’s mission was to help others and give back, she served the poorest of the poor.  That’s what I really admire.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young women starting their careers, what would it be?

Gina: Please pick a career that you will enjoy going to everyday and always make sure you can take care of yourself-and your kids if needed. That kind of independence is everything.

Gina Gargano, Manager of Volunteer Resources • Alzheimer’s Caregiver Initiative Grant