Here I sit, in New York City on 9/11. Having grown up on the east coast, but spending most of my adult life in California, I’ve always kept my love for the east coast close in my heart. And now I am here for my first anniversary of 9/11. Hard to believe it’s been 23 years since that tragic day. Never in a million years did I realize at the time that I would be so affected by that tragedy only then to move on in life to work on the rebuilding of the WTC. I knew in my soul I needed to be a part of rebuilding. And yet, I had never been a New Yorker until now. It was just something so strong within me that I had to be a part, even if small, in being a part in bringing life back to this property.

Through my role in Commercial Real Estate, in particular for the mall business, I had the chance to work on and ultimately be in charge of the Marketing and overall planning for this re-opening of Westfield shopping centers, The Oculus WTC. Through this opportunity, I was able to work with incoming retailers, city planners and the like, encouraged to ensure we created an event that would not only open a center, but most importantly, honor the families of 9/11. It will go down in history of my life as one of the most important days that forever touched and left a mark on my heart. As I, unfortunately didn’t have a way to change history, or reverse the wrong that was done on that day, I (at the very minimum) had the chance to share my love, support and condolences to those who came to be honored. To find a way to bring light to the darkness that fell upon this city.

Remembering seeing mothers closing holding onto, hugging their children, families and loved one. It took all I had not to completely lose myself in all the emotion, in these moments with my empathetic heart. But to rather use the overwhelming love I felt for all those in the Oculus, to reflect and share that back with everyone there that day.

For all those so personally affected by the tragedy, I continue to hold you in my heart and pray for peace in your life as you carry forward.