My name is Janaira. I moved to San Diego for school and made it my home. I have degrees in Environmental Science, International Business, and Group Behavior. I have 2 grown sons and am enjoying my “second career.” I worked for decades in the hospitality industry and am now grateful to be able to work in the nonprofit space where I can give back to causes that I care about. I enjoy spending time in nature, and often find myself exploring with my two dogs.
About Janaira Quigley
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have two human children. Cameron and Noah attend Cuyamaca College and San Marcos State. I also have two dog children who actually enjoy hanging out with mom.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I get to work with students in San Diego and Nayarit. Experiential learning makes a huge difference, and my team is lucky enough to take students on field trips to help facilitate their love for the environment.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t seek work/life balance. That implies opposing forces. Instead, seek work/life harmony. Let your energy resonate!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself traveling as part of my work. The snowbird life: Alaska to Mexico as we expand our programs up and down the coastline.
Janaira Quigley & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I live in Talmadge. Clem’s Station is my favorite walkable pub!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in San Diego for 25 years. I have lived in Talmadge for three years and worked in the South Bay for two years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person I know is my friend Anita, whom I met through my doctoral program. She is a mother, a scholar, a musician, and a teacher, and she dives deep into the study of energy and the subconscious!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Trident Coffee highlights many wonderful attributes of San Diego culture. They focus on healthy and sustainable products, and they give back to the community, focusing on veterans and connecting people with their community. They also do cold brew coffee tastings, which is quite unique.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing is to take my dogs to Fiesta Island for sunset. It is impossible not to smile when you see so many happy pups. And the view is so gorgeous!
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Pete Carroll. Head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. He is an incredible leader, and I would love to talk to him about giveback opportunities. I would take him to C-Level because that is a requirement for anyone coming in from out of town, with a stunning view of the bay and the city. It is the compulsory first stop across from the airport.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I am still a huge fan of Avatar (the movies). Fantasy mixed with plausibility.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
One is that I didn’t get my first degree until my 30s. The second is that I played football on an all-boys team as a kid.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Sunday Football
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Frances Lang is the founder of Ocean Connectors. She is a visionary and built an amazing organization.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Obviously, Ocean Connectors is my number one. I used to work for San Diego Futures Foundation, which provides computers and training for those lacking access. I also used to work for Meals on Wheels. I still volunteer with them on the weekends. I gravitate toward organizations that connect.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t chase butterflies. Tend to your garden, and the butterflies will come.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Talmadge
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Everyone walks their dogs and checks in with each other in the evenings. The roundabout serves as a neighborhood center, and we have parades, block parties, and neighborhood fundraisers.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Happy hour at Clem’s Station, a hike or a trip to the beach with my dogs, trying a local restaurant, and football on Sunday!
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, love, comfort
