Name: Alli Christian Ordaz aka Alli from the Valley (kidding- someone called me that once and it just stuck).
Age: 24
Title: High school and middle school teacher turned entrepreneur/social media influencer/ philanthropist.
Married/Single: Single. All that stuff will fall into place when it’s supposed too.
Kids: Nope. Probably won’t happen in this life [laughs].
City you live in: Sunny Scottsdale.
A typical day in my life includes…
I usually wake up early- about 5 every morning (there’s not enough hours in the day to get everything done otherwise). First thing I do is pray- big part of my day before it even begins is giving over all my worries, wants, goals, problems, family and friends over to God: it centers me and reminds me God is in control. Followed by checking the news- I must be informed. Then coffee! Coffee! Coffee! Get dressed and boom! I’m out the door. Work, meetings, workout, home, then dinner. Check in with the fam, then I read (about 20 minutes every night, an actual book!). Bed. REPEAT.
I was born…
in Pueblo, Colorado.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
the sunsets. The people. The Mexican food. Sorry, couldn’t pick just one!
I’m listening to…
Move That Body by Mickey Valen & King Deco (but also anything by Migos or Beastie Boys- I usually have on repeat).
My family…
is everywhere but always there when I call. I live with my twin sister- we are absolutely attached at the hip and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We run a tight ship.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Warren Buffet.
One thing I cannot live without…
damnit, I can’t do this! Physically: Chapstick. Emotionally: guidance.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a professional skateboarder- then I dislocated my hip going down a ramp and I was done.
I’m inspired by…
my mom, my brother John (Iraqi war veteran) and my grandfather. They all passed away way too soon. I never got to say goodbye, but they left me with some kickass, unforgettable memories.
The one person who motivates me is…
my father. We are very much alike and maybe that’s why we butt heads; however, he really beat the odds growing up. I’m very proud of him. He always teaches me to keep going. It’s been really beautiful getting to know him more over the years.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
oppression and division.
The perfect day would be…
waking up to a busy-noised filled house with my friends and family. Cooking, laughing, sharing, learning- all that mushy stuff I rarely talk about. Running around in the Dale, mimosas, good food, and then maybe getting a full eight hours of sleep (that usually never happens).
My first job was…
cleaning houses. I was 15 and in high school. My mom was sick and struggling to make ends meet. You do what you gotta do sometimes. People at school thought I had it all, little did they know I was scrubbing half our faculties toilets HAHAHA!
My favorite escape…
getting on my motorcycle. It’s a feeling I can’t describe. I could ride for hours some days. Thank God for keeping me safe- I’ve had some close calls [shoulder shrug].
My life…
is pretty good right now. My sister and I have come a long way (homeless shelter, standing in line at food banks, poverty) but we remained resilient, committed to our faith and our vision of what could be someday. We’ve built a beautiful life for ourselves. Hopefully that remains.
I’m currently working on…
maybe starting a blog. There’s a lot that I’ve been through that could potentially be inspiring or helpful to someone out there but I’m also very cynical towards the idea altogether.
Always…
try to empathize with others. You never know what someone else is going through. And remember you have a purpose!
Never…
look back or apologize for who you are. If people don’t get you or don’t understand you or look down upon you, that’s on them. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Smile, move on, and keep it moving.
Favorite Quote…
“I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.” – D.H. Lawrence.
Biggest Dream…
lying on a beach somewhere, knowing my family and friends are ok, and feeling the sand between my toes. Sounds so simple but it’s something I yearn for.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
tardiness. Apathy. Negativity. People who don’t follow through with plans or keep their word.
