Where are you from?
I have lived in Country Village, Jersey City, NJ all of my
life. We are currently renovating our house in Bayonne, NJ, which is our new
home.
What is your role on the World Trade project?
I am the Sr. Administrative Secretary to the Assistant Director of WTC Construction and the WTC Transportation HUB Program. Some of my duties include making sure my boss, along with other staff, get to their important meetings, and I type important letters and documents regarding the WTC site.
Why did you become/why are you now part of the Memorial Miles program?
I wanted to do something to help support and raise money for the National
September 11 Memorial and Museum. It is very important to build a
memorial and museum to honor the memory of those who did not survive
that horrible day. Many heroic people of all ages and backgrounds lost their
lives that day. We must never forget.
Where were you on 9/11/01?
At that time, I worked at the Newark Legal Center for the Economic Development Dept of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Since all the phone lines were down at the WTC, our facility became one of the Hot Lines to call for the status of Loved Ones. My phone number was put on television as one of the Hot Lines to find out information about the missing. I was answering phone calls from parents, relatives, friends, co-workers, etc. of the missing. It was difficult, but I tried to give as much information as we knew at the time to soothe their nerves. Soon after, HRD and a psychiatrist were on hand to answer the phone calls.
Prior to Economic Development, I worked at One WTC for the Interstate Transportation Department. I also worked for Management and Budget in the 1980s at the WTC.
I was home the whole week because it was my
daughter’s first week of Kindergarten. I wanted to bring and pick her up from
school. I remember receiving a phone call from a friend that morning to put
the television on. The first Tower had already come down. My initial
reaction was shock, disbelief, and horror. At first, I thought it was some
kind of accident. Then, soon after, I watched a 2nd plane hit the other WTC
Tower. I knew, now, it was more serious than an accident. It was intentional.
I remember worrying for my sister’s life, who works at the hospital across
from the Seaport (THANK GOD my sister survived and came home
around 8:00 pm by ferry).
I also remember great concern and worry for co-workers,
friends, etc. who might not have escaped this tragedy. You can say I went
through a range of emotions for a while; this tragic act made us more
aware of our world and more grateful for the Country we live in. I
appreciate my family, friends, and life more. I take nothing for granted.
What are your hopes for the Memorial Miles program?
My hopes are that we raise enough money to help contribute to the building of the
Memorial and Museum to honor the lives of the people who did not
survive on 9/11/01. People from all over the world would come to pay
their respects.
