interview by Jess McCuan . photo by Rimas Zailskas

Name: Carolina McCready

Age: 35

How often do you climb trees? Not as often as I think is good for my heart. The last time I was in a tree might have been in middle school. I climbed a big willow tree in front of my house.

So were you a tomboy? I guess I was a tomboy. I never really thought about it. I played whiffle ball and rode my dirt bike.

Do you like working in Hendersonville? I live in Asheville, and some days I would love to live in my idealistic bubble of Asheville. But the work that I do is most necessary in Hendersonville.

What’s that? I work with the Latino community [at El Centro Communitario, the Latino Advocacy Coalition]. I work for them, I should say. At this time, it feels like a very important issue, as everyone is dealing with the challenges of globalization and immigration. I feel very good about being able to work at a center that promotes inclusion for all people… My mother is from Colombia. This work connects me to my roots.