Kindhumans Ambassador: Viv Advocates for Equality Through Kindness

Kindhumans Ambassador: Viv Advocates for Equality Through Kindness

Kindhumans ambassadors lead with heart, caring for the planet and other people. Our ambassadors exemplify our core values and they act as representatives for our communities, spreading kindness everywhere they go. We are so stoked to welcome these remarkable people to our team! – KH

Tell us about yourself (where do you live/where are you from? What are your passions/what lead you to be here? What is a fun fact about yourself that isn’t widely known?)

Hola Kindhumans fam! I’m Viv, a Native Angeleno currently living in Cleveland via CO, WA, OR, CA, etc. I’m a rambling, free-spirited goofball. What led me here was my desire to lead a life filled with love and compassion by action. Like most humans in the world, we all experience heavy moments. That has inspired me to pay it forward and share love and kindness to all I encounter, especially those who have befallen difficult times. Because of this deep yearning, my darlin’ dude (husband), Eric and I started a nonprofit called Soul Wave Project.

I have some fun facts to share! When I was about 11 years old, I was a mean accordion player. I used to be fluent in 4 languages: Spanish, English, French, and American Sign Language. I like to top my salads with french fries, because balance is everything.

What is your definition of a kind human?

A kind human can set aside all preconceived conditions to show true empathy and care towards someone without the expectation of anything return. A kind human is mindful, aware, loving, and can show their strength through softness and willingness to listen. A kind human is determined to elevate their community to empower and catapult those in the shadows over the barriers we’ve become accustomed to living with. A kind human gives back in small and large ways so that we can truly understand  how connected we are to each other’s well-being and higher purpose.

What inspires you to be kind and give back?

I’ve had the fortune to experience both beauty and sorrow throughout my existence. The small acts of mercy, love, kindness, and faith that were given to me are what I wish to give to others.

Name 3 kind humans that have positively affected you.

My rad mentor and guide, Jane Grenier:
When I was about 16, I met Jane via Teen Vogue. We got to know each other a bit and understood each other and our desire to travel, explore, and live freely. I expressed how some of the challenges that I experienced on my path influenced my ambition to break the generational cycles of violence and trauma and realize my dreams. Without formally saying so, she guided and supported me. When an opportunity would arise, she’d forward me the info and urge me to apply and be creative. A year later, just as I was about graduate from high school, multiple opportunities slipped away, except for one. Jane and her husband gave me the funds to apply for a passport and have it expedited. She also worked her magic so that I could apply and purchase the visa I would need. I was blown away. Her incredible act of kindness changed my life significantly. I am forever grateful to this free-spirited, love-filled woman.

My Grams, Cristina:
My grams developed Alzheimer’s when I was 13 years old. I helped take care of her for 10 years, but nothing compares to the memories, guidance, lessons, and love she gave me all those years. A simple hug could melt the sadness, heartbreak, and stress I carried. Her ability to gently disarm you with a simple laugh, wiggle in her wheelchair, or foul-mouthed joke was magical.

My husband, Eric:
Before we were a couple, we were friends and co-workers at a brewery in DTLA in the middle of the Arts District and Little Tokyo where it intersected with Skid Row; it was aptly called Skid Row-Kyo. We got to know so many people in our neighborhood. Eric decided he needed to spend some time outside getting fresh air so he ended up staying out all evening, all night, and into the early hours of the morning wandering Skid Row talking to people, getting to know their story. That was the first of many moments that left an impression on me. Staying in a homeless shelter with my mom when I was young was a significant turning point in my life, one that I am very grateful for. People don’t often realize that at any moment, your whole life situation can change and it could be you who is in need. Without assumptions or judgment, offering kindness, respect, and compassion, while restoring dignity to another living being shows more about us than it does about those on the receiving end. There are so many other instances I can share but that would turn into a novel! He’s a seriously love-filled, mindful dude.

Here’s a bonus human, our “daughter”, Arika:
I am the bonus mom to an extraordinary young woman, an indigo child if I’ve ever seen one. She’s a lover of animals and an advocate for others. It has been a joy to witness her grow and emulate such strength and compassion as effortlessly and passionately as she does. At a young age, she and her mother began rescuing abused animals and it led them to open an animal sanctuary in Colorado. When kids at school relentlessly bullied a young boy, she diffused the situation and immediately took to advocating for changes in school practices to the administration. There are no words to adequately convey the kind of steadfast and soft strength she carries or the loving ridiculous humor that she implores in intense moments. She definitely has had a hand in brightening my world.