Gina Watkins

Atlanta, Georgia
Event Coordinator

Q: Your heritage on your dad’s side is Italian and you love all things Italy.  What about that culture draws you in and makes you feel at “home”?

There’s so much. I think it all goes back to the food though. (I love to eat). Families gather for meals, friends gather for meals — a meal is a great place to get to know each other. Feeding someone can be an act of love. It’s my favorite way to love people!  

When we were visiting Italy as a family back in 2018,  the sounds and the smells reminded me of being little and being at my grandparents’ house. I could smell sauces simmering as basil was wafting through the air. I felt so loved and welcomed by my family that I had never met before. I cannot wait to go back!

Q: You have a degree in Religious Studies. What about that degree program and the community you formed through it was the most significant to you?

I think it was the mutual respect and understanding within the community. There was a common desire to learn. Everyone that was in most of the core classes wanted to be there and that really made a huge difference.

Q: What made you decide to join the One America team? 

It felt familiar. It felt like home.