What makes Greater Phoenix so great: Brandy Reinke

Published: 06/12/2020

What’s your first and last name?  

Brandy Reinke 

How old are you? 

43 

How long have you lived in Greater Phoenix? 

10 years 

What city do you currently reside in? 

Phoenix 

Did you grow up in Arizona? 

No 

Where are you originally from and why’d you decide to move to Arizona? 

I am originally from Washington state. I decided to move to Arizona to pursue my Masters in Nonprofit Studies at Arizona State University. The program continues to be one of the best in the country. 

If you graduated from college, where did you attend and what was your degree? 

I graduated with my Bachelors degree in Accounting from the University of Montana and my Masters of Nonprofit Studies degree from Arizona State University. 

Where do you currently work and what is your title? 

I work at GPEC! I am the Controller. 

What do you like to do in Greater Phoenix on the weekends? 

Phoenix has a great writing community that I’m heavily involved with, writing groups, readings, publications, etc. I also am an avid hiker and runner. I love all the outdoor opportunities Arizona provides year-round. I often use the beautiful landscape to shoot photography. 

What’s your favorite restaurant and why? 

I love True Food. It has expanded to a chain, but the work that Dr. Weil has done for integrative medicine in Arizona in Tucson and Phoenix (and beyond) is amazing. The restaurant is an off-shoot of his philosophy of living a balanced, healthy physical and emotional life. Plus they are all beautiful inside and support sustainability. I also love Short Leash. Brad and Kat were my neighbors and friends, and I’ve watched them lead the revitalization of many parts of downtown Phoenix at a community, grass-roots level. 

What’s your go-to staycation spot and why? 

Everywhere in Arizona is a staycation spot! If I’m in town, I like to get the good day-use cabana deals at one of the resorts or spend a week going in and out of the Desert Botanical Gardens. If it’s in-state travel, usually I just pick a state park and head there and see what happens. 

How do you stay “cool” in the Arizona summers? 

Shade. Water. Ice cream. Drinks under the misters. I love the heat so I’m still outside plenty in the summer, just have to time the hours and plenty of SPF 70. 

What do you love most about living in Greater Phoenix? 

Most cities as old as Phoenix have an obvious vibe. Everyone feels that vibe, knows what it is. But Phoenix has dodged that pigeon-hole. It is continually evolving and shifting, like the landscape around it. I love that it has so many opportunities for lifestyle and health, arts and community, education and growth. People, including me, are rabid about their love of the city and state, and it shows. 

 

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