Dina has been in the insurance industry since 1984. And to top that, has been in the Construction industry since she was born! How so?!
Passion for the construction industry! Being raised by a family in the trades, my grandfather and uncle union plasterers, my father, self employed as a General Contractor, my sister a college grad from Cal Poly and practicing Mechanical Engineer, my husband, college grad from San Jose State and practicing Electronics Engineer/Technical Sales Manager, and brother-in-law, self-employed with a Plumbing business. I have been exposed since birth! My family owns many real estate properties that I’ve had the opportunity to manage while holding full time jobs. It’s an industry I feel very close to and have appreciated what it has given back to my family and I.
At the young age of 23, Dina’s father got his General Contractors’ license and became self-employed. That same year, he purchased his first four-plex apartment building in Oakland. This is where Dina lived from age 2 – 12. In one of the units, her father used it as his construction business office. Dina would visit her dad and his “men” on a daily basis. She was exposed to payroll, work assignments, projects her dad specialized in both Residential and Commercial building construction, along with buying properties. There is where Dina started going to the jobsites to see the construction from the bottom up. The first one she recalls was the one her dad and uncle built, a 4-unit condominium in the Fruitvale district in Oakland.
As she got older, her dad would employ the family (Dina, sister & brother) on “grunt” work. Since she had a full time job in the insurance industry, she found the “physical” work was not her cup of tea (or the verbal abuse her dad would offer when he got so frustrated w/ us kids). And believe her, being Italian the usual tone and voice is YELLING at one another. Goes with the territory.
Her other passions is her involvement with two non-profit organizations; NAWIC & NAIW:
She joined NAIW in 1994 belonging to Tri-Valley Insurance Professionals and as a Member At Large. Over the years, Dina has been active on many committee chairs (Ways and Means, Newsletter, Program, and Membership); she has held two board positions (President and Vice President, twice). And this year running for a third time as President. She has been recognized for recruiting the most members during NAIW contest (18 within one term), back in 1998. She has been nominated & won Insurance Professional of the year/Member of the year awards in 2006-07, 07-08 & 09-10.
Dina has attended 5 National Conventions (Orlando, Florida, Kansas City, Mo., Greensboro, N. Carolina, Scottsdale, AZ, & New Orleans, LA), many Regional Conferences (Hawaii, Las Vegas, Nv., Northern & Southern Ca., & Salt Lake City, UT), and many State meetings (all over California).
Her involvement with NAWIC is just beginning. She is currently signed up to take her CIT (NAWIC course called Construction Industry Technician) test in May. Her study partner is Diana Whitehead. She loves the personal contacts and friends she has made with this organization and what it has to offer those in the industry. She hopes to continue her involvement through retirement some day. She has attended a few forums and AP meetings. With being unemployed, her challenge while seeking full-time work again, is finding financial support to get more involved and attend more events.
On a personal note, Dina is known for her organization, time management and energy level. She is very passionate for balance in life, good health and family/friends. Happiness is her main focus overall in life!
Since being laid off from her previous employment in July 2010, Dina has taken this opportunity to refocus on many things: Her family life raising 2 boys ages 4 & almost 8, spending a lot of time committed to TVIP, NAWIC, reconnecting with past friends, colleagues and family, plus working contract jobs part-time in both the insurance and construction industries.
Her most recent contract job is with Bjork Construction Company as an Admin. Assistant and Insurance Consultant during tax season. Her responsibilities include Property Management and tax preparation. In addition, handling her own family property management that includes a condo in San Ramon, a 4-plex apartment building in Oakland, a Commercial building in downtown Oakland, and two single family homes in Richmond.
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