Lara is the welcoming face of the People’s Pantry, greeting every visitor with warmth and kindness.
Originally from Brazil, she has been part of the Center for People community since childhood—first as a visitor, then as a dedicated volunteer, and now as a valued team member. She brings a passion for learning, a love of literature, and a deep appreciation for the connections formed within the Pantry. Lara hopes to continue her education in psychology, driven by her curiosity about people and the way they experience the world.
“I lived in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. It’s known for many things, but it’s especially known for its festivals. Carnaval, the Brazilian Grand Prix, Virada Cultural, the famous São Paulo Pride Parade, and Lollapalooza Brazil are just a few of their most popular festivals.
Something about me that most people wouldn’t know is that I am a circus artist. I started with acrobatics when I was about nine years old and started doing aerial arts like silks and lyra at age fifteen.”
“I find the book ‘The Rose That Grew from Concrete’ by Tupac Shakur to be very inspiring. The book is a compilation of some of Shakur’s poetry. His poems touch on topics like poverty, racism, motherhood, mental health, sexism, and more. The poems are authentic and heart-touching, I would encourage everyone to read this book.”
“If I could master any skill, I would want to master the skill of conversation. As someone who has always been socially awkward, I would love to be able to easily converse and connect with the people around me.”
“I’ve always loved to read, so I often turn to literature during hard times and I am extremely lucky to have parents who have always nurtured my love of reading. The best advice I have heard was said by Angela Davis, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”
Email: lmattos@centerforpeople.org
