My name is: Francesca Funk

I have lived in Irving for: 12 years.

Other cities in which I’ve lived: I’ve lived and worked in Tokyo and Freiburg, Germany, as well as spent a fair amount of time in London — altogether about half my adult life. I’m working on the second half here in Irving!

The best part about living here is: The combination of new city and old suburbs — Irving is a mid-urban nugget. Given its size as a city, Irving continually surprises me with the caliber of the arts here — consider the Arts Center sculpture garden or gallery. Just this weekend, I was awed by the exhibit of the Primas collection together with pieces from New York’s Schomberg Center. Turn around and go a little south, and the town is filled with magnificent century-old Post Oaks and close-knit neighborhoods, where you can’t walk or ride a bicycle down the street without someone waving from their front porch. By any standard, this combination is remarkable.
 
My occupation is: marketing strategy and cross-cultural research.

Best part about my job: As a marketing strategist, the best part is making ideas matter. Because ideas do matter.

Organizations I’m involved with: Irving Green Advisory Committee, because Irving has the potential to leapfrog ahead of the curve in sustainability, particularly with the various transportation projects happening now. As part of that, I’m working on the Irving Bike Lane Task Force, which aims to integrate bicycles into the total picture of transportation in Irving. Irving could be one of the first cities in Texas to have truly “complete streets”—friendly to walkers, cyclists, and motorists. Last month I was appointed to the Arts Board, so — unfortunately — I can’t take any credit for the great things happening at the Arts Center right now.

Hobbies: Spending time with the people I love, art photography, getting outdoors and enjoying nature.

I am passionate about: Doing something — even just one thing — to make the world a more beautiful place.

Words to live by: Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here, we might as well dance.

Anything else you want to share? Irving’s first bike rally will be May 15 to kick off “Bike to Work” week and raise awareness of Irving as a Bike Friendly City.