Mhew Dummanonda

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

I start the day with a big bowl of pho for lunch, then head to my favorite butcher, Columbus Meat Market, to pick up some fresh meat. While waiting in line, I grab an authentic coffee from Renzullo Food Market next door. Sipping one of the best coffees, I plan what to cook for dinner. After that little journey, I end the day with a long and well-deserved nap.

Any volunteer activities and/or non-profits you love, & why?

I used to volunteer with the Food for Families program at CityReach, preparing fresh food hampers for families in need. It wasn’t just handing out groceries, I heard amazing stories and met kind-hearted people, many of whom hoped to give back someday. Volunteering there inspired me to do the same whenever I could.

What one event in your childhood had the greatest effect on your life?

In grade 5, Mandarin became mandatory, so I had to juggle Thai, English, and Mandarin, and didn’t do well in any of them. I realized I needed another way to stand out. I’d always loved pretending to be a scientist, so I threw myself into that, which eventually led me to engineering and has stuck with me ever since.