Stacey Leonard Petersen
Meet Stacey.
Our community thrives because of the hard work and dedication of its passionate leaders. Executive Director of South Pasadena Educational Foundation, Stacey embodies the giving spirit of South Pasadena and makes a difference in our community.
About the Legend
Introduce yourself!
My name is Stacey and I am the Executive Director at the South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF). I lived in South Pasadena for over 30+ years and am now living in Riverside but still working in and for the city I will always call home.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband of 26 years is Michael and we have two wonderful kids. Kelcey is 22 and Logan is will be 19 this month. The dogs and cat bring us the most challenges!
What are you passionate about? What do you love about what you do?
I am a big reader and now that the kids are older I spend my time trying to fit in as many books as possible. I carve out time to be with my family when possible and go camping and traveling when work allows.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I know it sounds corny but my greatest achievements are my kids. I am also proud of my work at SPEF and working with the families in South Pas.
What inspires you?
Working with others. I love collaborating and working through projects with groups of people.
What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling to each of our 50 states.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Hopefully playing with my grandkids!
What is something interesting about yourself that most people don't know about you?
I was originally going to go into social work and my BA is in Criminal Justice.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Enjoy the journey.
Your South Pasadena Story
Tell us your South Pasadena story! How did you come to live or work in this community?
I moved to South Pas in 8th grade, 1983. I started at what, at the time, was South Pas Junior High. It was a truly beautiful small town.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
It will be 50 years in 2024!
What words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word "HOME"?
Trees, quaint, friendly.
What are some of your favorite restaurants or businesses in South Pasadena?
Hi-Life, Dinosaur Farm, and I miss Taco Treat.
What is your go-to "happy place" in South Pasadena?
Garfield Park.
What local landmark, business, organization, etc. feels to you like it captures the South Pasadena spirit?
The South Pasadena Library, SPEF, the South Pasadena Historical Society, our SP Tournament of Roses Float So many of our local organizations celebrate the many layers of our small town. There really are too many to list.
What is your favorite community event or social outing in South Pasadena?
I loved having a picnic with family at the SPHS football field waiting for the fireworks. We did this from when I was young and until my kids were born and only stopped when the field was laid with turf.
What are your hopes and dreams for our community?
To grow with the times but stay a uniquely small town nestled within San Gabriel Valley.
What do you think makes South Pasadena so special?
The people.
Some Fun Stuff!
What is the last show you binged? What show(s) are you hooked on right now?
I love anything murder mystery but my last two shows that I binged were Grace & Frankie and Gilmore Girls (again).
What are your top three favorite MOVIES?
Anything Transformers, any Lord of the Rings, all Marvel.
What are your top three favorite SONGS?
Carry on Wayward Son, Boondocks, so many more.
What is your favorite band? What is your favorite album?
Too many to choose from!
What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season? Or even a favorite date in general?
Autumn
Who is your favorite artist? What kind of visual art inspires you?
I have an appreciation for all types of art and find that I can be inspired by the unexpected.
Help spread the word and celebrate our Legend! Download the images below to share as posts and/or stories on social media and congratulate our Legend and share their story with our community! Be sure to tag @LegendsofSouthPasadena so that we can give you a shout-out on our social media.
