Meet Asli de Munnink, a New Canaan mom of two who moved here last year from Istanbul. She works for Gartner and enjoys living in town because of “the sharing community of moms willing to shape the future of New Canaan.” This month, she is leading a fundraising campaign, Every Day Counts, for anyone undergoing cancer treatment. To learn more about Circle of Care, visit the website here.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have a son and a daughter, who are 15 and 13, respectively.
What brought you and your family to town?
We relocated from Istanbul to New Canaan as part of my job mid-September last year. I work for Gartner and am responsible for leading a global digital transformation effort.
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
What I am seeing is a loving and sharing community of moms willing to shape the future of New Canaan with the impact they bring to society and families.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
I love the nature and beauty in town, especially the beautiful parks, beaches and nature in general.
We understand you are heavily involved with Circle of Care, a non-profit organization committed to providing immediate and ongoing peer support to families of children of cancer. Can you share with us how you became involved in the organization?
I am leading a fundraising campaign this April with Circle of Care. I have met the founders who went through very challenging times in their own family with cancer and then decided to build this organization to help others throughout their journey. I believe in their mission and am keen to help them move forward.
To that end, you are leading a fundraising campaign, Every Day Counts, this April, for anyone undergoing cancer treatment. How can people support your efforts?
Campaign link: https://www.facebook.com/donate/910515260181258/
As a busy parent, on top of your philanthropy work and day job, is there something you do each day to support your own needs?
I try to do Pilates every day. Although still new to meditation, I believe I need to practice it more. I love face yoga and trying to catch up with that too.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
My mom has always been a tremendous support and inspiration to me. The best advice is to always do your best, because it always brings you the returns.
Do you have any advice for other moms who are considering entrepreneurship?
Just before moving here, I had set up my own company to do some consultancy work and then the plans changed. I believe we as women have a different energy toward nourishing ideas. We almost do it naturally; we see a lot of details, look for new ideas and improvements, and do a great job in project managing it. So, my advice would be to believe in what you can do now and don’t wait for another time.
How do you unwind when you need some “me time?”
Walking in nature always is a good choice. We have a Yorkshire Terrier; she is a bundle of joy, so spending time with her together is a win for me.
We love supporting local businesses. Favorite places in town or nearby to…
Have dinner: Spiga…we just love Italian food.
Grab a drink: With great company, places don’t matter, but I have to say I love our town and what it offers across the board!
Spend time together as a family: Irwin Park
Spa/salon: Studio Elan, each time they make me smile.
Grab coffee: Le Pain Quotidien
To support the fundraising campaign, please visit the link HERE!