Diane Conroy-LaCivita
Executive Director, International Center of the Capital Region
Hometown: Colonie
What are you listening to these days?
I tend to turn into WAMC a lot. I like the variety of their programming and a lot of their talk shows and the guests they have. I think we’re very fortunate in this area to have such a well-rounded public radio station.
What are you reading?
There are two books I just finished. Sometimes I’ll read them simultaneously. The first was “Elephant Company.” It was about a gentleman, his name was Billy Williams, and he was hired for a British teak company. It talks about this guy bouncing back from being in WWI. It’s a little bit about WWI history and a little bit about recovery. And the other one I’m reading is “Extraordinary Evil.” It’s about genocide, because we’re going to be doing quite a bit for the observance of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. It kind of bases genocide on bullying.
What are you watching on TV?
I don’t watch that much. There are certain shows I like. I like the BBC, the nightly news. I like “Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood,” and I like “Antiques Roadshow.”
What was the last movie you saw?
I saw “American Sniper.”
Who is one person, living or dead, you would like to meet and why?
Eleanor Roosevelt. And I think because, besides being considered the first lady of the world, during her time, she was such an incredible advocate. She looked to expand the rights of women, and advocated for Asian Americans and African Americans. She looked at the need to fight for WWII refugees. I respect her courage and her aptitude.
Describe your dream vacation.
With my job, I’ve had the opportunity to travel a lot. I would love to have the opportunity to spend a good portion of time in Africa. South Africa. My job allows me to have people come from all over the world. So just South Africa. We just had a group from Kenya and Angola, and it was incredible.
What is your favorite hobby?
At one point I used to fly small aircrafts, but I haven’t done that in a bit. If I had an opportunity to say, “Hey let’s do that,” I would. It’s an incredible experience.
Describe what your last meal would be.
I would have to say I would like it to be during the growing season here. Maybe in June when all the berries are in season. Probably a really incredible salad and fruits.
What is your favorite local memory?
When I was little, my mother worked for the state legislature for 38 years. It was just after the Concourse was built. She would take us to work with her, like so many people did then, and we could play. I remember using this brand new Empire State Plaza. It was really a playground for a bunch of kids when we were little.