Birdi leads a team of dedicated volunteers to identify Costa Mesa residents who struggle with the upkeep of their homes. She believes that we all have gifts to share and we all experience times of need; whether it’s tangible or intangible, each of us has something to contribute to make Costa Mesa a stronger community.

For 28 years now, she has continued her ministry with them, teaching and learning from their model - the value of an empowered community. She started serving in Costa Mesa a few years after moving here to attend Vanguard University when she worked as the Teen Center Director for Shalimar Learning Center. She then completed her degree with a semester in Costa Rica and was eager to translate what she learned into a relevant form for Westside Costa Mesa’s youth. Shalimar further convinced her that investing in our most vulnerable populations elevates the whole community. By releasing the talents and gifts of our young people from the limitations of poverty and lack of access to crucial resources, we ensure a beautiful, diverse, and loving future for our city. Labors of Love does this same work in seeing our neighbors’ needs as part of our own thriving.

Birdi grew up in a small town, loves trees and physical activity, and has been a follower of Jesus since age four. A full-time mother for the past 23 years, Birdi and her husband, a local high school teacher of 25 years, raised their two children in Costa Mesa. Birdi is an active part of her local church communities, volunteering and serving in roles ranging from Sunday School teacher and youth pastor to leading women’s groups and serving as the church secretary.