I Am Wilshire – Elizabeth Ferguson.
Hometown: I was born in Loudonville, Ohio, and moved around a lot before settling in North Texas when I was 9.
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of North Texas
Present city: Richardson
Tell us about your family. I have two daughters: Wallis, 20, a sophomore at Blinn College, and Ellery, 17, a junior at Richardson High School. Both have worked and volunteered at Wilshire. My mom lives in Plano, my dad and his wife in Frisco, my sister in England and a step-brother in Australia.
How about your work? I unintentionally fell into the food business after college, and it just fit. I’ve been with Wilshire as the chef and food services director for almost five years. Previously, I ran the food service department for a theology school and was an in-house corporate chef for schools, churches and private clients.
Tell us about your faith journey. I was baptized as an infant in the Lutheran church, and went through confirmation and joined the Methodist church in junior high. My membership is still at Highland Park UMC, but I attend more services at Wilshire than anywhere else.
So you’re involved with Wilshire outside of your job? I can’t always make it to worship; we often have Sunday morning kitchen commitments. The first service that I visited happened to be a Sunday when David Nabors, my former supervisor, was singing a solo. A sense of belonging and the compelling messages keep me coming back when possible.
What are some of your hobbies? During the pandemic I’ve appreciated the opportunity to experiment more with plants and gardening. I enjoy walking, hiking and spending time outdoors. I’m always on the lookout for hag stones, rocks with naturally occurring holes in them. Finding one adds a little extra awesome to any day.
Where do you like to travel? San Francisco is my favorite city. It’s a welcoming and friendly place. I love the variety of different cultures packed together, offering so much to see, do and learn.
What’s something interesting people wouldn’t know about you? Some years back, I was “the face” of Eatzi’s catering. My image was used in brochures and on their catering trucks. It’s a surreal experience to be driving around town and see yourself go by.
What would you do if you didn’t work at Wilshire? I’d like to be a librarian or work at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.