Empathy runs deep for Emari Hunn

“I had a less-than great childhood, often left to fend for myself from abuse, neglect and hunger,” Hunn says. “I even experienced a brief homelessness when our apartment caught fire in Japan.”

The difficult past inspires Hunn, now mom to a 7-year-old daughter and a financial center manager. She works closely with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico and recently joined the BBBS board.

She also enjoys being a “big” to Angie, a high school freshman, and the two have been hanging out for three years – enjoying time at the movies, the ballet, the theater and the state fair. They’ve gone swimming and played arcade games and baked together. Hunn also attends Angie’s school orchestra performances.

“I want to make an impact in the lives of children and youths by being their constant – and being a reliable and trustworthy adult who can provide guidance when they need it,” she says. “I want to give them everything I didn’t have.”

Hunn also is active in the children’s ministry at her church and volunteers with Special Olympics, Roadrunner Food Bank, Run for the Zoo, Walk for the Cure, clothing and shoe drives, and a few personal initiatives such as putting together “busy kits” for kids staying at the University of New Mexico Hospital and Presbyterian Hospital.

For her big heart and her love for children, we’re proud to salute Emari Hunn as a Whataburger Hometown Hero. Read more about other Hometown Heroes here.