Teammate Spotlight: Ella Tomaselli

Ella Tomaselli serves as a Summer Student Intern and Administrative Assistant at Forefront Living Foundation (FLF). Born and raised in Dallas, Ella is a graduate of Ursuline Academy. Now, she is a sophomore attending the University of Texas at Austin (Class of ’26), where she majors in Civil Engineering and looks forward to a bright future ahead. In her role as a student intern, Ella assists with event planning, handles FLF mailings and writes various communication pieces. Forefront Living (FL) is thankful for hard-working teammates like Ella, eager to serve others while bringing joy into the workplace. We sat down with Ella to learn more about her through a fun question and answer session. Read about this enthusiastic and kind-hearted teammate below.

What have you learned while working at Forefront Living, specifically in FLF?
During my time as a student intern, I have learned the ins and outs of a professional working environment, making me excited to enter the workforce after I complete my education. I have enjoyed getting to know each of the FLF and FL teammates. They have taught me endless personal and professional lessons, including how to cancel a print job without unplugging the printer!

My internship involves event planning, including Faithful Friends and helping with the upcoming Each Moment Matters (EMM) Luncheon. One highlight of my role was interviewing and also providing tours of the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center and Forefront Living offices for this year’s EMM honorees, each of whom are incredibly inspiring individuals. A personally satisfying accomplishment for me was organizing a cluttered office storage closet. The tidy space now brings me great joy every time I walk past it!

What are some things that make you feel proud?
I am proud of my two sisters, Ava, age 17, and Olivia, age 15. I cherish getting to witness the wonderful people they are becoming. I see how intelligent, friendly and funny they are, and I feel very lucky to have them by my side forever. They are truly two of my favorite people!

Tell us about your hobbies:
On the weekend you can find me playing golf or Pickleball, walking my dogs or hanging out with my friends. I really enjoy being outside when the Texas heat isn’t too sweltering. This summer has included completing lots of summer school homework and hanging out with my boyfriend, Julian, a student at WestPoint, the United States Military Academy. Additionally, I enjoy relaxing nights at home cooking with my family. My favorite dishes to prepare include Gigi’s (Gigi Hadid) Vodka sauce or my mom’s bean salsa. My family loves to watch shows or movies together and Ted Lasso is our current favorite.

What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants?
I absolutely love chips and queso, especially from Torchy’s Tacos or Meso Maya. I frequently find myself ordering from Snappy Salads because I love their Chipotle Chicken Wrap and Brown Derby Cobb Dressing. My favorite take-out meal is chicken fried rice and steamed dumplings.

Tell us about your family:
My immediate family includes my parents, Lisa and Joe, who have been married for 22 years, and my two younger sisters, Ava and Olivia. Our Goldendoodle puppies, Phoebe and Charlie, complete our family.

How would your friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as outgoing, kind and responsible, as I love meeting new people. One fun fact is that I always carry a small emergency kit with me!

Diane Fullingim, Forefront Living Foundation Executive Director, shared the following words about Ella, “Ella has been a breath of fresh air. From her very first day, she has brought a diligence and professionalism that go well beyond her years. We are sorry that she has to return to the University of Texas soon, but hope she will return to us next summer!”