Kimberly Ritter-Martinez is an economist at the Kyser Center for Economic Research. She is a principal contributor to the annual Otis Report on the Creative Economy. Before she participated in a discussion about the future of creativity in Los Angeles, she talked about traveling to the Galapagos, attending her niece’s violin concert, and dancing to Latin jazz.
What was the last thing that inspired you?
I recently went to my niece’s fourth grade violin concert. She’s autistic, and to see what teachers are doing with young people like her, I found that really inspiring.
How do you pass the time when you’re stuck in traffic?
I’m not stuck in traffic very often because I commute on the Blue Line. So mostly I listen to people’s conversations. If I’m in the car, I’ve got NPR on. I used to play a game of reciting the names of Simpsons characters.
What music do you like to dance to?
My husband’s a musician. He plays bossa nova, so we dance to Latin jazz.
What’s your favorite app on your phone?
I’m still using a flip phone. I don’t feel I need to be checking an iPhone for emails and playing games.
What’s the best thing to spend money on?
Travel, going out to eat, throwing parties. And I buy a lot of clothes.
Do you have a favorite airline?
Virgin.
What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
Galapagos. I went to university late in life, so that was my graduation gift to myself.
If you had to lose one of your senses, which would you choose?
Hearing. It’s starting to go anyways.
When was the last time you were in the ocean?
I live right by the beach. Just a couple of days ago.