Our Founder,

Amanda Dejano

The Back Story

In 2011, life took an unexpected turn when I became a single parent. Although the stress and challenges sometimes felt overwhelming, they ultimately paved the way for tremendous growth and healing. Along that path, I faced a difficult battle with addiction and survived near-death experiences, but these trials became the catalyst for a powerful transformation.

By 2018, I had reached a crossroads. Within just a few months, I lost my grandfather—a guiding figure in my life—left an abusive relationship, and suffered severe injuries from a car accident. Through it all, my daughter remained my inspiration, motivating me to become the best possible role model. In 2021, with the unwavering love and support of my husband, Bryan, I found the courage to confront my struggles, seek therapy, and embark on a profound spiritual awakening.

Through this journey, I discovered the immense power of positivity and the life-changing impact of light. That revelation led me to create Vibes & Smiles, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting our community with love, kindness, compassion, and gratitude. What began as a personal mission has grown into a movement—one that reminds us all of the strength we share when we unite. Thank you for joining me on this journey to spread hope, offer support, and bring more smiles to those who need them most. 💖 -Amanda Dejano

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

HIGHLIGHTS

Thank you KRON 4 TV for covering our Safety Kits assembly night and spreading the initiative of our goal of 10K safety kits.

Thank you Dion Lim from ABC news Bay Area for having us on your news segment to bring awareness of our initiative to Protect Our Elders.

Thank you Rommel Conclara ABSCBN news, Balitang America, Kapamilya TFC for showcasing us on your Fil-Am news segment and showcasing our Spring donation drive.

Thank you to the off-duty SF Firefighters and volunteers helping distribute safety kits in San Francisco’s Chinatown neighborhood.

Thank you Melissa Culross with KCBS radio for the interview on Protect Our Elders.

Thank you The Green Time for highlighting us April’s Community Wall of Fame.

So honored with the nonprofit, The Green Time, so highlighting and showcasing our work for the community on their page.

The Boss Con - Community Give Back - Thank you Aubrey Aquino from ABC10 Your California Life for the interview and highlighting our hygiene kit donation.

Thank you St. John so fierce for spotlighting Vibes & Smiles on 997NOW for the back to school kids clothes and shoes donation drive.

Thank you Dan DeJesus from Golden Gate Xpress for the interview on Protect Our Elders. Photo taken by Avery Wilcox.

Thank you Wilson Walker & Juliette Goodrich from KPIX/CBS channel 5 for covering the United Peace Collaborative San Mateo chapter launch. We are thankful to be participating to help pass out safety kits during that time.

Thank you to St. John on 997NOW for the full interview on Vibes & Smiles and what we have going on. We appreciate you giving us the spotlight on #StJohnGivingBacktheAirwaves #CommunityTuesday.

Thank you to Frank Mallicoat from KTVU for the interview with Krizy from Whipt Cookies/Pop! Culture on our event from July 31st. Thank you for highlighting our assembly event and our on going partnership to give back to the community.

Thank you to Allie Rasmus on KTVU for the interview on our safety and hygiene kit assembly event in Benicia. Thank you for highlighting our “kids edition” assembly event and on going response to protect our community and elders.

Thank you to Da Lin and Juliette Goodrich from KPIX CBS news for the interview on our safety kit assembly event in Union City. Thank you for highlighting our “Teens Edition” assembly event and on going response to protect our elders, women, children, and community.

Huge thank you to Big Reid for having our founder, Amanda call in to 997NOW and highlighting our event. We really appreciate your support with our Daly City Back to School Donation Drive.

Many thanks to KPIX CBS morning news with Darrin Reed Cowan, Gianna Franco, and Andrea Nakano for airing our back to school donation drive and to Lisa Chong for recognizing our commitment to giving back to the community. We appreciate your support in spreading our mission.

Grateful for the interview this morning! Thank you, Amanda Starrantino, Maya Ashleyyy and the amazing team at KPIX CBS morning news. We appreciate the opportunity to feature our Board Member Marissa Prater. Your support is invaluable as we rally the Bay Area to come together for a vital need to gather donations to ship to Maui.

Mahalo to Abc channel 7 News and Zach Fuentes for the opportunity to share our Maui Fire Relief efforts with the Bay Area. Your coverage helps spread the word and brings much-needed support to Maui communities.

PRESS RELEASES