An Inspired Chat with Reka Vicsacsán of Glendale

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Reka Vicsacsán. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Reka, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
These days, my life centers around three things: my family, my full-time job as a college instructor, and my passion—building community among Hungarians here in Arizona.

Most mornings begin before sunrise with a strong espresso in hand—the only way to start the day. While my husband helps with the girls, I prep breakfast, feed the fish, and, when the morning rush allows, call my parents back in Europe for a quick chat. It’s our little way of keeping home close, even from miles away.

After school drop-off, I head to campus and dive into teaching. I try to fit in as much as I can before switching back to mom mode in the afternoon—helping with homework, mediating sibling debates, and cooking our favorite homemade Hungarian dishes.

Once everyone’s asleep, the quiet settles in—and that’s when my creative energy kicks in. I grade, plan for my classes, and pour my heart into our nonprofit work—organizing events, writing grants, and finding new ways to connect our community. Life is full, sometimes hectic, but deeply rewarding.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m originally from a Hungarian family. But I’ve called Arizona home for quite some time now. By day, I teach communication studies at the college level—a job I truly love because it lets me help students grow, express themselves, and find their voice. But outside the classroom, my heart belongs to community work.

I’m the founder of a nonprofit, the Hungarian Cultural Association of Phoenix (HCAP) that brings together Hungarians living in Arizona. What started as a few families getting together for heritage school activities, or cultural events has grown into a vibrant, supportive community where people can celebrate traditions, speak the language, and feel a sense of belonging far from home. We organize cultural festivals, holiday events, language programs for kids, and even small gatherings that remind us of the warmth of Hungarian hospitality.

What makes it all special is the connection—it’s about people coming together, sharing stories, and keeping our heritage alive while building new roots here. For me, it’s more than a project; it’s a way of weaving together the best of two worlds—our Hungarian identity and our Arizona home.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Several people have seen me clearly before I could see myself. My parents were the first—they’ve always believed in me and encouraged me to stay true to my roots while reaching for new opportunities. But one person who truly changed my life was my Hungarian language teacher in high school. She had this incredible way of seeing potential in her students, and with her guidance, I slowly transformed from a shy, reserved girl with little confidence into a young woman who believed she had something to offer. Over the years, she became not just a mentor but a dear friend, and I’ll always be grateful for how she helped me find my voice.

I’ve also been lucky to have friends who saw possibilities for me that I couldn’t yet imagine. They gently pushed me to take risks, follow my passions, and build the path I’m on today. Looking back, I realize how much of who I am now was shaped by the people who believed in me—sometimes before I even believed in myself.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—absolutely. There have been moments, when I felt completely overwhelmed. Balancing my job, my family, and the demands of building something from scratch sometimes felt impossible. There were nights when I questioned if all the effort was worth it.

But each time I felt like giving up, something small but powerful would happen—a heartfelt message from a community member, a volunteer stepping up at just the right time, or seeing the joy on children’s faces at one of our events. Those moments reminded me why I started and kept me moving forward. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t quit; those challenging times shaped the work and made it stronger.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is connection through community. I experienced early on how powerful it is to belong to a community, as well as how important it is to preserve one’s culture and language. I was born in Romania into a Hungarian family, part of an ethnic minority, and grew up balancing two worlds. While I learned everything about Romanian culture and made friends in the mainstream, I was deeply involved in the Hungarian community—attending a Hungarian-language school, participating in church life, and being part of the Hungarian academic community.

Those experiences taught me that culture isn’t just about traditions or language; it’s about people, shared experiences, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. Today, whether I’m teaching, raising my family, or organizing Hungarian community events in Arizona, I carry that lesson with me—and I make sure the sense of belonging that shaped me continues for others.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I’ve learned that giving your best isn’t about recognition—it’s about integrity and pride in the work itself. Whether it’s teaching my students, caring for my family, or organizing community events, I try to put my whole heart into it, even when no one is watching or praising the effort.

There have been countless moments—grading papers late at night, planning events behind the scenes, or simply listening and supporting someone in my community—where the reward isn’t applause, but the quiet knowledge that I’ve done everything I could in that moment to make a positive difference. That mindset keeps me going, especially on days when the work feels invisible or the results uncertain.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hcaphoenix.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hcaphoenix/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rekavicsacsan/
• Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rekavicsacsan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hcaphoenix/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hungarian-cultural-association-of-phoenix-glendale
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hcaphoenix
• Other: Hungarian Heritage Festival, AZ: https://hungarianfestivalarizona.org/

Image Credits
Sunshyne Pix
Cynthia Photo
Pinter Photography