Connect Moderators are Local Guides just like you and me. They apply the knowledge they’ve gained as active members of our community to moderate Connect and help improve the experience for everyone. You may see them welcoming newcomers, explaining the program, answering questions, and sharing their knowledge with others.
Each month, we share some personal insights from one of our amazing Connect Moderators. This month, meet Steve Pierre (@SP31). Steve lives in Miami, Florida, and speaks English and Haitian-Creole.
Name: Steve Pierre
Location: Miami, Florida, USA
What I love about being a Local Guide: I love being a Local Guide because of its worldwide community and how it brings together people of different backgrounds to contribute to a collective, common passion. Being a Local Guide allows me to get out of my comfort zone of being an introvert and has allowed me to connect not only with other Local Guides online and in person, but also with people that I come across while contributing to Maps. I love it when I can tell friends and random people I meet about the program!
Why I’m a Connect Moderator: I’ve been able to see this online community grow, and with that growth comes an opportunity to greet, embrace, and teach new and current members of Local Guides Connect. Being Connect Moderators allows us to make a positive impact in the experience of Local Guides who may be sharing their latest discoveries, asking for assistance, or looking for tips on an upcoming trip. Being a Connect Moderator is a beautiful responsibility.
My favorite things to explore: Although I enjoy a wonderful meal and finding new food spots, I have found myself exploring more points of interest that are nature related. Over the year, I’ve had the chance to explore a few local parks and state parks. My most recent visit to the Muir Woods National Monument and other areas of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area have revitalized my interests in Earth’s natural glory and is a constant reminder of the importance of environmental protection and sustainability.
My favorite type of contribution(s) to make on Google Maps: With a communications and writing background, I love expressing myself through reviews. I take a lot of photos and contribute in other ways as well, but there’s a rush that I get from crafting a great review that is a fair length, encompasses main points I want to highlight, and is objective, honest, and helpful.
Languages I read/speak/write fluently: I speak and write primarily in English. My parents are of Haitian descent, so I understand and speak a bit of Haitian-Creole as well. After attending Connect Live 2018 and some friendly encouragement, I am now looking to learn another language (either Spanish or Chinese).
Places I’d like to visit: I ultimately would love the opportunity to travel to as many places as possible, but some places that I would love to go to in the short term include Singapore, United Kingdom, Toronto/Vancouver (Canada), and Japan. I also want to make it a point to travel to domestic states within the U.S. as well and explore what different American cities have to offer.
Fun fact about me: Being in Miami, I’ve actually had the opportunity to meet many famous
individuals through jobs that I’ve had in the past. Some of those people include the late great Craig Sager (sports reporter), Paula Abdul (musician and performer), Dwyane Wade (former NBA player), Bill Burr (comedian; I personally helped him sell his DVD’s after he did a show), Metric (Canadian band; also my favorite band of all time), and many more.
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know @SP31. Say hi or ask him a question below as he has a lot to share about Google Maps and Connect.
Interested in becoming a Connect Moderator? Learn more here.
Want to learn about other Connect Moderators?
Learn more about Jordan in November 2019
Learn more about Torben in October 2019
Learn more about Hiroyuki in September 2019
Learn more about Jesi in August 2019
Learn more about Alejandra in June 2019
Learn more about Adrian in May 2019
Learn more about Gregg in January 2019
Learn more about Stephen in November 2018
Learn more about Paul in October 2018
Learn more about Sonia in August 2018
Learn more about Nunung in July 2018
Learn more about Shirley in June 2018
Learn more about Farid in April 2018
Learn more about Ludwig in March 2018
Learn more about Karen in February 2018
Learn more about Ivan in January 2018
Learn more about Ermes in December 2017
