Roxana Barkhordar: Person of the Week

August 18, 2026 – Driven by growth and shaped by life’s deeper experiences, Roxy brings both professionalism and emotional intelligence into everything she does. Rooted in strong family values and a deep appreciation for connection, she’s developed a resilient, self-aware approach to both life and her career. Roxy values authenticity, leading with intention, and believes true success is measured not just by achievements, but by integrity, compassion, and the impact we leave on others.

KokuaVentura

Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug(s) of choice and when is your sobriety date?

A. My drugs of choice were Cocaine, opiates, and benzodiazepines. My sobriety date is April 21, 2024.

Q. Is there anything special in your sobriety toolkit that helps keep you sober?                 

A. Staying honest, remaining teachable, asking for help, and being of service.

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?         

A. I believe addiction is a disease, thanks to the lovely disease model.

Q. Where are you from and where do you reside now?            

A. I am from West Hills, California, and currently reside in Chatsworth at the moment.

Q. What is one word you would use to describe yourself?       

A. Indecisive.

Q. Describe how you came to your “rock bottom” point.         

A. My rock bottom was after my sister died in 2023 and my son being born in 2024. I was emotionally, spiritually, and mentally bankrupt. It was an emotional bottom that I needed. I wanted to die, but when my son was born, I needed to live for him and be his mom. It was divine intervention and the parting gift my sister left me with.

Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, mountaintop, desert, or penthouse?           

A. If you asked me 10 years ago, I would’ve said a penthouse. Now that I’m older, I would love to retire by the mountains to be around the snow and nature.

Q. How do you measure success?  

A. I measure success by a person’s happiness. I don’t measure it by finances, more of the spiritual wholeness and charitable work.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?                 

A. People who lie uncontrollably.

Q. If you had an extra million dollars, which charity would you donate it to?     

A. I would donate it to two charities; Children’s hospital of Los Angeles and Momentum wheels for Humanity. The children’s hospital was extremely important to my grandmother and her favorite charity she donated throughout her entire life. Wheels for humanity was the charity my uncle was a board member for over the last two decades.

Q. Who has been the biggest influence throughout your life?

A. My dearest mother.

Q. Who made you feel seen growing up?     

A. My grandma, she was my favorite human being.

Q. Which living person do you most admire?

A. My mom because of her resilience, strength, and unwavering heart.

Q. What do you love most about living sober?            

A. Being a person of my word and someone people can count on.

Q. Which part of your treatment and recovery do you feel was the most interesting or unexpected?         

A. I feel the most unexpected was meeting two of the most wonderful humans who helped save my life: Mike Bradshaw and Randy Flores. To be able to call them my dearest friends and to have the honor of being part of their team is something I will forever be grateful for. Talk about a God shot.

Q. What’s your concept of a Higher Power?

A. I am Zoroastrian, so I believe in Ahura Mazda and the core principles; “good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.”

Q. What is your Astrological sign?  

A. Libra. It completely describes my personality.

Q. What book(s) have you read more than once?      

A. The alchemist.

Q. If you were giving a dinner party for your 3 favorite authors, living or dead, who would they be? (You can choose a fourth if you think one might be too drunk or stoned to attend.)              

A. Carl Jung, Louse Hay, and Joe Dispenza.

Q. Which film have you watched the most?

A. Twilight.

Q. Are you binge watching any TV series?      

A. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, House of the Dragons, and The Buccaneers. My general go to that I’ve watched a hundred times is Vampire Diaries.

Q. What is your favorite App?          

A. Apple Music. Music is my go to and has always comforted me.

Q. Who is your favorite performer, living or dead?    

A. Michael Jackson and the Cranberries.

Q. Who are your heroes in real life?               

A. The elderly because they survived life.

Q. What are some of the most memorable songs in your life?                 

A. “Linger” from the Cranberries, anything from Pearl Jam, Gin blossoms, and NSYNC. I was a ’90s kid, what can I say.

Q. What is your favorite city?           

A. Manhattan.

Q. What is your favorite cuisine?    

A. Italian.

Q. What is the best concert/performance/play you’ve ever attended?                 

A. The Book of Mormon musical in NY, and NSYNC because it was my first ever concert!

Q. What is the best and or worse piece of advice someone has given you?         

A. Best piece of advice was “it’s an inside job.” I always thought my achievements/accomplishments would “fix me” or that I could buy my happiness. When those failed to make me feel whole, I learned it was an inside job, and the 12 steps would help bring me to a spiritual connection that would make me feel whole again.

Q. What is your most treasured possession?                

A. Photos of my sister, I will cherish them forever. Especially this collage she made me one of my birthdays.

Q. What do you value most in a friendship?

A. Authenticity, honesty, and loyalty.

Q. What do you consider your greatest achievement?               

A. I have won numerous awards for academic excellence growing up, excelled in aptitude tests, and worked as a model. With that said, my greatest achievement is being a sober mom to my beautiful little boy.

Q. What is your favorite compliment to receive, and why?     

A. My favorite compliment is that I have a kind heart and a gentle soul. It means more to me than being complimented on the typical outside stuff because the inward self is what’s more important to me.

Q. What is your biggest fear?           

A. Snakes and public speaking!

Q. Where do you go when you’re seeking solitude?  

A. I used to go by the ocean. Since life has gotten a little busy, I either go for a drive and listen to music or meditate in my room.

Q. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?   

A. The ability to fast forward through grief.

Q. What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?   

A. I’m reaching here … if I could have one more day with my dad and my sister. A day where my mom and I could see them again and they would be able to meet my little boy.

Q. What is your biggest regret?       

A. My biggest regret is, and always will be, wishing I had spent more time with my sister. I realize now that no amount of time could ever have been enough.

Q. What is your greatest extravagance?       

A. I have always been blessed with things of monetary value because of my grandparents and the family I was blessed to be born in, but my biggest extravagance will always be my family. They are priceless.