We’re so happy to introduce Sarah Luca, the ELN’s new Program Manager!
My name is… Sarah Luca
I was born in… Vancouver, British Columbia
But I currently live in… Scarborough! I used to live in North York, but moved to the East end several years ago, and have really grown to love the community and the space. I can’t imagine living anywhere else in Toronto.
One of my favourite places in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) is… I love spending time outdoors and find myself in Rouge Park frequently – rain, shine or snow! I also used to live in Hamilton and have fond memories of spending Sundays at the Central Public Library and then the Farmer’s Market. Grabbing some books and some snacks in the same building was always just a really cool experience that showcased how important communities and the built environment can be to helping people thrive.
One surprising thing about me/little known fact is… In my spare time, I really enjoy making and crafting. From sewing to planting trees to camping, I am always looking for new activities to try, especially if it gets me outside and moving (bonus points if it involves excitement!). I live by the mantra: “I’ll try (almost) anything once!”
Issues in our region that keep me up at night are… During the early COVID-19 lockdowns, I was working closely with resident leaders in lower-income neighbourhoods and our experiences with the pandemic were so different. I was grateful to be able to work from home, but spent most of my time alone and escaping into nature because I had access to transit and greenspace. At the same, I knew folks that weren’t working and were essentially stuck inside their homes but had the support systems that I didn’t.
This made me think deeply about the ways people experience challenge, and how those experiences can be so different. I thought a lot about what kind of changes people were going through physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
These days, I also think a lot about how intersectionality impacts how people experience our communities, and strive to support them in ways that are meaningful to them.
The organizations I work with are… Outside of my work with CivicAction, I spend time with organizations that are committed to increasing accessibility, inclusion, and representation in outdoor spaces, especially in remote parks. I believe that equipping people with knowledge contributes to their enjoyment of outdoor spaces so that everyone can experience fall colours in a city park or an overnight canoe trip in the backcountry.
Outside of my work/volunteering, some things I love to do are… I love exploring small, local towns and taking in live music of any genre! Many of my favourite spaces in the city are concert venues, and really highlight the connection between art and community space for me.
The accomplishment I have been most proud of in my work and/or community is… Several years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the team that planned the celebration of Honest Ed’s before it closed permanently. I worked alongside incredibly talented people with huge ideas and passions for city-building. I credit this time with being the catalyst for my commitment to community and city-building. Even though the Farewell Honest Ed’s party was a wonderful time, my memories and connections are the best takeaway for me. I have one of the Honest Ed’s shopping bags that I keep on my wall to remind myself why I do what I do.
One major lesson I’ve learned along my leadership journey has been… You have to be okay with knowing that you can’t solve everything or be everything to everyone. Find something that really ignites your passion and focus your energies there. When you collaborate with others that have different passions, you can really amplify your impact!
If you want to get more engaged in your community, you should… Intentionally seek out opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone and fully embrace the experience. Whether it’s attending a networking event on your own or learning a new skill that you’re curious about. When you approach new opportunities with curiosity, you open yourself up to learning, experiencing, and growing. You never know what new friends you’ll meet!
If I could have dinner with anyone, living or deceased, I would choose… Noam Chomsky. I spent some time learning about communications and journalism and am endlessly fascinated by the ways that engaging with language shapes our culture and social movements.
Have an idea for an ELN event or a question about the network? Connect with Sarah.