MEET SARA CONTINENZA (MPA '14)
Degrees:
- Master of Public Administration, Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs - Cleveland State University
- B.A. Human Development and Family Science, The Ohio State University
- B.A. English, The Ohio State University
When did you graduate?
2014
Where are you currently residing?
South Euclid, OH
Where are you from?
Woodmere, OH
Current Position(s)
Position: Director of Community Relations and Operations, Food Conscious
Position: Ward 3 Councilwoman, City of South Euclid
Describe Relevant Job Duties:
- Building and sustaining community partners (such as schools, NPOs, local businesses)
- Fundraising-recruiting participants, supporters, donors
- Participating in grant writing activities
- Direct marketing activities
- Manage interns and community outreach staff
- Assist Executive Director in leading meetings with strategic partners
- Compile information on engagement/recruitment strategies and outcomes
- Assist with planning, coordination, and promotion of WVLLC/Food
- Conscious programs:
- School Garden Initiative
- Care-a-Van community resource project
- Farm and Food Processing Facility
Volunteer Experience:
Peace Corps Volunteer
- Burkina Faso, West Africa; August 2005-September 2007
- Promoted Girl’s Education and Empowerment (GEE) in a rural village
- Educated villagers on sexual health, family planning, nutrition, sanitation, and environmental issues
- Assisted in the technical development and prioritization of the GEE program
One South Euclid-CDC
- South Euclid, Ohio; April 2015-December 2017
- Secretary of Board
- Member of Community Outreach and Engagement Committee
Health Improvement Partnership (HIP) Cuyahoga
- Cleveland, Ohio; March 2014-present
- Member of Community Outreach and Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) committees
- Seeking to enhance healthy food retail and active living options in Cuyahoga County communities
Healthy Cleveland Initiative-City of Cleveland and Cleveland City Council
- Cleveland, Ohio; April 2013-present
- Chair of School Gardening Advisory Board, subgroup of Healthy Eating Committee
- Co-chaired Healthy Eating Committee from January, 2015-September, 2015
Sustainable Cleveland 2019
- Cleveland, Ohio; September 2012-present
- Attends annual summits
- Participates in working groups
School Garden Program and Toolkit
- Cleveland, Ohio; April 2016-May 2017
- Headed development of a school garden curriculum and toolkit in partnership with Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and numerous community partners
- Piloting school garden programming in 2 CMSD schools
Care-A-Van
- Cleveland, Ohio; February 2016-present
- Coordinating this collaborative initiative
- Executed pilot programming in several Cleveland neighborhoods
- Seeking funding to support this program, now under umbrella of Food Conscious
Why did you decide to attend Levin?
I have heard many good things about the faculty, who are dedicated public professionals with a wide variety of experience and knowledge about urban affairs.
How did your experience at Levin influence your career path?
My network grew exponentially as a result of my schooling. Additionally, this experience, in tandem with my professional work in the nonprofit sector, gave me the knowledge and insight to drive my career in public health and politics.
What's your favorite Levin memory?
In one of our classes, we had to go out and interview nonprofit leaders about their work and their organizations. The leader I interviewed, called me for an interview me soon after, and became my boss!
What piece of advice do you have for current Levin graduate students?
"Don't be afraid of trading security for freedom to pursue your dreams. Take that leap!" While it may be more of a challenge in many respects, it will ultimately pay off. "Dedicate your life to your passion, and the pieces will fall together beautifully."
What was the most valuable lesson you learned at Levin?
While it's important to have knowledge, it's even more essential to have a vast network of people to work with and learn from.
What inspires you about Northeast Ohio?
I love the diversity here in Northeast Ohio. The variety of people, experiences, ethnic origins, races, and other identifications make it really exciting to live here. I enjoy going to urban festivals and looking around and seeing every color of the rainbow enjoying life together. It's a beautiful thing, and rarer than you would think!
In your opinion, what is Northeast Ohio’s best kept secret?
Our local arts scene. From our world class art museums, to our underground dance events, craft fairs, unique art galleries, and youth-focused arts programming-we certainly have something for everyone! Our summers here are like one giant vacation with all of the weekly festivals and concerts.
What is one thing someone would be surprised to learn about you?
I have lived in four countries, I have visited 21 countries, and I speak 3 languages.
What issues are you passionate about?
Local foods and products. We need to get back to local foods, know our farmers, and know what is in the things we put on and in our bodies. Growing and producing our own foods, supporting local businesses, and working with, not against, nature will help us to create sustainability.
Who is your hero and why?
My grandmother, Peggy Wisner Meldrum. In the 1940s, with no college degree, when most women stayed in the home, she became the first woman to work on a newspaper in the entire state. She worked as a photographer for the Cleveland Press, and later the Plain Dealer. She was a single mother for many years and raised my beautiful, compassionate mother whose career as a social worker inspired me to pursue a life helping others. When I was a child, my grandmother ran both Town Hall of Cleveland and the Cleveland Blue Book out of her house, on her own, with no computer. She was driven and showed me that I could do anything I set my mind to.