New adventure for Lillian
Today is my last day at the Community Cycling Center. I’ve been honored and proud to serve the mission of the Community Cycling Center the past two years, and it’s been a blast to work with all its great volunteers and supporters. I’m moving on to accept a role as the Digital Director for the Democratic Party of Oregon – an opportunity that will surely be full of excitement in the election year to come!
“You are living your dream life” my friend Aaron responded to me when I tweeted a picture of picking up the donated Hopworks keg for Transportation Trivia by bicycle. And in so many ways, working at the Community Cycling Center has been my dream life.
Picking up the keg at @HopworksBeer for @CommCyclingCtr #transpotrivia in style. pic.twitter.com/YEkfzM3nrT
— Lillian Karabaic (@anomalily) August 27, 2014
I’ve always loved the Community Cycling Center’s mission and vision, from back when I lived in Cincinnati and I co-founded a nonprofit that wanted to be the Cycling Center when it grew up. My time working as a Catholic Worker and Americorps volunteer with single mothers experiencing poverty have made me passionate about the effect that a bicycle can have on someone’s independence and self-reliance.
I truly think that the bicycle is a vehicle for change and tool for self-empowerment, and I’m so proud of the work that the Community Cycling Center does every single day to help push that mission forward. I look forward to continuing to support this work as a donor and volunteer – and of course, claiming the title as Transportation Trivia Champion!
Here are a few of my favorite memories from my time at the Community Cycling Center:
Transportation Trivia surrounded by actual giant trains at Oregon Rail Heritage Museum!
Charging electronics with the hardworking volunteers at Cycle Oregon to raise money – ocassionally while dressed as David Bowie
Hosting a live BikePortland.org podcast with these incredibly smart folks at Simple
Dressing as David Bowie for a day – AGAIN – when marriage equality became law
And of course…always the magic of Holiday Bike Drive
Today’s my last day, but Jersey Deutsch, who many of you have met in his role as Bike Camp instructor and then as Development and Volunteer Coordinator, will be taking over as interim Development Manager. He brings 10 years of experience fundraising for non-profits and campaigns, and I know he’ll do a great job taking over the Development reigns.
I’d love it if you’d send me off in style and get Jersey’s new position started with a donation to our Indiegogo campaign. (You could even get the perk of having me draw your bicycle or perform an interpretive dance of your life’s story in our bike shop.)
I’ll see you at Transportation Trivia in August (where I plan to win the trophy this time!) and please remember to save a dance for me at Bicycle Ball!
Safe Riding and Warm Wishes,
