I am very excited to launch the “parents who inspire” series! Parents featured are parents who are working to improve their local or national communities in a professional or extracurricular capacity. These folks inspire me as parents and people and motivate me to be civic-minded in my own life.
For the first installation, it’s fitting that I am introducing you to Lisl Huber, my neighbor and friend. Lisl is the woman mentioned in my second blog post ever, The Power of Conversation, and whether she realizes it or not, she helped me create A Striving Parent through our numerous conversations about racial justice and civic engagement. She’s an entrepreneur, a mother to two beautiful children and her commitment to Atlanta’s green spaces and animals inspires me. Let’s meet her, shall we?
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Lisl Huber and I am the co-founder of Indigo Collective, a real-estate place-making and branding company. I live in Atlanta, Georgia in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood with my husband, Guenther, our two kids Benedikt (2.5) and Mackay (7 months) and our two cats, Spooky and Mila.
What’s your favorite aspect of living in Atlanta as a parent?
We love living in Virginia-Highland because we are walking distance from so many amazing things for parents and kids alike: Piedmont Park (Atlanta’s city park), the Beltline (urban trail system), neighborhood playgrounds, Ponce City Market, and numerous neighborhood shops and restaurants. Virginia-Highland is a safe place to raise our children and we’re surrounded by a lot of like-minded, engaged adults and parents. That’s not to say all of our neighbors think alike, but when differences of opinion are discovered I’ve found the subsequent discussions to be thoughtful and respectful.
In what ways do you engage with your local or national community?
My family and I take advantage of Atlanta’s city park, Piedmont Park, every single week so I feel very passionate about its preservation. I recently served on the board of Passion for Piedmont, which is a key fundraiser that aids in the park’s sustainability, safety and growth. Piedmont park is an incredible asset to the neighborhood and the city as a whole as one of Atlanta’s best attractions. The park houses several prominent artist festivals and music concerts. Passion for Piedmont’s 2015 fundraising goal was $120,00 and I’m happy to report we achieved that goal.
I have also organized and fundraised for Atlanta Pet Rescue and Paws in the Park because I have a place near and dear in my heart for the well-being of all animals, especially cats and dogs.
Finally, I’m passionate about the Chattahoochee River, Atlanta’s primary waterway, and it’s increased importance in the landscape of how our city flows, functions and operates. Chattahoochee NOW is an organization that was developed a couple of years ago to help protect and bring stakeholders together who are concerned and interested in the value of this great river and the natural resource it represents. Chattahoochee NOW works alongside the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and is bringing together real-estate developers who are interested in creating dynamic and sustainable living communities beside the river.
What’s your favorite part of being civically engaged?
Being civically engaged helps me feel like an integrated part of my community and society. It feels good to engage in activities outside of my job or family responsibilities, even though what I’m doing serves my family both directly and indirectly.
What inspires you to engage in these activities?
My family inspires me to want to improve our community, whether it’s Piedmont Park, the Chattahoochee river or the lives of animals. I want my children to benefit from the amazing natural elements that encompass this great city and I want them to learn the importance of being involved and giving back.
Any words of wisdom for parents wanting to create space for civic engagement in their own busy lives?
I’ve found that doing something for others or for an organization helps me put my own life into perspective. I feel more centered and it helps me shake off the everyday stress that being a working parent brings into my life.
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Isn’t Lisl the raddest?! If you know a parent who inspires, please contact me so I can amplify their work! Go forth and strive, dear readers.