Zinovia in her happy place.

This Women’s History Month, I’m reflecting on how the women in my life and my community have shaped me as a person and an organizer.

I wouldn’t be the person I am without the strong women I grew up around and continue to meet. They taught me about community care and organizing before I knew what those words meant, and they continue to inspire me today.

Zinovia immediately comes to mind. 

I met Zinovia traveling one summer after college in Kefalonia, Greece. A chef by trade, she immediately welcomed me with open arms, always made sure I had something to eat, and taught me something new every time I saw her. She loves dancing to live music and has a heartwarming smile. You can feel her love through her cooking; everything she makes is absolutely delicious. 

Zinovia is like the village grandmother, despite not having children of her own. She was born and raised there, knows everyone from children to elders, and is always ready and willing to help neighbors. The first time I tried a fresh fig was when she brought me one from her very own tree. Every day at the retreat, she held up the ingredients and taught me their names in Greek while I practiced the Greek phrases I was learning with her. Her abundant passion for helping others shone through.

Would you believe I learned all of this despite speaking different languages? Zinovia doesn’t speak English, and I don’t speak much Greek. It was nearly impossible to communicate with each other verbally, but that didn’t stop us from connecting and being in community with each other. 

To me, Zinovia represents the strength in our communities. She showed me we can come together across our differences, despite the odds, and our communities are stronger when we do so. Let’s bring these lessons to PA together.

The fascists are trying to rob us of our resources and divide our communities, but we won’t let them. I urge you to take inspiration from Zinovia and talk to your neighbors. 

Make connections, build stronger communities, and remember how powerful we are when we come together across race, place, and generation. We all deserve the resources we need to thrive, and it’s up to all of us to do our part.

If you’re already a dues paying member, consider donating to help us sustain our fight for safety, dignity, and resources all Pennsylvanians need.

In community, 

Hannah