Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Luda, and I have recently joined the Women’s Centre as the new Operations Coordinator! I was born and raised in Russia, and at the age of 17 I immigrated on my own to Israel where I lived for the last 23 years.
I hold a B.A. degree in Journalism and International Relations, and an M.A. in non-profit management. I am a non-profit professional with extended experience in community development and informal education.
I am passionate about participating in my community, and I have had the privilege of volunteering with homeless and vulnerable youth in Jerusalem, with Dartfur and Eritrea refugees’ children in Tel Aviv, and with animals shelters in different locations.
I moved to Calgary in the Spring of 2018 with my partner, 3 kids and 4 pets. I find my piece of mind in reading, playing music and knitting.
What is your personal definition of feminism?
I define feminism as an ideology and a way of life that based on values of equality of access to resources and opportunities for all with no discrimination of any biological sex, gender, color or self definition.
What brought you to the Women’s Centre of Calgary?
As someone who worked and volunteered for non-profit sector for all her life, I started to look for an non-profit agency that walks what it talks right upon arrival to Calgary. It took me some time but I found what I was looking for and it’s the Women’s Centre!
What’s one thing you hope to learn at the Women’s Centre?
There are so many things I am planning to learn here, but if I can mention one only, it would be the local women’s effort and action in Calgary, both community and political.
Describe a woman who you admire or who has influenced your life.
I was and am a lucky person to meet quite a lot women who have influenced my life, probably one of the most memorable is my university teacher, Professor Tamar Rapoport, a researcher, a feminist, an activist, and an amazing person who broadened my horizons and enabled me to start an amazing journey to self definition, self education and critical thinking.