SOUTH SIDE SPOTLIGHT - MEET ERIN SYNK!

​Q: What Do you Do for a Living?
A: I'm a public policy and government relations professional.
 
Q: Tell Us About Your Family and Pets!
A: My partner, Dan and I don't have any pets, but several very happy house plants.
 
Q: Which Neighborhood Do You Currently Call Home?
A: Merion Village
 
Q: Why Did You Move to Your Neighborhood?
A: I was looking for a walk-able, diverse, urban neighborhood with lots of charm and full of great people.
 
Q: Where Else Have You Lived?
A: Berwick and Campus area in Columbus, Muncie, IN, Metro Detroit, Limerick, Ireland
 
Q: South Side Organization(s) Where You Work/Volunteer
A: I am the Vice-chair, Chair of the Public Services Committee for the Columbus South Side Area Commission
 
Q: How Are You Active in The South Side?
A: I'm very engaged in transportation, parks and other public services on the South Side through the Area Commission. I'm an active member of the Merion Village Association and try to keep up with other civic associations, as well. I've helped organize and plan several service days on the South Side.
 
Q: What Are Some Causes or Organizations That Are Important to You and Why?
A: Anyone who knows me can tell you, I love bikes.  I'm on the board of Yay Bikes! where I work to improve our streets and neighborhoods so everyone, from 8 to 80, can feel comfortable riding a bike to get where they need to go or just for fun. I mean, when was the last time your rode a bike and didn't smile? The work is important to me because our built environment has a big impact on equity and our quality of life. With progressive urban planning, we can build neighborhoods that are more equitable and opportunity rich for everyone who lives there.
 
Q: What's Your Favorite Thing About the South Side?
A: Hands down, it's the people that live here.  The South Side is full of kind and caring neighbors who take care of each other. Wherever I turn, I see neighbors lending a hand, sharing what they have, and just plan helping out. It makes the South Side a real community.
 
Q: If You Could Make One Improvement to the South Side, What Would It Be?
A: Parsons Avenue has acted like a barrier for too long. I'd break down the barriers and build bridges between richer and poorer areas in the South Side.
 
Q: What Would You Tell Someone Who May Move to the South Side?
A: The South Side is the best side.  It has a lot of heart and a can-do attitude. The neighbors, that quickly become friends, are the best part of living here. Welcome to the neighborhood!
 
Thank you, Erin for allowing the MVA to shine the South Side Spotlight on you! Each week, we will feature at least one individual who lives, works and/or volunteers on the South Side and who helps to build and strengthen our community every day. If you’d like to nominate someone for the spotlight, email us at [email protected].