ROCK Star: Callie Ridolfi
ROCK STARS
In this edition of ROCK Stars, we profile environmental engineer Callie Ridolfi, a community architect whose legacy ranges from founding our local Farmers Market to fostering a new era of civic engagement with MI Rising United for Democracy.
PROFESSION: Community Architect, Environmental Engineer, and Local Catalyst.
THE JOURNEY: An environmental engineer by training, she applied her technical discipline to the local landscape --literally and figuratively-- dedicating her career to the health of the planet and the strength of the community. From serving as the founding director of the Mercer Island Farmers Market in 2008 to founding Mercer Island Climate Action Now (MI CAN) in 202l, Callie continues to build paths to a more sustainable future.
LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Successfully synthesizing the "brainstorming brilliance" of 75 enthusiastic Islanders into a mission for MI Rising United for Democracy, a group focused on opposing cruel and unconstitutional practices by the Trump regime, protecting due process, and upholding democratic structures.
HOROSCOPE: Stars aligned when The League of Women Voters' “Unite and Rise 8.5” campaign launched the same week that Indivisible issued a call for “One Million Rising” community organizers. MI Rising United for Democracy was the result of this planetary convergence and synchronicity that must surely have been predestined.
RAISON D’ÊTRE: Social justice and a radical respect for the dignity of every person. "It is truly amazing what transpires when a few friends gather to explore ways to build a stronger community. Whether it was starting the Farmers Market in 2008 or launching MI Rising today, focus and determination can change the world."
OFF-DUTY: Find Callie tending her garden, experimenting in the kitchen, and sharing the craft of [sustainably harvested] Washington viticulture at the Fidélitas Wines tasting room.
ON HER NIGHTSTAND: Positively Uncivilized by Rena Priest. TLDR: "There is no equality without acknowledging that we live in an ecosystem—we are interdependent organisms, reliant on the health of the whole."
CREATIVE FUEL: Rwandan fair-trade dark roast coffee.
MANTRA: “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it….If only we’re brave enough to be it.” — Amanda Gorman.
CONNECT WITH CALLIE: You can find her at the NO KINGS Mercer Island/I-90 Bridge Walk on March 28th and learn more about her climate action work at MI CAN.
