Spotlight on Leadership: Shana Maziarz and the Community Foundation of Nevada County
Shana Maziarz is more than a local business owner — she’s a systems thinker, community builder, and passionate advocate for equity and sustainability.
As the chair of the Community Foundation’s governance committee, Shana is creating a solid foundation for getting things done: creating and managing policies and procedures, influencing board development, and supporting committee work. Her work for nonprofits such as SYRCL, Sierra Friends Center, and North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center has given her a broad perspective on the organizations, people, and challenges that make Nevada County unique. Now, through the Community Foundation, she is pulling her considerable knowledge together to make strategic improvements from a higher level perspective. “The intention is to look at the community as a whole,” she explained. “There are so many amazing nonprofits who are focused on their piece of the puzzle, and the Community Foundation helps fit those pieces of the puzzle together.”
Shana believes the Community Foundation is key to helping Nevada County become more sustainable and self-sufficient. One area she is especially passionate about is food security. According to the Nevada County Food Policy Council, less than 4% of the food Nevada County residents consume is grown in the county -- a risk in this era of increasing supply chain disruptions. Shana has seen how local food sourcing can help. When COVID disrupted supply chains, Three Forks had fewer problems procuring food because most of their meat and produce is sourced locally.
She knows the path to self sufficiency will not be easy, and requires participation from the whole community. Shana is particularly committed to uplifting voices that have historically been left out. “I want to see the voices that are not as readily heard be more heard, like the Latino community,” she said. “I want everyone to have a seat at the table. Seeking out those folks will make us stronger.”
Despite the challenges, Shana is hopeful about what is possible when people work together to share and protect resources and ensure our community will continue to thrive for generations. “We have all of the makings of Eden,” she said. “What would it look like to create a model community? Feed ourselves, govern ourselves, create a world where everyone is heard? Nevada County is uniquely poised for this type of experience. We are uniquely poised to create a model community. The Community Foundation can help us achieve that vision.”