Meet Our Board Members

ALI HAMMINGTON

I was born and raised in Winnipeg, and spent several years living in Seattle, WA. I moved to Edmonton in 1996, and I am a fairly new addition to the neighbourhood, having lived here, with my cat Cali, for just shy of two years (2020).

I am a longtime community volunteer with experience in community-building.​ I worked as a crisis counselor for several inner-city agencies for 14 years, before leaving to pursue a sociology degree and becoming disillusioned with current anti-poverty initiatives. I now patch together a living from various odd jobs while pursuing my interests through volunteering.

I enjoy spinning sheep into yarn, live music, and aspire to be a crazy cat lady in my old age.

VALDA ROBERTS

I was born in Dawson Creek, B.C. and came to Edmonton in 1982. As of 2020, I have lived in the neighbourhood for 21 years and have been involved in various neighbourhood initiatives and events.

I attended the University of Guelph BA program and Grant MacEwan College where I received my diploma in Volunteer Management. As a professional volunteer manager, I have experience in the non-profit realm and bring that experience to the board. I am involved with a number of league initiatives including our Finance Committee, Facilities Committee, Seniors outreach, and Social Events. 

​I am passionate about Event Management, especially live music and community festivals. I am a crafter and a sewer in my spare time.

AVERY ARONYK-SCHELL

Born and raised in Edmonton, I have lived in Alberta Avenue since 2017.

I believe that through strong connections and community involvement we can build a vibrant, safe community that feels more like a family than a collection of houses. In addition to that, through creating personal connections we can connect people with services they need and the opportunity to learn and develop new skills. I would love to be involved in efforts to fill the needs of residents with these skill sharing initiatives. I hope in the coming years to be heavily involved in the growth of this amazing community.
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I have skills in cooking and baking, basic carpentry, sewing and upcycling. I love to work with children, teens, and people in general!

ERICK ESTRADA

I am originally from Mexico and moved to Alberta Avenue in 2013 to study at Business Management NAIT and I fell in love with our neighborhood. I have lived in the neighbourhood for the past six years (2020).

I worked at NAIT for over two years in the students' engagement department. In 2018, I started working for Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton as the resource development associate, and co-funded a business where I look after the administration of finance. In 2020 my business went multi-national and now we operate in all of North America. As a volunteer, I participate in the role of operations director of the Mexican Society of Edmonton. I have volunteered as a volunteer coordinator in the Edmonton Carnival for the last three years.

My hobbies include playing chess, taking walks and working in the garden. I like to walk around our neighbourhood and chat with neighbours. What I like the most about our neighborhood are the beautiful trees that we have in our streets.

MARGARET LARSEN

Born and raised in Calgary, I moved to Edmonton because it was time to move away from home. As of 2020, I have lived in this neighbourhood for 20 years.

 I worked in childcare before having a family. Then was a stay at home mom as well as helping my husband part time in his construction business. I try to volunteer as much as possible for events. I love meeting the members of our community, getting to know them, and welcoming them in!

Being honest & fair with all people is very important for me. Some of my interests include reading fiction, knitting, painting, bird watching, and spending time in the country.

EVAN HALBERT

Born and raised in Shelburne, Ontario, I moved to Edmonton in 2014 for Law School. As of 2020, I have lived in the neighbourhood for a year now.

I attended The University of Waterloo and recived a bachelor's degree in Evironmental Studies, and a Juris Law degree from the University of Alberta. I currently work as a lawyer. 

I am passionate about community development and I am involved in the Devlopment and Parks Initiatives at the community league. Other than community development, another one of my interests is trail running.

KELSEY MCKINLAY

I was born and raised in Saskatoon, I came here in 2012 to get an education in nursing. I've lived in the neighborhood since 2014 with my husband and stepdaughter. We recently purchased in Alberta Avenue and I'm looking forward to becoming more involved in the community.

I attended Norquest College to become an LPN and attended Grant Macewan to specialize in the Operating Room. I'm a healthcare worker so I have all those lovely skills that come with being a nurse in the operating room. My motto at work is "how can I support you better?" but I think that's best used everywhere!

I am currently the Program Director and help run our community Hub Night on Thursday’s! During the growing season you’ll likely be able to find me amongst my flowers in the garden. I am passionate about social equity, and being a better ally to vulnerable and marginalized communities. I really enjoy being creative and caring for all of my plants. I love to sing and paint and I’m learning digital art.
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KARINA HURTADO

I am originally from Peru and moved to Canada in 2004. My husband and I have lived in Alberta Avenue since 2006, and since then I have been passionate about building a stronger and more inclusive and vibrant community.  
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I hold a bachelor’s degree in Economics and I have spent over 20 years working in the social sector both in Canada as well as overseas in countries such as Peru, Bolivia and Cuba. My life’s work and passion are focused on the areas of poverty reduction, community economic development, social enterprise and financial empowerment. I currently work for the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region as Manager of Community Strategies. 

​I have been a Block Connector for three years, and I am part of the Alberta Avenue Community Garden. I love cooking, gardening and interior design. I am very passionate about food security. I am also passionate about community work and bringing multiple stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams to the table to create innovative solutions to build a better community for all.

LIZ JOHN-WEST

I was born and raised in India, but eventually immigrated with my family to Kamloops, B.C. After graduating high school, I moved to Edmonton to attend university. I have lived in Alberta Avenue for the past 11 years (2020).

I studied sociology and then completed grad studies in Indigenous community development. Now I work in the social services field at WJS Canada, where I oversee the children’s service sector. I have also volunteered with the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, where I represented neighbourhoods bordering 118 Avenue.

​I am passionate to see the voice of ordinary Edmontonians come to the decision table and community leagues facilitate this to take place.  I am also passionate to see people have a sense of belonging where they live which means we create welcoming spaces in the neighbourhoods. Again, community leagues are such a great avenue to put on events which bring people together.

CASSANDRA WALLACE

I was born in Fort William, Ontario, which is now called Thunder Bay. I lived there until I was three-years-old and I was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I moved to Edmonton around 37 years ago and have lived in this neighbourhood for the past 21 years.

I studied at Grant MacEwan College and The University of Alberta and recieved a degree in Sociology. I used to work in the telecommunications field.

I am an advocate for special needs people and senior citizens. I like to help out where needed.