Faria Khan is Park Pride’s new Grantmaking & Fiscal Sponsorship Associate. She is an Atlanta native (having lived in the city all but two years of her life!). Faria Khan graduated from Georgia State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s in public health, going on to work in a different areas within the field including reproductive health, vaccine work, political grassroots campaigns, etc. She previously worked at the CDC as a fellow in overdose prevention. Some of her favorite hobbies are eating, gaming, hiking, and hanging out with friends.
Continue reading to get to know Faria in her own words!
Park Pride’s mission is ” to engage communities to activate the power of parks.” What does the “power of parks” mean to you?
To me, the “power of parks” lies in all the great things parks do for people. When we can realize the true potential of a park, we allow our communities to become stronger.
Why are parks an important part of the community?
Parks are our connection to nature, fitness, and other people. They’re meeting and play places for people of all ages. They’re also easy on the eyes while getting your steps in (which is hard enough as it is!). In an ever-advancing and fast-paced society, I feel like parks are very primal in a way. They’re one of the few places where you can meet these basic needs we all have, and you don’t need any special tools or tech to have a good time.
What are you enjoying the most about working with Park Pride?
It’s the people and the impact. Being in a workplace where you genuinely enjoy your coworkers is a blessing. It’s also amazing seeing and meeting all the people involved in these parks and neighborhoods. More than that, seeing park improvements and the impacts on communities reminds you why it’s all worth it.
Favorite park memory?
I have so many memories with my family making really good food or getting takeout and enjoying a picnic at the nearest park!
What’s your favorite Atlanta park, and why?
I love the urban setting around Piedmont Park – I think it’s super cute!