After obtaining her MSW in Community Work from Carleton University, Sandra (Sandy) Mark settled with her young family near Merrickville in 1976. At that time, she worked for the District Health Council and has stories to tell about the launch of the Merrickville Medical Centre as the first funded rural Community Health Centre. She cherishes her memories of those times and although her return from BC in 2016 was to sadly care for her son through his cancer journey, she is very happy that she was able to return permanently with her partner in 2021 to her home in Jasper. Sandy is currently Manager of Women’s Programs for the Small Scale Food Processor Association which she and her partner established 20 years ago. Her mission is to connect women food processors across Canada and ensure that their contribution to food sovereignty in Canada is recognized and properly supported. This follows a long career in Community Economic Development in Ottawa, Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC’s interior and in Carp ON working primarily in the food sector where she facilitated development of several mostly rural community organizations with people who needed a stronger basis from which to address community issues. Her underlying concern is to empower people to work together to handle common concerns. Her passion for reflection and growth led her to writing curriculum and teaching part time at the University of Victoria courses in Policy, Community Development and Economics for Social Justice. She is looking forward to reconnecting with friends and enjoying the many benefits of a rural life surrounded by family and friends.