Park City Community Foundation’s Women’s Giving Fund has united over 1,300 women in pursuit of a common goal: improving the lives of women and children in Summit County. One of those women is Loke Sargent. From recently serving on the Park City Education Foundation board of directors, to volunteering at Peace House, to serving on the board of directors of Friends of Cozumel, Loke Sargent has been a champion for women and children who are facing adversity. We are excited to welcome Loke to our Women’s Giving Fund Grants Committee, where she will be able to continue to have a positive impact on the lives of women and children.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I lived in Hawaii until I was three years old when my parents moved our family to Salt Lake City. Excluding a few years living in New York City, I’ve spent most of my life in Utah. I attended Olympus High School, received a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Utah, and eventually got a masters degree from Westminster College. My parents are from Coalville, and my family has deep roots in Utah. In 1995, I moved from Salt Lake to Park City. Currently, I split my time between Park City and Cozumel, Mexico.
Q: How did you find out about the Women’s Giving Fund and why did you decide to donate?
A: In the fall of 2017, I was looking for more ways to get involved in the community. My friend Karen Marriott knew that one of my passions is empowering women and children, to help in any way that I can. On a suggestion from Karen, I got involved with the Community Foundation and started volunteering with Women’s Giving Fund power lunches. Gradually, I went from watching the Community Foundation from afar to becoming more and more involved. Their ability to use leadership and knowledge to convene nonprofits towards a common goal is unique.
Q: Why were you interested in joining the Women’s Giving Fund Grants Committee?
A: Being on the grants committee is a great way to become more involved in the community. After seeing that the Women’s Giving Fund was looking for committee members, I thought that it would be a great step to becoming not only more involved in our community, but also getting the opportunity to work with and support many different nonprofits in a collaborative environment. I look forward to reviewing the grant applications and gaining in-depth knowledge of what our community’s biggest gaps are in addressing the needs of women and children, and to also have a part in solving these gaps.
Q: In addition to serving on the Women’s Giving Fund, how else do you fit giving into your life in Park City?
A: I have always been able to make time to give back in Park City. When my two daughters were in school in Park City I volunteered at their schools. I started volunteering with Peace House about 20 years ago, working with outreach coordinators writing protective orders, working mainly with Latinos. I also helped with childcare, watching kids so that parents could go to support groups. I have also served on the Park City Education Foundation board.
Q: Tell us about your other nonprofit and volunteering experience, both in Park City and internationally.
A: Almost all of my volunteer work is centered around empowering women. I realize that, often, the best way to accomplish that goal is through childcare and helping families. I have been involved with March of Dimes for a while, an organization that was originally formed to find a cure for polio and now focuses on improving the health of mothers and babies. I currently serve on the March of Dimes board.
As I like to be involved in the communities I am a part of, I also serve on the board of directors for Friends of Cozumel (Mexico). Recently, we have been involved with donating backpacks, shoes, and school supplies, and providing outreach to very low-income kids. Schools are free but you need to have shoes and supplies to attend.
Q: What is it about Park City Community Foundation that you love?
A: Collaboration is so important for nonprofits, and that is a part of why I love the Community Foundation, they recognize that every nonprofit has a niche and that all are important. Katie Wright, the Executive Director, and the staff do a wonderful job of pairing donors to the issues that matter to them most. There is a combination of facilitation and convening of nonprofits, while also making donors’ money go further in accomplishing what they want.