Q&A with Gia Grier McGinnis, Dr.PH., executive director for CCSJ and the York Road Initiative
Grier McGinnis discusses the importance of service, what inspires her work, and more
Photo by Daniel McGarrity
Service acts as a unifier. It breaks down boundaries and, most importantly, gives people hope.
As Executive Director of Loyola's Center for Community, Service, and Justice (CCSJ) and The York Road Initiative (YRI), Gia Grier McGinnis, Dr.PH., leads accessible and meaningful community engagement opportunities for Loyola students. Born and raised in Baltimore, Grier McGinnis encourages Greyhounds to get involved in Charm City—“a city that you root for.”
DOING BaltiMORE
“As a Jesuit Catholic university with mission-driven values that support our work, we are called to be good neighbors and work with our community in Baltimore and beyond. Loyola is building the next generation of leaders, and it is our honor to train them to do great things with their communities.”
Student Driven Service
The CCSJ team mentors student interns who facilitate intentional service opportunities. Whether they're managing a campus thrift store, planning York Road Community Days, or maintaining a community fridge, students are challenged to think critically and creatively. “The students drive the work that we do. I am energized by their energy.”
Inspired By Care For Our Common Home
With a background in environmental studies and public health, Grier McGinnis believes ecological impact, the health and wellbeing of populations, and community engagement are powerfully intertwined. “One of the Jesuit universal apostolic preferences is Care for our Common Home. The way we care for our Earth directly reflects how we care for our people. As an anchor institution in Baltimore, we must recognize our responsibility to give back to the city we call home.”
Baltimore's Best (Gia's Version)
Hiking the red trail around Lake Roland (go early), and Gordon's Florist, Atwater's, and Bonjour Crepes at Belvedere Square Market.