Lydia started with UPLAND in March 2023. She recieved her Bachelor of Community Development from Acadia University, where she discovered her passion for creating effective systems change through meaningful engagement and human centered design.

For the last three years, Lydia worked for the Town of Kentville as their Active Living Community Coordinator, where she created strategies, programs and initiatives that focused on access and inclusion, using recreation as a tool for increased wellness and community capacity building. She was responsible for implementing and updating Kentville’s Municipal Physical Activity Strategy, Active Transportation Plan, and Recreation for all Policy to ensure they reflected community needs and followed provincial priorities. Lydia worked closely with over twenty different community partner organizations and represented the Town of Kentville on various regional and provincial committees.