Meet Erica Gaines, C3's Operations and Engagement Manager

This summer we want you to get to know our growing team. Erica Gaines, our Operations and Engagement Manager, shares her favorite project at C3 and some bittersweet news in this 2-minute video.

Describe your role at C3.

I’m the Operations and Engagement Manager here at C3. I serve as the behind the scenes person that keeps C3 going on a day to day basis. I also handle the finances as well as serve as the bridge between C3 and the community for us to better help serve you all.

What is your big news? 

With bittersweet news, I will be leaving C3 in August. I will be going over to ReadyKids to serve as their Community Engagement and Inclusion Strategist. You all will still continue to see me. I will still continue to support and participate in all that C3 does in our community and I look forward to building future partnerships with them.

What is one thing you've done at C3 that you are especially proud of?

One thing that I’ve done that I am especially proud of is the Climate Justice Summer Camp, in which we're hosting right now. Please go follow our teen interns on Instagram @c3_teens2021. We’re in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, CCF Foundation, the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative as well as the Charlottesville Mural Project. We will be putting up a mural on the Red Cross building on Rose Hill Drive here in Charlottesville. Please stay tuned. It’s going to be amazing. It’s been the biggest project that I think I’ve ever worked on and I am just so grateful to have this experience and opportunity with C3. 

What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you?

One thing about me that most people would be surprised to learn is that I love interior design. I enjoy looking up new ideas and recreating them and turning them into my own.