Liz Anne Ganiban

Liz brings a special breed of authenticity to her work as a Firesoul at A Wider Circle—a Sacred Place at Sibley Plaza, a public housing residence for 250 low-income seniors and people with disabilities in downtown DC. She brings a sincere passion for eradicating poverty and inequality—and is a true lover of nature. A potent combination!

Liz got her start at Sibley by overseeing the creation of its Sacred Place garden—which was, by any definition, a truly collaborative process. No needs were assumed; Liz took it to the garden users themselves—to challenge them to design a garden that they would enjoy finding solace and inspiration in. She worked closely with them to dream, design, and then work in the “Peace Garden” that they named themselves.

On being a Firesoul, Liz shares:

“I really do not consider it work.  I love being around people of all ages, races, cultures and economic levels.  I learn so much from everyone I encounter.”

Liz delights in observing the garden being cared for by the residents—which started as mostly women, and then the men stepped into some leading roles. It gives them access to nature, a chance to feel the sun, and appreciate the finer moments in life.

“Watching the residents get excited when the trees and flowers bloom or when a cherry tomato or cucumber starts to ripen is one of the many rewards of being a Firesoul here at Sibley.”

Photo credit: Maureen Porto