Meet Our Members: Christine Newkirk

Meet Christine Newkirk. Christine is a New Yorker who recently transplanted her life to lovely Los Angeles. We often profile members who come to Hub LA with up-and-running businesses or fully-realized business plans. But we want to take the time to showcase a member who came here looking for ideas, for inspiration, and for a community. You don’t need to be an established entrepreneur or organization to be a member; like Christine, all you need is enthusiasm and an open mind. Hub LA will take care of the rest!

Why did you choose to become a Hub LA member?
I chose to become a Hub LA member for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to be part of a community of optimistic, idealistic, outgoing and talented people interested in defining a new space for driving social change. Secondly, I wanted to support the Hub and help it grow because I believe in its vision and love the space. Third, I wanted a place to collaborate and hang out with people outside of my field. I hate feeling siloed, and there are no silos at the Hub—people are working in many different fields, but with a shared goal that brings them together.

How has membership influenced/shaped/changed your goals?
I am a newbie to LA, and let me tell you, this city can be very overwhelming at first. When I joined the Hub, I wasn’t totally confident that I would find a place in LA where I fit in, or would be able to realize my goals for myself and my work. But after a few short months at the Hub, I have been connected to more organizations and individuals who share my passions than I can count; I have been challenged to pursue the kind of work I want to do and do it boldly; and my belief of what good is possible in this world has grown more profound. The Hub members are totally inspiring, and I feel more capable and confident in my work thanks to their enthusiasm and generosity.

Coming from New York, did you have any expectations of what the LA community would be like? Has meeting people at the Hub confirmed/rejected these expectations?
I suppose that like most people, I had the impression that LA was film industry and not much else. Boy was I wrong! In a short period of time, I’ve come to find out that LA has so many exciting civic engagement, public arts and youth initiatives going on. And more than that, people always want more people to get involved! It has been great relief to me, after feeling a little run down and cynical after years living in New York. I am so excited to be learning that there is space and support in this city to create your own social venture and/or collaborate with others. The Hub is definitely a microcosm of this, and I am so glad I found it.

Describe your perfect LA day.
I still have a lot to experience in LA, but at this point I’d say my perfect LA day consists of hiking or running in Malibu, shopping at the farmer’s market, taking a mini-architectural tour around a neighborhood I’ve just discovered and then checking out a new restaurant for dinner.

Let’s help Christine get to know Los Angeles; leave her a tip on your favorite restaurant, bar, park, theater, etc. in the comments!

8 Responses to “Meet Our Members: Christine Newkirk”

Alex – December 13th, 2012 at 11:58 am

I recommend Cole’s to everyone I meet. I should be getting compensated for the quantity of word of mouth marketing I do. But yes, Cole’s. 6th & Spring - ish. Not far from the Hub. If you do meat, try the pastrami dip with sweet potatoes fries. Also they make a fantastic Old Fashioned. There is a cool bar in the back called the Varnish with live piano music on Monday’s and Tuesday’s I think. Enjoy!

Elizabeth – December 13th, 2012 at 7:14 pm

Elf has incredible vegan and veg cuisine in Silverlake/Echo Park. I’d also recommend Hama Sushi in Little Tokyo.

Mijin – December 14th, 2012 at 11:52 am

Cafe Stella for brunch, The Last Bookstore for after noon readz, Handsome Coffee Roasters for well…coffee, L&E Oyster Bar for dinner, Cha Cha Lounge for drinks.

Boom. Done.


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December 13th, 2012

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