By connecting artists, fans, and organizations, PLUS1 amplifies the collective impact and shows how small actions can lead to change - namely consistent, sustainable and substantive change.
If Marika looks familiar to you, you may recognize her as the Viola-wielding touring member of Grammy award-winning band Arcade Fire. For nine years, Marika played her heart out while simultaneously directing and managing the band’s philanthropy and community outreach. During our conversation, Marika will share how she and her fellow band members experienced the incredible energy of thousands of people coming together as well as how they chose to harness and channel it for social good.
Captured by the potential of PLUS1 and guided by her musical colleagues and mentor Dr. Paul Farmer, a founder of Partners in Health, Marika dedicated herself to building an independent organization. PLUS1 was founded in 2013. From a small office in Montréal, she and her team empower other artists to partner with their fans to drive awareness, advocacy, and resources for organizations doing proven, measurable work to address inequity and injustice; repair and preserve our planet; and provide sustainable access to healthcare, food supply, education, equal protection under the law and within society for all human beings.
On the personal-front, Marika's also a strong, whipsmart, and funny working mom and wife. She shares some successes and challenges in trying to keep it all together, especially when she's feeling like it's anything but together. With humor and stories, Marika offers some amazing perspective for the Pinterest-induced imposters and the overwhelmed modern women among us.
Outside of work, Marika sits on the Board of Directors of Partners in Health Canada, and on the PIH Board of Trustees in Boston as a volunteer. She frequently speaks about the power of collective impact and philanthropy in the arts, including appearances at C2 Montreal, the Forbes Under 30 Summit, and universities and engagements around the world.
Selected link love and resources from the episode- Connect with Marika of PLUS1 on social media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
- Régine Chassagne of Arcade Fire (who educated the rest of the band about Haiti)
- James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem and the Shut Up and Dance documentary referenced
- Dr. Paul Farmer and Partners in Health (Check out what they are making happen.)
- The Brock Turner case and organizations like Project Callisto, using tech to combat sexual assault on college campuses
- Local Natives
- Marcus Paquin (recording producer, husband to Marika, and dad)
- Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth (Zen children's book)
- Megan Lawson's fabulous Instagram account for inspiration
- Kickass Theme Music: “Things Are Getting Better” Written by Rishi Dhir. Performed by The High Dials.
- Stay in the loop about future Le vital corps Salon episodes or with Kara: Twitter | Instagram | The List (sent monthly-ish including helpful health + lifestyle information)
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