.png?width=2016&height=202&name=Copy%20of%20YARD%20SIGN%20-%2024%20X%2018%20(2).png "Copy of YARD SIGN - 24 X 18 (2)")
Growing up in a small town in Northern Ontario, I know the importance of community. The people in a tight-knit community keep you true to yourself.
My Journey
The Younger Years
Eldest Brother of four...
Being the oldest came with a significant amount of responsibility. At a very young age, I quickly learned that you must look out for the little ones and think past your own needs. Having siblings isn't always easy; I'm sure it's a lot like being a council member, where everyone in your community is a family member. Even though you may be different, you are all working to be better together.
I owe a lot to my mom
She's always been there...
I owe a lot to my mom. She's been there every step of the way. Her strength is why I'm strong. It's because of her I believe so strongly in equality. I've yet to see a man be stronger or "better" than her. A second-generation Canadian from Poland (Ukraine, before the borders were changed), she's always approached life with a smile and a "let's get it done" attitude, even in the most challenging times. A funeral director for over a decade, she's helped countless people and always gives back. I get my smile from her, and my friends always welcome her as their friend. I count my blessing that she's my mom.
Wisdom Looks like my dad
I get a lot from my dad...
The youngest of a family of six, my father always has some of the best advice. A first-generation Canadian, he came to Canada from Trinidad at age 3. A custom home developer with a small team of dedicated workers, he's always available to give a profound amount of knowledge in the trades and life itself. There's never a task too big that I can't handle because of what I've learned from my father.
lucky would be an understatement
My support has never been stronger...
It's only because of my partner, Lauren Segedin, that I've been able to commit so firmly to our community. A lifelong member of this community (Leamington), she's always been involved. From Rotary, Big Brother's, Big Sisters, our current business www.Stanedin.com and being a Teacher for the Public Board, she always gives back to our community. Every day we walk around our neighbourhood or bike down the greenway to shop, eat, or enjoy the beautiful area. Our conversations are filled with laughter, ideas and goals for our future. We are committed to each other just as much to our community and look forward to our town's continued health and vibrance.
I've Learned a lot
in municipal Construction projects...
After college, I went into construction, working on municipal projects ranging from Roads, Watermains, and Parks to Emergency services and snow removal. Dealing with a wide range of services in many major municipalities around the Greater Toronto Area has given me insight into many of the issues towns face and what works. What, sometimes, needs another attempt. Planning has always been a crucial part of success.
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Community is paramount
The People you surround yourself with...
All my life, the community has been essential to me. When coming to Windsor, my professional goal was to work with a Non-profit to help give back to the community. I was lucky to be hired by the Multicultural Council as their IT Specialist. I helped with many of the events they created. From Carrousel of the Nations to the Herb Grey Gala, for over 40 years, they have been supporting our community.
Creating a space for all
Many Projects with the same goal...
I've been part of many significant events that build up our communities. Still, co-creating the Walkerville Night Market was an epic journey. Many long nights were spent planning and creating a space where everyone was welcomed. When I first came to Windsor, I would ask what people "do"? Their first answer was about "work," but everyone would give me a second answer about what they loved doing. This would be a craft that they would describe with passion. From beer or sausage making to candles and knitted items, people would always have a second career they loved. I found that there wasn't a space for people to showcase their craft. With a lot of work and help from friends, we created a place where everyone could enjoy what they loved; The Walkerville Night Market.
Who I AM
If you ask me why I want to be a councillor...
If I can help, I will. Being in "IT" doesn't just mean I'm good with computers; it's about wanting to help people. It's in my personality. I could be in any industry, and I would still be the person that wants to help. I've always been. If you ask me why I want to be a councillor, I believe I can help the most people effectively. And even if I don't make it this time, I'll still be helpful for many more years ahead.
What I DO
I Currently have two endeavors...
My day job is working at Mastronardi Produce as the Lead Site Engineer in Information Technology. I love it. It's a high pace, active organization that is the leader in its industry and is always looking to do better in our community. My second love is the business my wife Lauren and me created during the pandemic, STANEDIN. We started this business because we found volunteering and giving to the community difficult to do during the pandemic. Lauren was a Big Sister and I was involved with the United Way, but we couldn't give to them in the same capacity. We thought, why not give back to our community in what we are good at? So we created STANEDIN, a Social Enterprise dedicated to giving back to the community through Grant Writing, Program Development and Technical Support.
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