How and when did you get involved with ZUMIX?
When I worked for Sonos, we were looking for a local nonprofit partner for our Boston office, and one of our employees had been involved with ZUMIX Radio’s installation. He recommended ZUMIX, and I helped connect Sonos employees with ZUMIX for a few volunteer days.
What kind of volunteer work did you do?
Lots of things! We scrubbed music and created clean versions of songs for use on the radio. We did a bunch of repair work on amps and guitars. I brought our entire executive team out to ZUMIX twice to see some music and do some volunteering. At some point, I was invited to join the ZUMIX board, and I’ve remained on the board as vice chair for the last two years, since I left Sonos.
What made you say yes to getting more involved with ZUMIX?
Music has been really powerful for me. I love how music builds community and it also informs your understanding of community. As I’ve gotten to know the people at ZUMIX, it has deepened my commitment.
Working with great people on a meaningful task is always inspiring. The East Boston community is also really fun. I’ve enjoyed getting to explore the neighborhood and see Boston from a different perspective.
How and when did you get involved with Walk for Music?
The first year I was deeply involved with the Walk was 2020, during COVID. I had joined the board in 2019, but I was still kind of new. That year was a virtual walk, and it was all hands on deck. We asked: What can we do that’s creative, that changes things up and helps people feel connection and community in this crazy time? It was also a great way to connect with my Sonos community, because we were all at home, and a lot of folks were able to support remotely. They couldn’t come in person to walk, but they supported ZUMIX from where they were.
Do you have a favorite Walk for Music memory?
I’ve brought family members and friends to the Walk every year since 2021 – my kids and their friends. That 2021 walk was the first time in a while we’d been together in person. It was three different families – those folks who got us through COVID all coming together. That was awesome.
What’s the best part of the Walk itself?
One thing that’s really special is the ending concert in Piers Park. My older son has a lot of noise sensitivity, and indoor events are too much for him. But out in the park, there’s enough space for him to enjoy it. It’s fun and joyful, but it’s not as overwhelming. That’s been a way for me to share with him some of the things I love about ZUMIX.
Why do you Walk for Music?
Music is really important to cultivate, because it brings people together. Now, more than ever, we need joyful, generous, community-building things that sweep everybody up together and show how we can make great things as a community.
Erika Abbas Hanna is senior director of hardware operations at Hudl and vice chair of the ZUMIX board.
