Marguerite Viola, Project Leader

My name is Marguerite Viola and I am the Project Leader for the Alleghany Highlands Trail System in Virginia. I’m excited to join the SCA family this year! My first SCA experience was working on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in Southern California on a six week long Leadership Development and Work Skills trail crew.
Last year, I completed a yearlong AmeriCorps term with the Northwest Service Academy out of Trout Lake, WA. I lead a traveling six-month Pacific Crest Trail Team. I was lucky enough to get to work on the PCT from Mt. Rainier in WA to the deserts of Southern California near Palm Springs.
I was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. I lived in NYC for a few years working as a dog walker and volunteering for Friend’s of First Run, a non-profit group who manages the dog park in Tompkins Square Park, NYC. I ran a small dog rescue group, maintained the gardens, and helped organize volunteer events. In 2004, I moved back to the Philadelphia area. I graduated from Rosemont College in 2008 with a B.S. in Business and a B.A. in Studio Art, Interior Design. I worked as an interior architectural designer during and after college. I also managed candy and hotdog vendors at major concerts and sporting events. I was lucky enough to work at Giant’s Stadium and Lincoln Financial Center.
In the fall of ’08 I took a 6 month road trip across the USA with my dog. I hiked, camped and climbed as I traveled around in an old diesel Mercedes converted to run on vegetable oil. I went on alternative spring break service trip to El Salvador during college. I stayed on Fair Trade Organic coffee farm set high in the Mountain’s of El Salvador learning how a small group of people can make positive environmental changes. Music, cooking and the environment are my big personal passions as welling as traveling. I love hiking, climbing, camping, biking, basically anything that gets me moving and hanging out in the great outdoors.