We wanted to give Editors Toronto members and student affiliates another way to get to know their executive committee members, while also finding out what is involved in being on the committee. So, we asked executive committee members to introduce themselves and their roles by answering a few questions for our “Executive Unplugged” series.
Meet Carmina Ravanera, communications co-chair
Carmina is an editor and writer who developed her editorial skills through courses at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and as an editor at GUTS Magazine. Her writing has appeared in Grain, The Fiddlehead, Room, the Toronto Star, and other publications. Carmina is also currently a senior research associate at the University of Toronto.
What kind of editor are you? Tell us a bit about your experience.
I work in academia, where I write and edit communications, reports, and research briefs to help make research more accessible. I like doing this work, as I think it’s important for people to be up to date with new research, especially in these times of rampant misinformation.
Previously, I held editorial positions at a couple of online magazines, mostly editing creative non-fiction. I am nearing completion of a certificate in publishing at TMU and am interested in freelancing in the near future.
What is your favourite part of the role you hold on the executive committee?
As an editor, I love clear communications! It’s rewarding to be the liaison between the executive committee and members of Editors Toronto, as I get to help keep people up to date with the branch’s many events, programs, and other activities. It’s also nice to work with the rest of the committee, who are all very organized and lovely people.
Give us an elevator pitch for your role.
My role involves working with my co-chair, Keisha, on the Editors Toronto newsletter and social media, as well as other communications responsibilities, such as monitoring emails. Essentially, we make sure members know what’s going on in the organization and how they can get involved.
If you didn’t have your role on the exec, what role would you pick?
I enjoy my role, but I think being a community liaison would also be interesting. Since the pandemic, a lot of us are craving more in-person meetups, and a community liaison facilitates those events, as well as connecting Editors Toronto members to the wider Toronto community. I’ve attended two in-person Editors Toronto events, and it was great to be in conversation with other members – no awkward networking vibes at all!
Why do you volunteer and what does it mean to you?
I like volunteering because I get to know other editors. My work can often be solitary, so it’s nice to meet others who share the same craft. I’ve found everyone that I’ve met through Editors Toronto to be so friendly and helpful.
I also volunteer because it’s important to me to support and contribute to the communities I belong to in whatever way I can. I would encourage any editor interested in professional development to join the team.
Fast five for fun
- Your ritual for settling in for work: I tend to procrastinate a bit by checking the news (perhaps not the best idea these days) and scrolling on my phone. Only then I get to work.
- Preferred editing beverage and snack(s): I drink iced coffee no matter the weather, and my favourite snack is dark chocolate and peanut butter.
- Favourite editing tool or resource: I’ve used The Copyeditor’s Handbook by Amy Einsohn and Marilyn Schwartz in editing classes and found it to be a really useful reference.
- Three favourite books – editing-related or not: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, and The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans.
- Things you do in your free time: I enjoy cooking and learning about food, writing short fiction, and wandering Toronto to seek out cafés and bookstores. I’m also learning to sew, and have aspirations to make my own clothes.
This article was copy edited by Vaani Sai (she/her), a publishing and communications professional with experience in print and digital media across multiple industries. She is the CEO of dosas and diamonds, where she offers content writing and editing services. She is also the founder of neurowrite, a creativity coaching platform that empowers writers to overcome creative resistance using neuroscience.
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