Community Center Volunteer Is Dedicated To Telling Wallingford's Story

Susan Adele Huizenga is a driving force in community engagement. Two decades ago, at the age of 50, Huizenga pursued an advanced degree in e-media at Quinnipiac University to expand her project management skills, overcome her technology phobia and realize her dream of producing video poems. Little did she know that this journey would transform her into a citizen media maven, dedicated to curating people and stories in the public interest, exemplifying the power of lifelong learning and community commitment.

In her role as volunteer executive director of WPAA-TV and Community Media Center Huizenga makes connections with churches, nonprofits, civic groups and independent artists. Her work often spans advocacy, creativity and the pursuit of social, climate and economic justice.

We spoke with Huizenga about her experience in building a stronger, more connected Wallingford community through media.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: As a lifelong Connecticut resident, what led you to eventually put roots down in Wallingford?

Huizenga: I was born in Windsor, CT. I came of age in New Haven. While there, my commitment to continuous public service began. I was a VISTA volunteer with the Department of Corrections and South Central Region Police Advisory Board in 1979. After 20 formative and enriching years, I left New Haven. Moving family to North Branford was intended to be better for my foster children and a shorter commute to my day job as a business analyst with a health insurance provider. In North Branford, I resumed my community media volunteerism as president of Totoket TV.

In 1995, I moved to Wallingford relying on my impressions of this community formed in the mid 1980’s. As president of the League of Women Voters of New Haven and incorporator of Citizens Television, I had been invited to speak in Wallingford a few times. I saw the town as at the forefront of media convergence, since public, education and government access was administered within Wallingford Public Library. When I discovered that was no longer the case, I recommitted to the community media democracy movement as an advisor and producer in Wallingford.

Patch: What have you accomplished in your media career and at WPAA-TV?

Huizenga: My media peers in New England honored me with the Alliance for Community Media Chuck Sherwood Leadership Award in 2022. In 2017, I was nominated to participate in the Adaptive Community Leadership Program hosted by the Graustein Family Foundation.

Most of my accomplishments are shared with the local community of media makers. WPAA-TV has been recognized over the past decade, nationally and regionally, for excellence and community impact. Four times in the past five years WPAA-TV won the Alliance For Community Media Overall Excellence Award for public access channels with budgets $300,000 and under; our budget averages $80,000. I have had the privilege of stitching the clips together of our Annual Video Report telling the story of our collective impact in numerous areas from wellness to justice to transparency.

Patch: What can you tell us about your current role as volunteer executive director?

Huizenga: I am more process than people oriented. My project roles range from curator, collaborator, editor, synthesizer, organizer and advocate. I try to lead by standing alongside others on their journey as I am more comfortable behind the scenes. My joy is found in seeing people of all ages discover things they did not know they needed: a moment with art, or in conversation or learning.

Patch: What's one thing you wish others knew about the resources, events and programs available to them through WPAA-TV and Community Media Center?

Huizenga: WPAA-TV and Community Media Center provides the tools and stage for everyone to express themselves. It can be a safe and brave space. We practice a “no need to knock” policy. You do not need an appointment to start your journey with us. Stop in and be inspired by how volunteers adapted a 1924 cow barn into a public space. Start believing in what you can do with a TV studio, podcast room, green screen and tech tools available to you at no charge.

Patch: What do you love most about your role in Wallingford?

Huizenga: My volunteer job in Wallingford is so much #MoreThanTV. It is about conversations and stories and improving people's lives.

Patch: How can the community contribute to the success of WPAA-TV and Community Media Center?

Huizenga: If you want to contribute, you can give $5 to us during the annual #GreatGive06492 community fundraiser in May. I am credited with leading this initiative that raises the profile of a dozen nonprofits simultaneously to raise unrestricted funds that help all of us with the flexibility to be responsive to the needs of our community.

Additionally, WPAA-TV is turning 30 and we are turning a corner as the community’s destination station. We are celebrating Community Media Week Oct. 16-21 with many cablecast specials and an Open House on Saturday, Oct. 21. Unity begins with U.

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