Sarah Gherghel

Sarah Gherghel, a first-generation Romanian American and a compassionate social worker turned dedicated story collector, is driven by a profound love for people and an unwavering commitment to creating safe spaces for unheard voices. With a heart devoted to empowerment, Sarah has transitioned from traditional social work to a unique role that allows her to amplify the voices of those often left in the shadows. Her empathetic approach and genuine curiosity enable her to connect with people from all walks of life, fostering an environment where authenticity thrives.

Currently, Sarah manages the Living Archives project for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system. The Living Archives project is gathering, preserving, and sharing the stories of Mecklenburg County residents navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the project began in 2021, it re-launched in Spring 2022 with a renewed understanding that the COVID-19 experience was going to be on-going and complex. The Archive is focused on equity and is made up predominantly of the Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Indigenous stories that are often excluded from traditional archives. The project focused on those communities most affected over the past three years including students, the elderly, families with children, immigrants, veterans, the housing insecure, formerly incarcerated individuals, LGBTQ folks, people with disabilities, small business owners, and essential workers. The stories, art, poetry, and music collected for the Living Archives project will be shared with the larger community through a travelling exhibit, a digital exhibit, a permanent mural, and various events starting in February of 2024. Going forward, all stories collected will be permanently available in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, as a digital archive of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and provide critical context to scholars and neighbors alike.

No one’s story should be lost, misrepresented, or ignored.