Lucia Marchionda has spent her life dedicated to empowering others through education, faith and service.
As Webmaster and Coordinator of the Christian Service Program for the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, Marchionda’s passion for service was recently recognized as a recipient of the 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Her commitment to Christian Service took root at a young age. In Grade 12, Marchionda graduated high school with over 3,300 community service hours, a testament to her belief in serving others. During this time, she collaborated with the Religious and Family Life Department at the HWCDSB to create a first-of-its-kind digital platform that connects secondary students with volunteer opportunities across the community. The platform was not only designed to help students meet their graduation requirements but also to deepen their understanding of the spiritual and social significance of volunteerism, fostering a lifelong commitment to giving back.
In her current role, she continues to develop and maintain this digital resource, which is the only platform of its kind in Ontario. It has helped thousands of Catholic students in finding ways to serve with purpose, empathy and community awareness.
Marchionda’s work has supported students, families, and underserved communities across Hamilton and Niagara.
Her work with the Focus on Youth program made a significant impact in Hamilton’s downtown core, where she served as a Site Supervisor for free summer day camps that provided children and youth from underserved communities with a safe, supportive space to learn, play, and grow. Through engaging programming, access to nutritious meals, and mentorship opportunities, Marchionda helped create a welcoming environment for children who needed it most, while also mentoring at-risk high school students into positive leadership roles.
Marchionda has also contributed to the wider community as Communications Coordinator for SportHamilton. In this role, she has helped organize large-scale community events, sporting ceremonies, and youth-focused initiatives that celebrate and support local athletes and families across the city. She brings people together, whether she is planning recognition breakfasts for champions or working to ensure that sports are accessible to all.
Marchionda is active in her parish. She serves as Minister of Holy Communion and Lead Social Media Coordinator at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church. She also volunteers as a Webmaster at St. Anthony of Padua Parish. In both roles, she supports parish communications and engagement.
She is also the On-Field Program Coordinator for the ArcelorMittal Hamilton Grassroots Soccer Program, a free, inclusive league offering over 600 children. The program provides children from underserved neighbourhoods with an opportunity to play soccer and connect in a positive environment. Overseeing more than 150 volunteers, she ensures the program fosters teamwork, joy, and equal opportunity.
Marchionda has been a lifelong champion of cultural identity and representation. She served for nearly a decade with the Federazione Abruzzese di Hamilton e Distretto, where she was the youngest youth committee member and now sits on the Scholarship Judging Committee, continuing to support and mentor the next generation of Italian-Canadian leaders.
Marchionda also volunteers her time judging science fairs, reviewing scholarship applications, leading the Stoney Creek Terry Fox Run, and supporting children’s health initiatives at McMaster. Her ongoing contributions have been recognized through several national and provincial awards, including the Government of Canada Emerging Leader Award and the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers.
Congratulations, Lucia, for your exemplary service, tireless volunteerism and the meaningful impact you continue to make in our schools, parishes and communities.
