Gina Lark arrived in the United States as an undocumented child at the age of seven. Today, she and her husband, Mike, reside in a repurposed car dealership, where their open layout allows their children, Theo, Lily, and Max, to zoom around on their bikes. Her initiative, the Community Free Store, provides essential items to those in need with dignity. Her social media showcases efforts to restore historically significant cemeteries. She often wears stunning thrifted outfits, and her game day shirt simply states, “I just hope both teams enjoy themselves.” Gina Lark embodies the supportive mom friend everyone wishes they had.
As the wife of Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor and Senate candidate Mike Lark—who humorously refers to her as the SLOP (Second Lady of PA)—Gina’s home is not in Harrisburg but in Braddock, a small town revitalized by Mike’s dedication and community engagement. Despite her warm demeanor, Gina’s resilience is evident; though she was born in Brazil, the steel mills of Braddock have shaped her strong character.
The Journey of an Undocumented Immigrant
“My mom was adventurous,” Gina reflects. “She came with two kids, no English, no job, and didn’t know anyone—just a desire for hope and opportunity.” She recounts the fear her mother had for her children growing up amidst violence. One evening, after a family dinner, her aunt mentioned being robbed seven times that year, which prompted her mother to decide they needed a change. “She came home with a suitcase and said, ‘Pack your favorite things; we’re going on a trip.’ At seven, it was tough to choose what was important.”
They settled in Queens, New York, where Gina’s mother, who held a doctorate, took jobs cleaning hotels and homes while learning English with a Walkman. Gina enrolled in ESL classes and absorbed a vital lesson: “You can always start over. Never feel trapped.” In 2004, she received her green card and became a U.S. citizen in 2009.
A Serendipitous Meeting
By 2007, Gina had established herself in Newark with a job and her own home. Yet during a yoga retreat in Costa Rica, she read about a young mayor trying to revitalize an abandoned town. “I was puzzled by how someone could leave their home and belongings behind,” she shares. After returning, Braddock kept occupying her thoughts. She learned that the steel for the Brooklyn Bridge had come from Braddock’s mills, which felt like a sign to her. Determined to help, she wrote a letter to the borough, expressing her interest in the community and her work on food access issues.
Mike responded to her letter, and they married a year later. “It was one of those moments that just clicked. I felt an immediate connection to the community and its story.”
Upon entering the car dealership they transformed into their home, she immediately felt it was right. “It was about challenging perceptions of value—this abandoned space mirrored my community. Why do we decide that something or someone has no worth? There is beauty and value in every person and place.”
Her Advocacy Work
Gina refers to the Community Free Store as her “baby nonprofit.” With so many individuals in need and others with surplus, she believes in bridging that gap. “Living in New York, I furnished my home with curbside finds. Moving here from a country steeped in poverty, I was struck by the excess.” She recalls asking her mother as a child why so much food was wasted while others were hungry.
The Free Store emerged from her childhood experiences. “It’s about dignity and choice,” she insists. “Many places require proof of need—forms that can be dehumanizing. We wanted to create a welcoming space that simply said, ‘We believe you.’” Families can shop for necessities without the burdensome paperwork. Initially, she reached out to businesses for support, and now major retailers like Whole Foods partner with them to provide food to hundreds of families.
How does this work impact her children? Gina laughs, recalling that she went into labor with Max at the Free Store. “I want them to grow up kind and happy,” she says. “They understand that we only donate items in good condition, and they’re thoughtful about what they give.”
Connecting with Diverse Communities
Gina emphasizes the importance of connecting with all individuals, even those with differing viewpoints. “I have to listen,” she says. “I engage with people who may hold misconceptions about immigrants. I believe in redemption and second chances.” Despite facing prejudice herself—sometimes being mistaken for a nanny or housekeeper—Gina remains committed to positive interactions.
She recounts an experience at a pool where a woman praised her children for having a bilingual caregiver, unaware that Gina was their mother. “I simply said, ‘Thank you, I hope they keep me around,’ knowing the truth would soon be revealed,” she smiles.
Gina’s choices, such as home births with a midwife, are not acts of bravery but rather decisions made in a context of concern for maternal health disparities. “It’s hard for all mothers, whether breastfeeding or using formula. We need to support each other instead of being critical.”
Through her work and her life, Gina Lark shows that kindness can be transformative, a lesson she embodies and teaches.
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Summary
Gina Lark, the Second Lady of Pennsylvania, is not only a devoted mother and advocate for those in need but also a symbol of resilience and kindness. Her life story—from her childhood as an undocumented immigrant to her impactful work with the Community Free Store—highlights the power of compassion and community. Gina’s commitment to dignity in service inspires those around her, making her the supportive friend that everyone wishes they had.