In this episode, Monica is joined by Rita Fagan, a lifelong activist, artist, and community leader from Dublin’s Liberties.
Rita left school at 13½ to work in a sewing factory, where early experiences of inequality sparked her political awakening. She went on to the Simon Community, learning the importance of “taking people as they are,” before dedicating over three decades to radical community development at St. Michael’s Estate. Along the way, she brought her activism to Latin America and Palestine, weaving global solidarity with local struggles.
In this conversation, Rita shares:
How the factory floor and the Simon Community shaped her purpose
Why “care is moral, and care is political”
The role of art as a voice for protest and change
The importance of building community and investing in people with patience
Rita’s story is a reminder that purpose is found in the everyday — in courage, creativity, and the communities we build together.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:28 Meet Rita Fagan: Community Activist
01:25 Rita's Early Life and Purpose
03:06 Factory Life and Political Awakening
04:58 Involvement with Simon Community
08:14 Journey to Latin America
11:50 Building Community and Activism
15:13 Art and Activism
17:07 Reflections on Purpose and Activism
28:04 Advice for Finding Your Purpose
31:12 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
