Having earned an Associate Degree in Natural Science in Iceland, Helga started a pre-med program at the University of Iceland, but decided she had another calling. In 1987, she visited the Bay Area for the first time, and a year later, moved to Emeryville to start school at the University of San Francisco and Academy of Art College. Soon thereafter, Helga moved to San Francisco and became a member of a queer-run live/work performance space in SOMA.

Helga Ingibjörg Sigvaldadóttir, Maitri’s Facility Manager since 2007, hails from Iceland. The daughter of a swimming coach and hairdresser, Helga grew up swimming and playing competitive team handball, soccer, basketball, and golf. Summer jobs during adolescence included babysitting children, working on a farm, assisting with carpentry jobs, gardening, cleaning, delivering newspapers, working in a medical pill factory and hospital laundry room, and serving as a car dealership receptionist.

In 1992, she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in documentary photography, and subsequently worked as a professional photographer’s assistant for 10 years. Today, Helga runs her own photography business.

Helga continued doing odd jobs such as interior and exterior house painting, more gardening, serving as a personal assistant and organizer, and learning to be a Certified Apple Computer Technician, becoming a jack-of-all-trades in the process. Maitri is the very fortunate beneficiary of her mechanical and technical wizardry.

She became an American citizen in 2001, and now holds dual citizenship in Iceland and the USA. That same year, Helga met “Lexi,” Alexandra Leban, and married her in 2004. Their daughter, Ada Sóllilja Helgudóttir Leban, was born in 2005.

Helga and Tony enjoyed a recent conversation:

Tony: “When did you start work at Maitri?”

Helga: “I began on September 1, 2007.”

Tony: “Could you please tell us your job title and duties?”

Helga: “I am the Facilities Manager at Maitri. I oversee two cleaners and am responsible for general building maintenance including areas such as painting, plumbing, electricity, and the garden. For our residents, I set-up their rooms before they move-in. In general, I hire the contractors and also order supplies as needed, so I end up doing administrative and hands-on work. For (Maitri’s tenant, the thrift store) Out of the Closet, I perform similar duties.”

Tony: “Have you done these sorts of things before?”

Helga: “I’ve been handy all of my life. I was raised by a carpenter and farmer grandparents, and oversaw the work for a fixer-upper in Oakland as well as a live/work performance area in the South of Market district in the 1990’s. I love organizing and fixing things, and have always enjoyed figuring out things by myself. I love puzzles, too.”

Tony: “What attracted you to Maitri?”

Helga: “After 20 years’ work as a freelancer, I sought a steady paycheck, and was attracted to the flexibility of the job as Maitri presented it to me. I’m also a photographer, and my Maitri work schedule enables me to continue my photography interests.

I love the energy of the [Maitri] space; it is a special space, with excellent staff and volunteers. It’s just a great place overall.”

Tony: “What challenges do you face?”

Helga: “I’m pulled in many different directions, and it seems there’s never enough time to do everything. I also regret I don’t speak Spanish.”

Tony: “Do you have any goals or dreams for Maitri?”

Helga: “Yes – I’d love to see solar energy panels installed on our roof, automatic doors for our patios and the front door, perfect heating and cooling, and a rooftop garden.”