As race fans gear up for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix festivities this week, we introduce you to a whole other side of the sport—its charitable endeavors and community outreach, including the Las Vegas Grand Prix Foundation. And leading the charge is Pilar Harris, senior director of corporate social responsibility, government relations and sustainability.
“I build relationships with organizations within the community, charities, as well as local government officials to make sure that (F1’s) overall economic impact that we’re bringing (is) felt all across the valley,” says the San Francisco native.
“The sustainability work I consider to be a part of that, particularly the work we’re doing around water conservation,” she explains. “The thing that I wake up every morning to do for work is think about where we need to build stronger relationships, so that people really feel the positive impact of our presence.”
Harris has a decade’s worth of experience in human rights and nonprofit advocacy, and has worked all around the world. After spending a majority of her time in the public sector, last year she decided to bring her wealth of knowledge and experience to the private sector by joining F1.
“I decided what I wanted to do was be able to make meaning and really help people, but from within the private sector,” she says. “So where I am now is really the sweet spot. I love that I get to introduce people to our world through my role. I get to do this incredible work, which is to create meaning out of a grand prix.”
Libation: Volcan X.A
In honor of the inaugural Grand Prix in Las Vegas, Volcan de mi Tierra tequila released the limited-edition Volcan X.A. Only 3,800 bottles were released—a nod to the 3.8-mile track. During race week, the tequila is available at nightclubs across the Strip, and can be purchased by the bottle at select retailers.
Benefit: For a totally fascinating look into the sport of F1, check out the Netflix series, Formula 1: Drive to Survive.
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you’ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more! And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
