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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2024 – Build Healthy Places Network (BHPN) is thrilled to unveil the thirteen esteemed members of its newly formed advisory council, a driving force behind the Community Innovations for Racial Equity (CIRE) initiative.
Generously supported by a $1.1 million grant from The Kresge Foundation, the CIRE initiative is poised to catalyze meaningful change by empowering BIPOC-led and/or allied Community Development Corporations (CDCs). The Advisory Council, composed of seasoned multisector leaders deeply committed to health and racial equity, will play a pivotal role in shaping the initiative's trajectory. Their invaluable insights will guide the selection of CIRE partners and locations, ensuring that the initiative's impact is both strategic and far-reaching.
This fall, BHPN, with the council's guidance, will award transformative grants to five exceptional BIPOC-led and/or allied CDCs. These grants will fuel innovative projects that support dismantling systemic barriers and foster equitable community investment.
The distinguished members of the Advisory Council represent a diverse array of organizations, each bringing a unique perspective and expertise to the table:
Amber Banks-Bond, President, African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
Monica Copeland, Project Director, The People’s Practice, Thirdspace Action Lab
Kate Gallagher, Senior Manager, Place-based Investing and Policy Initiatives, Healthcare Anchor Network
Suzanne Gunther, Communications Director, Community Opportunity Alliance
Romi Hall, Director of Network and Influence, Center for Community Investment
Jackie Hunter, Vice President, Health Equity Strategies, American Hospital Association
Enrique Martinez-Vidal, Vice President for Quality and Operations, Association for Community Affiliated Plans
Courtney W. Robertson, Director of Programs and Partnerships, Collective Impact Forum
Surbhi Sardana, Senior Manager, Network Learning, Community Initiatives, NeighborWorks America
Shona Sen, Senior Program Officer, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Storm Taliaferrow, Senior Director of National Alliance of Latino CDFI Executives (NALCE), National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB)
Pete Upton, CEO/Chairperson, Native CDFI Network and Executive Director, Native 360 Loan Fund
Sarah Weller Pegna, Interim Program Director, Health & Wellbeing, Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development, National League of Cities
"The CIRE initiative is a significant step forward in advancing racial equity," said Romi Hall, Director of Network and Influence at the Center for Community Investment. "By investing in BIPOC-led CDCs, we can create lasting change and build healthier, more equitable communities."
"We are honored to have assembled such a dynamic and cross-sector group of leaders for the Advisory Council," said Kevin O. Leacock, Program Manager for the CIRE initiative at BHPN. "Their collective wisdom and passion will be instrumental in guiding this impactful initiative."
BHPN is committed to fostering collaboration and innovation. The Advisory Council members will also play a key role in shaping the Learning Action Labs, which will equip CIRE grantees with the training, technical assistance, and networking opportunities to strengthen their capacity for engaging with mission-driven investors and advocating for equitable community investment.
About Build Healthy Places Network
Build Healthy Places Network is a national organization that fosters multi-sector partnerships to advance equitable community investment and improve health outcomes. BHPN supports collaborations that prioritize community-owned solutions and approaches for trust building, such that community investments align with residents’ values and create prosperous and healthy neighborhoods for all. For more information visit buildhealthyplaces.org.
Contact: Colleen Flynn, Co-Executive Director,cflynn@buildhealthplaces.org