S1:E12 Developing and revitalizing communities – Veronica Smith in conversation with Stephanie Fortunato

The Three Bells

Summary:
In this episode, our host Stephanie Fortunato speaks with Veronica Smith, author of When Communities Disappear. They discuss the interdependent relationship between economic and community development, and emphasize the imperative need to build and sustain healthy communities by being authentic and enabling access to resources.

After, Stephanie is joined by fellow host Adrian Ellis to discuss key takeaways. Through reflecting on Stephanie’s experiences with community development, they concur with the need to build diverse coalitions to foster local ownership and policy decisions that are informed by the plurality of place histories.

References:

1. NAACP, a U.S.-based grassroots activism organization for civil rights and social justice
2. When Communities Disappear: The Unspoken Truths of Community Revitalization Ideologies and Policies in the United States – a book by Veronica Smith
3. Matter of Truth, City of Providence’s report on present and historical racism and discrimination in Rhode Island

Bio:

Veronica Smith is a businesswoman, economic philosopher, and self-proclaimed Master of Community. As the CEO and Founder of Impact Community Partners, Veronica delivers strategic advisory, community, and economic development services to public and private sector clients. She is an engaged leader in her community who has been mentoring women and girls in the Sacramento region for a decade, given her strong belief that when women are economically and politically empowered, they can transform their own communities.