Episode 10: Part I: Repairing the Breach with Valerie White: Disrupting Systemic Inequities Through Economic Development & Community Advocacy

YIMBY Nation (Yes, In My Back Yard)

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Founded in 1979, The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is a non-profit organization that has played a pivotal role in growing community development initiatives across the country for over three decades. Joining us today to discuss LISC’s work, community advocacy, systemic inequities, and more, is Senior Executive Director at LISC NY Valerie White. We kick off Part I of our conversation with Valerie by talking about her upbringing and how her parents inspired her to become involved with advocacy work and public service. She goes on to describe her time at New York Housing Authority (NYCHA) and reflects on how it shaped her outlook as well as the important work the organization has done for marginalized communities. Valerie also provides a detailed breakdown of the initiatives at LISC NY, including their Developers of Color Program, and why it’s so important for creating greater access and opportunity for BIPOC individuals. She goes on to unpack what can be learned from rapidly developing cities across Africa and the lessons she came away with after her visits to countries like Kenya and Cote d'Ivoire. Join us today to learn about the important work LISC NY is doing to uplift underinvested communities and what to expect from them going forward.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Valerie White, Senior Executive Director at The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) NY.
• Learn about the history of LISC and the work it’s doing to uplift underinvested communities.
• The work that Valerie’s parents did as public servants, and how they inspired her advocacy work.
• Valerie’s work at New York Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the important strides that they have made in housing over the past three decades.
• What can be learned from rapidly developing cities in Africa.
• Valerie’s trips to Kenya and Cote d'Ivoire and what she learned from her visits.
• Learn about The Developers of Color program offered by LISC.
• Examples of how developers of color are excluded from access and opportunities.
• The role that capital plays in your level of agency and access.
• An overview of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) certification.
• Learn who can take part in The Developers of Color program in New York.
• How LISC is financing comprehensive community development that goes beyond housing.

Join us in a few weeks for Part I of a can't-miss conversation!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Valerie White on LinkedIn

Valerie White on Twitter

Valerie Email

LISC NY

LISC on LinkedIn

LISC NY on LinkedIn

LISC on Facebook

LISC NY on Facebook

Ford Foundation

Vincencia Adusei on LinkedIn

Vincencia Adusei on Twitter

VASE Construction

Jimmy Miller on LinkedIn

Censere Consulting

Peter Wood on LinkedIn

YIMBY Nation Email