Event Space, Floor 1
October 10–11
A list of all events taking place in this room during the symposium
Cultivating Communities with Nature
October 10
10:15 – 11:15 AM
This session explores how design, programming, and advocacy can bridge communities with nature. Highlighting grassroots efforts in ecological restoration and climate adaptation, we’ll discuss why public spaces have a unique responsibility and opportunity to foster co-resiliency, creating sustainable and inclusive environments that connect people with the natural world.
Moderator:
Jennifer Giroux
Social Impact Strategist, Giroux Impact
Panelists:
Piero Barandiaran
Projects Director, Huerto Roma Verde/ La Cuadra AC
Lisa Turnbull
Associate Director, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority - The Meadoway
Dennis Mabasa
Vice President for Community and Youth Programs, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
Peacemaking & Placemaking
October 10
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Explore community-led alternatives to traditional policing in this session, focusing on best practices from peacemaking groups. Discover innovative approaches to fostering safety and engaging communities in creating a nonviolent future. Learn how to mobilize collective action and envision new pathways for inclusive, community-directed safety solutions.
Moderator:
Jossue Velasquez
Program Manager, High Line Network, High Line
Panelists:
Art Davis
Chief Operating Officer / CFO, Memphis River Parks Partnership
Dujuan Kennedy
Deputy Executive Director of Programs, FORCE Detroit
Eldon Tam
Chief Operating Officer, Friends of Waterfront Park
Nourish Communities with Nature
October 11
10:15 – 11:15 AM
This session explores the powerful connection between food, culture, and history. Discover how urban farms have long served as spaces to celebrate and strengthen community ties, bridging people to nature and heritage. Learn about the transformative role of food in building more vibrant and resilient urban communities.
Moderator:
Lizzy Caston
Principal and Senior Strategist, Circle Round Consulting
Panelists:
Piero Barandiaran
Projects Director, Huerto Roma Verde/ La Cuadra AC
Anton Seals Jr.
Lead Steward, Grow Greater Englewood
Danielle Daguio
Engagement Manager, Keep Growing Detroit
Erin Preston Johnson
Board President, Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network
Sharing Power, Shaping Spaces
October 11
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
This session highlights real-world examples of community-engaged decision-making that share power in public space initiatives. By exploring participatory grant-making, board inclusion, and storytelling, the discussion will emphasize how genuine power redistribution is essential for meaningful community involvement and preventing the status quo from remaining unchallenged.
Panelists:
Karen Farber
Vice President of External Affairs, Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Preeti Sodhi
Senior Director of Community & Government Relations, High Line
Ru Shann Long
Community Activist, Greenway Heritage Conservancy
