Breakout Sessions
Thursday, October 10
11:30 – 12:30 AM: Newlab at Michigan Central, Detroit, MI
Community Wealth Building
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
3rd Floor Studio
Building community wealth from the ground up drives lasting change. This session explores best practices that empower local communities and strengthen economic resilience through innovative public space initiatives, including stimulating the creative economy, advancing workforce development, supporting small businesses, and establishing community land trusts.
Moderator:
Jermaine Ruffin
Senior Vice President, Invest Detroit
Panelists:
Vaughn Perry
Director of Equity and Sustainability, Douglass Community Land Trust
Anika Goss
President and CEO, Detroit Future City
Margo Dalal
Consultant, Built By Many
Peacemaking & Placemaking
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Event Space
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
Making Space for Social Impact
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Exhibit Space
Fostering greater social cohesion and fairness is crucial today as societies face increasing divides and disparities. Forward-thinking placemaking can reshape public spaces to not only address these immediate social challenges but also build stronger, more resilient communities capable of thriving amidst change and diversity. Join leading designers, writers, and practitioners as they share innovative approaches to creating public spaces that drive positive change in public space design.
Moderator:
Nu Goteh
Founder/Principal, Room for Magic
Panelists:
Lauren Hood
Founder, Chief Visionary & Assistant Professor, Institute For AfroUrbanism; Taubman College at the University of Michigan
Jennifer Goold
Executive Director, Neighborhood Design Center
Zahra Ebrahim
Co-Founder, Monumental
Christoper Locke
Co-Founder/CEO; Board Member, Designing in Color; CicLAvia
The Community First Toolkit Workshop: Prepare Internally
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Chene Classroom
Effective placemaking begins with strong internal alignment. The "Prepare Internally" tools of the High Line Network's Community First Toolkit guide organizations in identifying key resources, stakeholders, and decision-making processes, while exploring opportunities for power sharing. This workshop will help participants build a solid foundation for their projects by fostering internal clarity and collaboration. By preparing internally, organizations can ensure that their initiatives are more inclusive, equitable, and better positioned to meet community needs and achieve long-lasting impact.
Attendees will learn about the tools available in the Prepare Internally toolkit section, and complete an activity on Examining Your Budget.
Facilitators:
Gabriella Malavé
Programs Manager, Administration & Special Projects, High Line
Ilana Altman
Co-Executive Director, The Bentway
The Community First Toolkit Workshop: Ensure Progress
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Woodward Classroom
Accountability drives sustainable development and meaningful change. The "Ensure Progress" tools of the High Line Network's Community First Toolkit empower organizations to measure impact and maintain transparency by linking goals, activities, and resources. This workshop will guide participants in tracking progress, celebrating achievements, and making informed adjustments to stay true to their equity and inclusivity objectives. By embedding accountability into their processes, organizations can better navigate challenges, demonstrate their commitment to equitable outcomes, and build stronger, more resilient projects that truly serve their communities.
Attendees will learn about the tools available in the Ensure Progress toolkit section, and complete an activity on Creating a Work Plan.
Facilitators:
Justin Wong
Teaching Artist, Friends of the High Line
Dennis Mabasa
Vice President for Community and Youth Programs
Executive Roundtable
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Founder’s Lounge
This is a closed session for executive directors and board members of High Line Network member organizations. Lunch is provided.
Facilitators:
Rebecca Chan
Executive Director, Friends of the Rail Park
David Carey
Co-Executive Director, The Bentway
