Breakout Sessions
Friday, October 11
11:30 – 12:30 AM: Newlab at Michigan Central, Detroit, MI
The Partnership Puzzle: How Philanthropy and Nonprofits Collaborate for Impact
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
3rd Floor Studio
Join a candid discussion between Gilbert Family Foundation and three Detroit nonprofit organizations focused on how to build effective partnerships and the deep importance of incorporating community voice into program design. This session will highlight real-world examples of collaboration and offer strategies for creating equitable, lasting outcomes through shared vision and resources. Whether you are navigating existing relationships or seeking to forge new ones, this conversation will inspire innovative approaches to community engagement and support.
Moderators:
Jeremy Allen
Executive Editor, Michigan Chronicle
Panelists:
JJ Velez
Director of Public Spaces, Gilbert Family Foundation
Joseph Rashid
Executive Director, E. Warren Development Corp.
Kamryn Gardner
Community Engagement Coordinator, Green Living Science
Daniel Washington
Executive Director, NW Goldberg Cares
Sharing Power, Shaping Spaces
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Event Space
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
Making Place for Makers
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Exhibit Space
Art can build trust, raise awareness, and connect people to community and place. This session explores how artists shape public spaces and how collaborating with artists can amplify progress and foster deeper connections with community. Learn from artist-led initiatives that inspire and engage diverse audiences, transforming public spaces into vibrant community hubs.
Moderator:
To be announced
Panelists:
Amelia “Fiera” Duran
Executive Director, Garage Cultural
Leah Houston
Executive Director, MABELLEarts
Oren Goldenberg
Cultural Janitor, Dreamtroit
Matthew Naimi
Cultural Janitor, Dreamtroit
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:
Allison Currier
Community Engagement Manager, High Line
Yoon Kang-O’Higgins
Director of Community Impact and Programs, Friends of Waterfront Park
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, High Line
Tony Moore
President and CEO, Trinity Park Conservancy
