3rd Floor Studio
October 10–11
A list of all events taking place in this room during the symposium
Opening Plenary: Placemaking Together
October 10
9:00 – 10:00 AM
A candid keynote discussion on the challenges and setbacks of placemaking projects, at large and within the context of Detroit. Panelists will also share insights on how two major, modern public space projects can genuinely benefit their communities, exploring critical considerations for creating inclusive, impactful spaces that resonate with local needs and aspirations.
Welcome Remarks:
Asima Jansveld
Chief Program and Engagement Officer, High Line
Alan van Capelle
Executive Director, High Line
Keynote:
Rachel Frierson
Vice President of Operations and Programming, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Moderator:
Anika Goss
President and CEO, Detroit Future City
Panelists:
Ryan Myers-Johnson
Executive Director, Sidewalk Detroit
Leona Medley
Executive Director, Joe Louis Greenway Partnership
Rachel Frierson
Vice President of Operations and Programming, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Jamon Jordan
Educator, Historian, Founder, Black Scroll Network
All in a Name
October 10
10:15 – 11:15 AM
Explore the power of naming public spaces in examining history, fostering belonging, and cultural erasure. Highlighting the naming of Detroit’s Joe Louis Greenway and the campaign to preserve Core City's name, we’ll examine how naming can shape narratives and support reconciliation efforts.
Moderator:
Ryan Myers-Johnson
Executive Director, Sidewalk Detroit
Panelists:
Meagan Elliott
President and CEO, Belle Isle Conservancy
Debra Gore
President and CEO, The Greenlining Institute
Cornetta Lane-Smith
Director of Community Engagement, Michigan Central
Community Wealth Building
October 10
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
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
Decolonizing Design & Spaces for Liberatory Joy
October 11
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Public spaces have the responsibility to be reflective of and responsive to the needs of all community members. Dr. Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall, Design Anthropologist and author of Decolonizing Design: A Cultural Justice Guidebook, offers actionable strategies for designing public spaces in solidarity with indigenous communities. Explore how to create inclusive experiences that center joy and respect cultural heritage, fostering environments that celebrate and uplift diverse voices and traditions.
Address by:
Dr. Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall
Lead Executive Officer, Dori Tunstall, Inc.
Moderated Q&A:
Gerard Rodriguez
Indigenous Land Justice Advisor, PLACE
You're Welcome
October 11
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Explore how the histories and designs of public spaces can foster belonging for LGBTQIA+ communities in this insightful panel discussion. By examining inclusive design principles, we'll uncover ways to create public spaces that welcome all, ensuring they reflect and serve the diverse needs of every community.
Moderators:
Robin Abad Ocubillo
Co-Founder, Global LGBTQI Placemaker Storytelling Project
Wesley Reibeling
Program Manager of Toronto Networks and Partnerships, Park People
Panelists:
Rukiya Colvin
Project Manager, Sidewalk Detroit
Max Dickinson
Senior Planner & Designer, OLIN
Jordan Remington
Programs Manager/Curator of Indigenous Programs, Friends of Waterfront Park
The Partnership Puzzle: How Philanthropy and Nonprofits Collaborate for Impact
October 11
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
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
