FUSE

Are you ready to drive change at the local level? FUSE is thrilled to kick off our Fall 2024 recruiting season with 10 amazing projects! We’re partnering with the City of Columbus, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles County to make a real impact where it matters most. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of something extraordinary! Apply now and join us in reshaping communities across the country. Learn more and apply today: https://lnkd.in/gdX2jiJN Meet the recruiting team! Vice President of Recruiting: Ceantel Rubin (She/Her/Hers) Senior Director of Recruiting: John Kendzior Manager of Recruiting: Raleah Davis Senior Associate of Recruiting: Nana Agyeman #FUSEfellows #ExecutiveFellowship #Fall2024 #LocalGovernment #CommunityImpact

FUSE Executive Fellow Thanapat Vichitchot recently led an innovative Green Workforce Innovation Lab in collaboration with the City of Cincinnati Mayor's Office for Environment & Sustainability. Facilitated by Blended Impact, this dynamic session brought together 21 diverse stakeholders to tackle the ambitious goal of training 4,000 green economy workers by 2028, as outlined in the Green Cincinnati Plan. The lab focused on enhancing understanding of "green jobs" and addressing recruitment challenges, particularly for BIPOC and female workers. Key outcomes included: - A collaborative vision board for the future of green jobs in Cincinnati - Deeper insights into challenges faced by underrepresented workers - Over 50 innovative ideas to boost recruitment and training in the green sector Participants explored four recruitment pathways: training, apprenticeships, direct hire, and entrepreneurship, generating creative solutions to build a more inclusive green workforce. This Innovation Lab marks the beginning of continued collaboration between the City and community partners. #GreenJobs #SustainableCincinnati #FUSExCincinnati #CityofCincinnati #CommunityInnovation

As we celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, let's honor Dr. Ellen Ochoa, a true trailblazer in science and space exploration! In 1993, Dr. Ochoa made history as the first Latina to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. With a remarkable career as an engineer, astronaut, and former director of NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, she has logged nearly 1,000 hours in space across four missions. Her groundbreaking work in optical systems has not only advanced aerospace technology but also paved the way for future generations of women and underrepresented groups in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Dr. Ochoa’s achievements serve as an inspiration, showcasing the importance of representation and inclusion in all areas of science and leadership. Her legacy continues to motivate countless individuals to reach for the stars! #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinxHeritageMonth #EllenOchoa #STEM #WomenInScience

FUSE Executive Fellow DeWayne Bright, Sr.'s recent Innovation Lab, supported by FUSE, facilitated by Medici Road, and hosted by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS (Unified Government), focused on revitalizing the historic Quindaro Boulevard in Northeast Kansas City, Kansas. Joined by FUSE Director of Fellowships Nathaniel Bencivenga and FUSE Executive Fellow Caroline de Filippis, who is working with the Unified Government on strengthening climate resilience, this stakeholder engagement event aimed to develop a comprehensive economic and place-based strategy for the corridor’s renewal, building on insights gathered from previous community engagement efforts. The Innovation Lab helped the Unified Government define realistic and thoughtful opportunities for Quindaro Boulevard, outline actionable steps to achieve revitalization goals, and incorporate local character and potential future uses into the strategy. This working session invited local stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the future of their neighborhood and focused on creating a tailored approach that honored the area's rich history while paving the way for economic growth and community development. This is Bright's second Innovation Lab as a FUSE Executive Fellow. His first Innovation Lab aimed to apply equity-centered design to inform the creation of a comprehensive housing development plan that would improve access to housing for the most vulnerable and policies that would address potential residential displacement. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the transformation of Quindaro Boulevard! Your engagement made a significant impact. #FUSExKCK #CommunityDevelopment #QuindaroRevitalization #KCK

Honored to celebrate Citizenship and Constitution Day with #NPNA National Partnership for New Americans on their 1st anniversary! As a FUSE Executive Fellow supporting Harris County Public Library in their tremendous efforts to expand the Citizenship project to all immigrant communities in Harris County, I had the privilege of leading a breakout session on cultural integration in outreach activities. Together, we explored how understanding and embracing diverse cultures can positively impact project outcomes and create smoother pathways for immigrants on their journey to naturalization. cc: Garen Ohanian Gislaine Williams Tristan Crayton #CitizenshipDay #ConstitutionDay #ImmigrantIntegration #NPNA1stAnniversary #NaturalizationJourney

Nine years ago, this month was a pivotal watershed moment. After 10 years in Washington, DC, I took a leap of faith, joined California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS) as a FUSE Corps Fellow, and collaborated with a team to establish the agency's first Office of Innovation. In 2015, the government #innovation movement was expanding, and it was amazing to build upon what had been accomplished at the federal and city levels of government in support of CalHHS to build its own innovation function and broader #movement. Instilling a #culture of innovation was a primary goal, which is hard work, especially across an agency with the size and complexity of CalHHS. This movement continues and is a testament to those who create this type of government culture and ultimately are improving #servicedelivery for Californians. Huge thanks to so many at CalHHS and across the State of California who supported this effort, especially to the 100 department leaders and innovation team members who collaborated across the initial 20 #usecases. Gratitude to FUSE for having the foresight to create this fellowship and for their ongoing support of this innovation movement through their current work with local government. A few quick reflections—nothing too profound ;)—when thinking about a potential pivot / watershed moment in your career. 1. Take a leap of faith - you won't regret it. 2. Trust your instincts and intuition to know when something is right for you and filter out the "noise." 3. Most people will not understand why, and that's ok as long as you do. 4. Once you commit, stay authentic to yourself while being open to learning about how your style impacts others - I sure did ;) 5. Be comfortable knowing you don't know everything - it makes the experience much more enjoyable and memorable. Michael Wilkening Scott Christman Amy Tong Adam Dondro Tamara Srzentić MS MBA Michael D. Valle Marko Mijic James Weinberg Nora Rosenthal Nancy Gage Lenny Mendonca FUSE California Health & Human Services Agency https://lnkd.in/g2x2QWeJ

HWPL GA: 10th Anniversary Peace Summit Gala, I had a great time presenting on behalf of Ted Terry of Super District 6 of DeKalb County, Ga congratulating the work HWPL has been doing in communities around the world to promote peace and sustainability. The summit’s theme was a call to end Gun Violence Among our youth. According to recent reports, it’s estimated that a violent crime, such as murder, rape, aggravated assault, or robbery, is committed every 14 minutes and 19 seconds on average in Georgia. Non-violent crimes, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, arson, and human trafficking, occur every three minutes and 10 seconds on average. This means that new crime is estimated to occur every two minutes and 35 seconds. We need a call for peace and nonviolent conflict resolution.

Last week our team had the opportunity to travel to Cincinnati to support FUSE and the City of Cincinnati's Office of Environment & Sustainability in a custom innovation lab. With close to 25 government, labor, and nonprofit partners engaged, we focused on visioning and strategic planning exercises to meet the Green Cincinnati Plan’s goal of 4,000 trained green workforce jobs by 2028. We were thrilled to support efforts locally and this is one of the ways we partner with local governments and communities to identify investment assets where the private sector can partner and amplify the goals of the public sector.

Honored to celebrate Citizenship and Constitution Day with #NPNA National Partnership for New Americans on their 1st anniversary! As a FUSE Executive Fellow supporting Harris County Public Library in their tremendous efforts to expand the Citizenship project to all immigrant communities in Harris County, I had the privilege of leading a breakout session on cultural integration in outreach activities. Together, we explored how understanding and embracing diverse cultures can positively impact project outcomes and create smoother pathways for immigrants on their journey to naturalization. cc: Garen Ohanian Gislaine Williams Tristan Crayton #CitizenshipDay #ConstitutionDay #ImmigrantIntegration #NPNA1stAnniversary #NaturalizationJourney

In honor of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month 2024, let's spotlight four remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on our society: Dolores Huerta: A tireless advocate for farmworkers' rights, Huerta co-founded the National Farmworkers Association (later United Farm Workers) with Cesar Chavez. Her unwavering commitment to social justice continues to inspire activists today. Cesar Chavez: A labor leader and civil rights activist, Chavez dedicated his life to improving the working conditions of farmworkers. His nonviolent approach to activism and famous slogan "Sí, se puede" (Yes, we can) remain powerful symbols of perseverance. Gloria Anzaldúa: This Chicana scholar and feminist theorist challenged cultural norms through her groundbreaking work on border culture and Chicana identity. Her writings continue to influence discussions on intersectionality and cultural hybridity. Cherríe Moraga: A pioneering Chicana writer and feminist activist, Moraga's works explore the complexities of identity, sexuality, and feminism. Her co-edited anthology, "This Bridge Called My Back," is a landmark text in women of color's feminism. These visionaries have paved the way for future generations, embodying the spirit of change and unity. Their legacies remind us that together, we can shape a more equitable and inclusive future for all. #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinxHeritageMonth #PioneersOfChange #DoloresHuerta #CesarChavez #GloriaAnzaldua #CherrieMoraga