Nisha Patel examines upward mobility from poverty at 2018 Grow Our Own Summit
HUTCHINSON, Minn.— Nisha Patel, a national voice on creating economic opportunity, will be the keynote speaker for the 2018 Grow Our Own Summit hosted by Southwest Initiative Foundation Nov. 8 at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall.
Patel served as executive director of the US Partnership on Mobility from Poverty, guiding a task force in answering one big, bold, exciting question: What would it take to dramatically increase mobility from poverty? She is now managing director of narrative change and national initiatives at Robin Hood, New York’s largest poverty-fighting organization.
The 2018 Grow Our Own Summit focuses on closing the opportunity gap faced by youth living in poverty in southwest Minnesota. It’s part of SWIF’s comprehensive approach to help all the region’s kids reach their full potential — from cradle to career. Employers and business leaders; civic, community and nonprofit leaders; educators and service providers; elected officials and interested individuals are encouraged to attend.
“Too many of our kids are not getting the best start to life, and we’re working to change that,” said SWIF President/CEO Diana Anderson. “These kids are our future employees, entrepreneurs, community leaders, volunteers, homeowners and taxpayers. We believe that our region’s economy depends on their success. I’m personally thrilled for this opportunity to hear insights from Nisha and others and find ways to apply that in our daily work.”
Ray Boshara with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis will also speak at the summit. He is a senior adviser and the director of the Center for Household Financial Stability, which conducts research on family balance sheets and how they matter for strengthening families and the economy.
This event is open to the public, and groups of people representing all areas of a community are encouraged to attend together. Cost is $20 and includes lunch. Scholarships are available for registration and transportation. Certificates for approximately six hours will be provided. For details and registration, visit swifoundation.org/summit.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $75 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs. Learn more at swifoundation.org.
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