The Purpose Built Communities Network serves as a national center of excellence, composed of locally led organizations that partner with residents to undertake the complex, long-term work of holistic neighborhood transformation. At the forefront of these efforts are visionary executive leaders who work tirelessly to place more families on pathways to opportunity, prosperity, and choice-filled lives.
The Leadership Convening offers a unique opportunity for Network leaders to connect in person, collaborate, exchange insights, share challenges and successes, and deepen relationships. These annual gatherings consistently foster a meaningful environment for connection, learning, and collective growth.
This year’s convening was intentionally designed by Network leaders to reflect the shared goals and priorities of the Network. The majority of sessions were held within the communities served by our Omaha-based members, emphasizing place-based learning and honoring the lived experiences of residents and local partners.
The Leadership Convening seeks to:
- Foster a sense of belonging and mutual support among Network leaders
- Provide opportunities for learning and professional growth
- Inspire and equip leaders to catalyze action in their neighborhoods
It serves as a powerful space for both new and tenured leaders to be inspired by one another, engage with Purpose Built Communities leadership, and learn from esteemed thought leaders.
This year, we proudly welcomed five new executive leaders to the Network:
- Tiffany Capers, Renaissance West Community Initiative – Charlotte, NC
- David Summers, Northside Development Group – Spartanburg, SC
- Alyssa Trometter, Connect Community – Houston, TX
- Marvin Nesbitt, Focused Community Strategies – Atlanta, GA
- Travis Williams, LIFT JAX – Jacksonville, FL
Innovation Stations and Opportunity Labs
The convening featured Innovation Stations—small group sessions where leaders shared impactful, community-driven initiatives and successful strategies for building sustainable neighborhoods. These sessions allowed members to both inspire and learn from one another.
In Opportunity Labs, leaders were invited to candidly present real-time challenges and receive thoughtful guidance and peer-to-peer support on strategies for mobilizing resources, overcoming obstacles, and advancing neighborhood transformation.
Opening Day Highlights
The convening commenced at the Kiewit Luminarium with a warm welcome from Carol R. Naughton, President and CEO of Purpose Built Communities, who set a powerful tone for three days of dynamic engagement and learning. Opening remarks were also delivered by Sharlon Rodgers, President and CEO of Seventy Five North, and César Garcia, Executive Director of Canopy South, who invited attendees into their respective communities.
The day concluded with a compelling fireside chat featuring Mayor John Ewing, Jr., the current and first Black mayor of Omaha, who shared reflections on leadership, equity, and the city’s evolving future.
Experiencing Community in North and South Omaha
On day two, attendees visited Omaha’s Highlander neighborhood, where Seventy Five North has led transformative efforts in partnership with local stakeholders. The visit included tours of mixed-income housing, educational facilities, and key cultural landmarks such as the birthplace of human rights activist Malcolm X and the training studio of world champion boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford.
At the heart of the neighborhood is The Accelerator—a vibrant hub for community connection. Spearheaded by Seventy Five North, the Accelerator hosts a range of high-quality amenities, including a local coffee shop, public gathering spaces, offices for Metropolitan Community College and Creighton University, the Charles Drew Health Center WIC office, and a neighborhood greenhouse. It stands as a testament to intentional, community-centered design.
The final day took place in South Omaha, with a focus on the Southside Terrace–Indian Hill neighborhood. Attendees explored key redevelopment efforts led by Canopy South, including mixed-income housing along 30th Street, Plaza de la Raza on the 24th Street corridor, Heartland Workforce Solutions, and Canopy South’s headquarters.
Reflections and Gratitude
This year’s Leadership Convening was a powerful reminder of what is possible when local leadership, community voice, and strategic partnerships align with shared purpose. By spending time in both North and South Omaha, participants experienced firsthand the spirit, history, and momentum driving these neighborhoods forward.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Canopy South and Seventy Five North for their generous hospitality and for opening their communities to the Network. Their work exemplifies the impact of place-based, resident-led transformation—and the strength of leadership grounded in collaboration.
As our leaders return to their cities and neighborhoods across the country, they do so with renewed energy, deeper connections, and a collective resolve to advance opportunity for the families they serve. While the work ahead remains complex, the convening reaffirmed a central truth: we are not doing this work alone—we are doing it together.
