Preserving Democracy: Bridging the Divide Between Rural and Urban America
Jen Giovannitti, President, Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
Thursday, April 15, 2021 / 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
WATCH THE VIDEO USING THIS LINK
One of our polarized country’s most pronounced challenges is the growing divide between rural and urban America. It is a gap that includes significant variations in economic opportunities and what can be debilitating disparities in critical modern infrastructure, such as access to high-speed internet. It is a gap that also includes sometimes stark social and political differences. Understanding and effectively addressing this divide is essential for the well-being of our democracy.
Jen Giovannitti is the President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, a place-based funder dedicated to rural communities. It generally invests two-thirds of its grant dollars in West Virginia and one-third in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Prior to joining the Benedum Foundation, Ms. Giovannitti led community-based initiatives for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, working both regionally and nationally on issues facing low-income communities and advancing strategies for community investment. Earlier in her career, she lived in West Virginia for 11 years and led a succession of important economic development initiatives.
This lecture is sponsored by:
The Institute of Politics and The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy.
Thanks to our co-sponsors:
The Benedum Foundation
Pitt Honors College
Pitt School of Social Work
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
