Neighborhood Centers’ Blanchard Invited to speak at
White House Forum on Urban Innovation
Houston-based Nonprofit CEO to Share Community Engagement Success Stories

Not only is Houston a leading city for jobs, vibrant economy and global diversity, it is a mecca for visionary ideas and model for the impact these ideas have when put into action for more than 100 years.

As a testament to this recognition, Angela Blanchard, CEO and president of Neighborhood Centers Inc. accepted an invitation to speak at the White House for a Forum on Urban Innovation.

Blanchard joined other speakers for the White House Social Enterprise and Opportunity Series in a forum focused on urban innovations that have created jobs, promoted economic resilience and strengthened communities areas, areas at the core of Neighborhood Centers’ work. Other speakers included well-known speakers from across the country including Cecilia Munoz (Domestic Policy Council Director), Valerie Jarrett (senior advisor to President Obama for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement), Pedro Segarra (Mayor of Hartford), Carol Thompson Cole (Venture Philanthropy Partners), Rachel Haot (City of New York), Yusef Freeman (McCormack Baron Salazar in San Francisco), Luke Ravenstahl (Mayor of Pittsburgh), Jessica Venegas (100,000 Homes) and Kristine Breese (Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation in San Diego).

A highly sought expert on pioneering and driving change in challenging times, Blanchard was asked by the forum to discuss case studies, provide insight on the broader link between urban innovation and opportunity and share thoughts on the organization’s work and federal policy making.

“Being invited is a tremendous honor that affirms our nationally acclaimed strategies," Blanchard said. "This forum is timely and relevant. We are grateful to participate in opportunities like this, which can only help the federal government align better with local leaders, nonprofits and private businesses in resourcing community revitalization. It is our firm belief that real change begins at the neighborhood level and ultimately feeds a strong regional economy.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/NeighborhoodCenters or follow Neighborhood Centers on Twitter, @NeighborhoodCtr.