Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium with Urban League of Broward County

Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium

Hosted by the Urban League of Broward County

Join us for an engaging panel discussion that will provide insights on affordable housing and community development from both local and statewide perspectives. We will explore practical ways to create a more equitable community. This in-person event is an opportunity to connect with leaders and neighbors who are passionate about making a positive impact. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for our neighborhood!

Featured Panelist

Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh has dedicated more than two decades of service to the Urban League Movement. A champion for economic empowerment, with a depth of expertise in organizational leadership and enhancing equity and inclusion within the business community, she also led the development of the Entrepreneurship Center and Small Business Loan Fund to expand access to capital and opportunities for minority business owners.

Since being named President and CEO in 2006, Dr. Baugh has elevated the profile of the UrbanLeague of Broward County (ULBC)to a premier nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social and economic advancement in underserved communities. The ULBC now boasts more than $21 million in assets while also governing state appropriated funds for seven other Urban League affiliates. During her tenure, Dr.Baugh not only spearheaded the opening of an iconic $9 million Community Empowerment Center located in the Historic Sistrunk neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale,she was instrumental in securing Greater Fort Lauderdale as the destination for the National Urban League Conference, which attracted over 13,000 attendees and generated an estimated economic impact of $10 million for the region.

Ashon Nesbitt is the CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition. A respected community and nonprofit leader, Mr. Nesbitt is an expert in housing finance, development, and program administration, helping local governments with land use tools and creative models for affordable housing development. As a strong advocate for permanent affordability, Nesbitt has championed the expansion and professionalization of community land trusts throughout the state, overseeing the development of the Coalition’s nationally recognized Community Land Trust Certification Program. Mr. Nesbitt has also led many of Coalition’s other initiatives and innovations, including the Nonprofit Capacity Building Institute and adaptive reuse, authoring the Eyesore to Asset: A Guidebook for Adaptive Reuse of Vacant Retail, designed to aid local governments and business leaders in their search for new models for local economic development.

Michele Edwards-Collie is the Senior Vice President and Director of Community Reinvestment at City National Bank of Florida, where she leads efforts to provide down payment assistance and homebuyer education for first-time homebuyers in South Florida. With over 30 years of experience in banking and mortgage financing, she has helped over 1,000 families achieve homeownership. Michele serves on the Broward Housing Council and is actively involved with numerous housing advocacy organizations, including the Broward Housing Task Force and the Miami Dade Economic Advocacy Trust Housing Advocacy Committee. A Certified Financial Coach and Credit Counselor, she is passionate about financial literacy, community development, and expanding access to affordable housing.

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