Amplify GR Welcomes New Engagement and Relationships Manager
Local nonprofit continues to expand and grow its team by welcoming new manager
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Jan. 6, 2019) – Amplify GR, a local nonprofit committed to widening the pathways for residents and businesses on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, is growing its team by welcoming Latesha Lipscomb as its manager of engagement and relationships.
“Latesha brings with her a wide breadth of experience in community engagement, and we’re honored to have someone with her impressive skillset and experience join our team,” Amplify GR Executive Director Jon Ippel said. “As we seek to create more opportunities in the neighborhoods Amplify GR serves, we’re eager to connect our neighbors with the resources necessary to be a part of community growth. We’re confident Latesha will serve our neighbors well by fostering relationships and collaborating for stronger and more inclusive neighborhoods.”
Prior to joining the Amplify GR team, Lipscomb served as the community engagement project manager for the City of Grand Rapids Design & Development Planning Division, where she supported the City in its objectives to uplift resident voice and build leadership capacity in neighborhoods. Prior to joining the City, Lipscomb served as a Housing & Family Services Advocate for the Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF), as well as a family engagement parent representative for Family Futures, Great Start Collaborative and the Early Childhood Development Corp.
In her work with such organizations like the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI), Lipscomb has become an advocate for those with quieter or muted voices in the city’s most vulnerable communities.
In her new role, Lipscomb will be responsible for developing and executing community engagement strategies in partnership with residents and key stakeholders. Lipscomb will work to increase Amplify GR’s direct engagement with the community by building community trust, cohesiveness and fostering neighborhood-level leadership through facilitation of the Neighborhood Advisory Committee and the Amp the Good Mini-grant program. She will also be responsible for assisting with the development of the overall community engagement strategy, managing day-to-day engagement efforts, executing community events, and working closely with neighbors and local leaders to further uplift community priorities.
“As a results-driven agent of change, I am excited for this opportunity to generate collaborative partnerships that expand greater opportunities for more residents in our community,” said Lipscomb. “I look forward to identifying, initiating and deepening relationships with neighbors in the upcoming months as we work toward improving quality of life, increasing equitable outcomes for all and making our neighborhoods stronger, together.”
About Amplify GR
Amplify GR seeks to widen pathways so that more residents can participate and benefit from neighborhood growth in the Boston Square, Cottage Grove and surrounding areas. Through partnerships with residents, businesses, community organizations and funders, Amplify GR works in four areas of impact: jobs and entrepreneurship, housing, education and community wellbeing.
CONTACT:
Elise Pelletier
epelletier@lambert.com
616-233-0500