Amplify GR celebrates the promotion of Latesha Lipscomb and Bethany Underwood
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Jan. 5, 2020) – Amplify GR, a local nonprofit committed to widening the pathways for residents and businesses on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, today announced the promotion of Latesha Lipscomb and Bethany Underwood to director of engagement and operations manager, respectively.
“The elevation of two Black women into positions of leadership at a key nonprofit in the Grand Rapids community is vital to the city’s continued growth,” said Lipscomb. “There is still a lot of work to be done to address equity in our communities, but a great place to start is by honoring and uplifting the voices of Black and Brown women, like my colleague Bethany, whose work has been essential to the forward progress of key projects over the past several years.”
In her new role, Lipscomb, who joined the Amplify GR team in 2019, is responsible for managing day-to-day engagement efforts, executing community events, and working closely with neighbors and local leaders to further uplift community priorities.
“It’s been an honor to be a part of the vital work taking place in Grand Rapids,” said Underwood. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue working with my colleagues, such as Latesha, and our community partners toward a more equitable future for all neighbors. To that end, Latesha has played a crucial part in further strengthening relationships between our organization and local residents.”
Underwood has been with Amplify GR since its founding in 2017, having served as the organization’s operations coordinator. In her new role, she will be responsible for administrative, financial and communications support for the organization.
“Latesha and Bethany are integral members of our team and these promotions are reflective of their impact on our organization and, more importantly, the community we are privileged to work with,” Amplify GR Executive Director Jon Ippel said. “The past several months have been incredibly challenging for our community, impacting the way we work together. Through their engagement and operational efforts, along with the support of our entire team, we were able to develop a Community Partnership Agreement in collaboration with the Boston Square Neighborhood Association, Oakdale Neighbors and the City of Grand Rapids, which helped move a project critical to the future success of the neighborhood and its residents forward.”
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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.