LaTrice McClendon joins Knight Foundation as program director in Detroit

MIAMI – The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation proudly welcomes LaTrice McClendon as the program director in Detroit. Her professional expertise and passion for community betterment align perfectly with Knight’s mission of informing and engaging communities.

Throughout its history, Knight Foundation has been a dedicated advocate for Detroit’s small businesses, journalism, and arts and culture, recognizing the pivotal role of empowering communities to shape their own path. Emphasizing equity, amplifying community voices and fostering lasting and transformative change has been––and will continue to be––Knight’s focus in Detroit.

In her new role, McClendon will support and grow a portfolio of projects that represent Detroit’s diverse culture and empower residents to shape their city into an equitable, thriving and interconnected residential and commercial community. In addition, she will identify new ways to drive impact. Her knowledge about what it takes to better neighborhoods across Detroit comes not only from decades of experience in the public and private sectors, but also from being a lifetime resident.

“Our goal is to support Detroit and enhance its neighborhoods through strategic social investment,” said Kelly Jin, Knight vice president of Community and National Initiatives. “LaTrice’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to community betterment will continue to shape a brighter future for Detroit and we are thrilled to have her on our team, driving transformative change in the city she calls home.”

McClendon’s impressive track record and dedication to community-driven initiatives make her the perfect fit for this pivotal role. As she takes on the program director position, Knight Foundation is excited to witness the positive impact she will bring to Detroit and its residents.

“Knight has been a leader in Detroit, connecting people to place, strengthening ties and trust among residents, and investing in community,” said McClendon. “It’s work I am committed to, and I’m looking forward to finding new ways to lift up neighborhoods and deliver impact.”

LaTrice McClendon can be reached at [email protected], and she eagerly anticipates engaging with Detroiters to learn more about their vision for the city.

ABOUT KNIGHT FOUNDATION

We are social investors who support a more effective democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers. KF.org

To support the launch of the Partnership for Miami, a non-profit organization that mobilizes private sector resources and expertise to advance Miami’s standing as a center of economic opportunity, upward mobility, and innovation.

To support general operations for the Tubman African American Museum Inc in honor of September 2023 Knight Board of Trustee visit.

John Churchill seen in a professional photo MIAMI – Knight Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of John Churchill as the new Philadelphia program director. A lifelong resident of Philadelphia and a strong advocate of democratic values, Churchill brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in executive leadership. His success and accomplishments in his most recent position as business strategist at WSFS Bank, the largest locally headquartered bank in the greater Philadelphia area, demonstrates his commitment to transforming the city into an exceptional place to live, learn and work.

Across Philadelphia Knight Foundation has played a significant role in fostering a more vibrant and engaged community. Through initiatives such as Reimagining the Civic Commons, the foundation has focused on creating dynamic public spaces that encourage interaction and connection among residents.

“We are thrilled to welcome John as our new Philadelphia program director,” said Kelly Jin, vice president of Community and National Initiatives at Knight Foundation. “His passion for our mission, combined with his business acumen and dedication to the city, will invigorate our work. We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on Philadelphia.”

In his new role, Churchill will work toward enhancing the city’s public spaces, amplifying Philadelphia’s economy, and promoting an active public life. He believes in creating an environment that encourages community participation and collaboration. Churchill welcomes the opportunity to partner with local organizations, institutions and individuals who share a vision for a thriving Philadelphia.

John Churchill can be reached at [email protected], and he eagerly anticipates engaging with fellow Philadelphians to learn more about their work and vision for the city.

ABOUT KNIGHT FOUNDATION

Miami, FL – Knight Foundation announced new investments in two leading, Miami-based climate-science organizations, Miami Waterkeeper and the Everglades Foundation. This funding will support the growth and impact of both organizations, and expand their capacity to inform residents and accelerate community participation in the development of climate resilience solutions.

Miami is a city uniquely vulnerable to rising sea levels and climate change due to its geographical location and porous limestone foundation. Flooding events have quadrupled over the past three decades, and it is estimated that up to $23 billion of property could be underwater by 2050. Knight’s support aims to ensure that Miami residents are well-informed and actively involved in creating solutions that make the city more resilient, allowing Miami to adapt and thrive.

Miami Waterkeeper advocates on behalf of Miami’s watershed, emphasizing the adaptation to rising seas and maintaining access to fresh water. The Everglades Foundation has been at the forefront of Everglades restoration and climate resiliency solutions across Florida. Both organizations, with grants of $5 million and $3 million respectively, will grow their reach. They will be able to expand their capacity to translate the science they produce into products that are easily understood by residents and create new opportunities for community engagement.

“We are ideally suited to lead climate action with Miami squarely at the center of this global conversation,” said Rachel Silverstein, Miami Waterkeeper’s executive director and waterkeeper. “With a focus on clean water, ecosystem protection, and sea level rise resiliency, we are committed to community outreach and engagement as a key component to addressing the scourge of climate change.”

“The inspiring support of Knight Foundation will help the Everglades Foundation harness the power of new technology to translate our science team’s research into resiliency storytelling that helps decision-makers, teachers, supporters and the public-at-large understand how Everglades restoration is Miami’s most powerful tool in mitigating the harmful impacts of climate change,” said Eric Eikenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation. “In addition to protecting our drinking water wells from encroaching saltwater due to sea level rise, a restored Everglades will bolster our coastal mangroves that provide a storm buffer for urban communities. The Everglades wetlands also provide massive carbon sequestration capacity and Everglades restoration is the key to protecting this carbon sink.”

Knight Foundation’s investment in Miami Waterkeeper and the Everglades Foundation reflects its commitment to increasing resident participation in Miami’s vibrant community life. Through these investments, Knight envisions a future where Miami residents, businesses and civic leaders actively collaborate to address the complex challenges of climate change and build a more resilient city.

“When it comes to climate change, every one of us is a stakeholder in the future,” said Raul Moas, senior director at Knight Foundation. “Both Miami Waterkeeper and the Everglades Foundation have been successful in driving solutions, and these funds will empower them to integrate new digital approaches that amplify their impact and foster meaningful community participation in shaping climate solutions.”

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Media Contact: Rebecca Dinar, Director/Communications, Knight Foundation, [email protected] or 305-908-2646.

KNIGHT FOUNDATION

We are social investors who support a more effective democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and in the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers. https://kf.org

MIAMI WATERKEEPER

Miami Waterkeeper focuses on clean water, ecosystem protection, and sea level rise resiliency. First, we tackle issues of clean water throughout the Biscayne Bay watershed, from the Everglades to our coral reefs. Second, we protect the ecosystems that depend on that clean water, including corals, seagrasses, and mangroves. Finally, we focus on sea level rise resiliency, which guides all areas of our work. We employ a multidisciplinary approach, which includes science, policy & advocacy, and education & outreach.
www.miamiwaterkeeper.org

THE EVERGLADES FOUNDATION

For a quarter of a century, The Everglades Foundation’s commitment to restore and protect the Everglades has been driven by science. Founded in 1993 by two outdoor enthusiasts — the late George Barley and Paul Tudor Jones II — The Everglades Foundation works tirelessly to bring people together and provide a powerful voice for Everglades restoration at the state and national levels.
www.evergladesfoundation.org

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