Preserving Democracy, Jen Giovannitti Guest Speaker (Video)

Why is bridging the rural-urban divide so important?

Thursday, April 15, 2021

If you did not have the opportunity to enjoy the April 15 live-stream event and/or would like to share this interview, please view and share using the video found here.

One of our polarized country’s most pronounced challenges is the growing divide between rural and urban America. It is a gap that includes significant variations in economic opportunities and what can be debilitating disparities in critical modern infrastructure, such as access to high-speed internet. It is a gap that also includes sometimes stark social and political differences. Understanding and effectively addressing this divide is essential for the wellbeing of our democracy.

About Our Speaker
Jen Giovannitti, President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, was our guest for a live-stream discussion with Mark Nordenberg on bridging the divide between rural and urban America.

Jen Giovannitti is the President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, a place-based funder dedicated to rural communities. It generally invests two-thirds of its grant dollars in West Virginia and one-third in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining the Benedum Foundation, Ms. Giovannitti led community-based initiatives for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, working both regionally and nationally on issues facing low income communities and advancing strategies for community investment. Earlier in her career, she lived in West Virginia for 11 years and led a succession of important economic development initiatives.

Sponsored by:
The Institute of Politics
The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law and Public Policy

Co-sponsored by:
The Benedum Foundation
Pitt Honors College
Pitt School of Social Work
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown