Civic Impact Academy Completes Inaugural Cohort

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 2024) – The Civic Impact Academy, a program created by Civility Localized Founder Christine Edwards, MPA, successfully concluded its inaugural cohort today, equipping 15 Charlotte-area community members and government representatives with the tools and knowledge to become effective agents of positive change. The government agencies represented in this year’s cohort include The City of Charlotte and the City of Concord. Congratulations to all graduates of the 2024 Cohort: 

• Alexys Carrasquillo

• April Clark

• Arielle Brown

• Chloe “Lāhiki” Brown

• Gia Claybrooks

• J'Taime Lyons

• Jasmine M Corbett

• Johnell "Jay" Holman

• Joseph Margolis

• Keylee Campos

• Martin Jackson

• Melanie Reddrick

• Michele Cornish

• Nakisha Procope

• Teneka Steed

“We are thrilled for the success of the Civic Impact Academy's first cohort," said Edwards. “I have enjoyed creating a space for people to learn about how local government works and make new social connections here in Charlotte."

The Academy's curriculum emphasized collaboration across sectors, pairing community members with local government employees to create a stronger understanding of how decisions are made. Participants benefited from the expertise of Civility Localized and instructors representing Mecklenburg County Public Health, The Charlotte Museum of History, Hope Haven, The Urban League of Central Carolinas and expertise shared by social impact entrepreneurs. 

Through the 10-week program, the cohort developed action plans for their community improvement ideas ranging from connecting single moms to affordable housing or developing a placemaking plan for an unused tract of land in their neighborhood to creating greater access to public transportation for people who are experiencing homelessness. 

“Every session has been insightful. I can now be a more engaged citizen and I feel empowered to move forward with my ideas to improve my community. " Said Dr. Teneka Steed, Chief Research Consultant of the Willene Agency. 

The Civic Impact Academy represents a significant step forward in fostering informed and effective civic engagement in Charlotte. Those interested in learning more about the program and future cohorts are encouraged to visit CivicImpactAcademy.com. Information on future cohorts will be announced in early 2025. 

About Civility Localized: Civility Localized is a Charlotte-based consulting firm specializing in fostering equitable and inclusive community engagement. 

About the Civic Impact Academy: The Civic Impact Academy is a transformative program designed to grow effective agents of change in communities and local government. Through a comprehensive curriculum, strategic partnerships, and shared learning, participants gain the skills and knowledge to engage in meaningful, equitable community engagement and civics. This program fosters collaboration, understanding, and civic action beyond election years. It is an educational offering designed to strengthen the civic fabric of our communities.