Fall 2023 FUSE Fellows: Community Impact and Post-Fellowship Careers

Although the Fall 2023 Cohort ended last fall, we are reflecting on a few projects that are having a lasting impact on local communities. Plus, see where our Fall 2023 fellows are now!

Investment Strategies for Community Preservation

Yolanda R. Owens, CFRM collaborated with the City of Jackson to enhance residents’ climate and economic resilience and develop a strategic plan to attract investment and rejuvenate the area.

Key Highlights

• $2 million funds secured for various initiatives
• 270 residents engaged in program design
• 10 collaborations with other cities and counties

Key Areas of Impact

• Economic Benefits: Boosting job creation, tourism, and business development.
• Cultural Preservation: Protecting African American history and cultural heritage.
• Community Enhancement: Improving property values and public infrastructure.
• Broader Impact: Raising national awareness

Learn More About Owen’s Work >>>

Modernizing Municipal Water Management

Carolyn P Jones, CPA supported the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans in revenue generation and collection during a volatile governance period and organizational transformation.

Key Highlights

• 370,000 residents served through numerous initiatives
• 2 programs piloted: Smart Meter Billing & Transition Adjustments
• 25 local leaders engaged in partnership

Key Areas of Impact

• Smart Meter Billing: Advised the pilot program, leading to a successful launch under a new operational paradigm fostering inter-silo cooperation.
• Policy Transformation: Identified 15 policy change areas and documented updates.
• Operational Scale: Supported transformation efforts impacting 140,000 meters and 1.7 million monthly billings worth approximately $275 million.

Data-Driven Housing Equity Framework

DeWayne Bright, Sr. worked with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS (UG) to expand affordable housing options while addressing historical racial segregation.

Key Highlights

• 5,700 residents engaged through different initiatives
• 1 pilot program launched
• 150 stakeholders engaged in partnership

Key Areas of Impact

• Conducted a countywide market analysis to evaluate housing supply and demand, gentrification, and displacement patterns.
• Developed a strategic framework for housing production and an implementation strategy for the UG and community.
• Contributed to the housing chapter of PlanKCK, the 25-year Comprehensive Plan guiding UG’s budget priorities.
• Held 150 stakeholder interviews and community meetings to identify acute housing needs for underserved populations.

Where They Are Now

Many mid-level career professionals dedicate a year or two to the FUSE Fellowship program to pivot their careers to a more meaningful one that creates real change within communities. After the fellowships end, some host government agencies directly hire the fellows to continue the work. Some fellows stay in the public sector serving another department or region, while others continue to serve their communities in the social impact space by working in consulting, a nonprofit, or the private sector.

So, where is the FUSE Fall 2023 Cohort now?

Nathan Chai , Fred Clay, MBA, PMP, ENV SP , Valerie Feinberg, AICP , Linda Frazier, JD, EMBA, CPA , Chris Miraglia , Djuan Coleon , Emily Stapleton , Nikki Vandivort , Thanapat Vichitchot , and Maria Yuan are continuing on a Year 2 FUSE Fellowship.

• Matthew Fien Gretton is now the New Mexico Environment Department’s environmental specialist.
• Adam Lewis is the director of community impact at the Bay Area Host Committee.
• Michael MacHarg is an independent senior advisor to climate, health, and economic development startups and scaleups.
• The Jackson Redevelopment Authority hired Yolanda R. Owens, CFRM as its chief operating officer immediately after she completed her FUSE Fellowship with the agency.
• Aleksander Prebensen B.A, M.A. is now a city planner with the City of Forth Worth.
• After Rahma Sallu, MA-CCD completed her FUSE Fellowship with Harris County Public Library , the Library hired her as a citizenship compliance manager to continue the work she began as a FUSE Executive Fellow.
• Sumin Sohn is a sustainability production lead for Sustainable Entertainment Alliance.
• DeWayne W. Bright, Sr. is now a principal at Bright Community Solutions, LLC.

Congratulations to the Fall 2023 Cohort for their year in service! This group of fellows was one of FUSE’s largest cohorts, serving 20 regions across 16 states. We look forward to engaging with them as alumni as we continue to support their professional journeys.

FUSE’s emphasis on community impact and sustainability aligned perfectly with our mission, adding real value to our work. — FUSE Government Partner