The Power of Returning to Community | Alexis Villanueva | TEDxSanDiegoSalon
Description: Shifting Power Is the Recipe. What happens when community members are invited to the decision-making table? Power shifts, and better solutions emerge.
In her talk, Alexis Villanueva explores how centering community voices can advance equitable development, expand economic opportunity, and create lasting change.
Raised in City Heights, Alexis is President and CEO of City Heights Community Development Corporation (City Heights CDC) and the first woman of color to lead the organization in its 43-year history. Under her leadership, City Heights CDC has advanced a $98 million affordable housing development, supported residents and small businesses through flood-relief efforts, released the Development Without Displacement Report, and become the official Business Improvement District Advisory Board for the University Avenue corridor.
Learn more about City Heights CDC: https://www.cityheightscdc.org/
#TEDxSanDiego #CityHeights #CommunityPower #EquitableDevelopment #AffordableHousing #EconomicOpportunity #IdeasWorthSpreading Alexis Villanueva is President and CEO of City Heights Community Development Corporation (City Heights CDC). Raised in City Heights, she is a longtime community leader focused on equitable development, workforce development, small business support, and economic opportunity. She joined City Heights CDC in 2020 and became President and CEO in 2023, becoming the first woman of color to lead the organization in its 43-year history. Under her leadership, City Heights CDC has advanced a $98 million affordable housing development, became the official Business Improvement District Advisory Board for the University Avenue corridor, released the Development Without Displacement Report, and led flood relief efforts for residents and small businesses. Alexis brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit and community development. She holds a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from National University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx Close description
In her talk, Alexis Villanueva explores how centering community voices can advance equitable development, expand economic opportunity, and create lasting change.
Raised in City Heights, Alexis is President and CEO of City Heights Community Development Corporation (City Heights CDC) and the first woman of color to lead the organization in its 43-year history. Under her leadership, City Heights CDC has advanced a $98 million affordable housing development, supported residents and small businesses through flood-relief efforts, released the Development Without Displacement Report, and become the official Business Improvement District Advisory Board for the University Avenue corridor.
Learn more about City Heights CDC: https://www.cityheightscdc.org/
#TEDxSanDiego #CityHeights #CommunityPower #EquitableDevelopment #AffordableHousing #EconomicOpportunity #IdeasWorthSpreading Alexis Villanueva is President and CEO of City Heights Community Development Corporation (City Heights CDC). Raised in City Heights, she is a longtime community leader focused on equitable development, workforce development, small business support, and economic opportunity. She joined City Heights CDC in 2020 and became President and CEO in 2023, becoming the first woman of color to lead the organization in its 43-year history. Under her leadership, City Heights CDC has advanced a $98 million affordable housing development, became the official Business Improvement District Advisory Board for the University Avenue corridor, released the Development Without Displacement Report, and led flood relief efforts for residents and small businesses. Alexis brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit and community development. She holds a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from National University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx Close description