Marisa is the founder and CEO of Connect the Dots, a WBE/DBE firm focused on inclusive public and stakeholder engagement. Evolving from Marisa’s Fulbright project, Connect the Dots is based in Philadelphia and operates as a WBE/DBE on the east coast, where the firm is known for designing and delivering strategic, innovative and inclusive engagement processes to meet people where they are. Marisa brings deep expertise in inclusive public and stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, stakeholder management, and participatory research. She holds an MA in Design Practice from Dublin University (via her Fulbright fellowship) and a BA Urban Studies from University of Pennsylvania where she graduated as Phi Beta Kappa. Marisa is also an adjunct Professor at the University of Pennsylvania where she has developed and teaches a course on public engagement entitled Participatory Cities.

Sylvia is a highly skilled Principal at Connect the Dots, with expertise in private, public, and nonprofit social impact management, holding a Master’s degree in Strategic Thinking from Tec de Monterrey and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Universidad de Monterrey. Since April 2022, Sylvia has played a pivotal role in operations and inclusive engagement at Connect the Dots, managing key projects, co-leading business development, and overseeing efficient service delivery. Passionate about inclusion, Sylvia holds a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and serves on the Advisory Council of The Welcoming Center, promoting inclusive economic growth for immigrants and refugees while prioritizing relationship-building and supporting others’ growth.

Stephanie brings 10 years of experience in non-profit and local government sectors, specializing in creating culturally inclusive spaces and integrating arts into programs and projects. Since April 2023, Stephanie has aligned clients’ visions with community engagement, designing tailored strategies and managing projects across various formats to empower communities in storytelling, decision-making, and culture-keeping.

Meg brings over ten years of experience leading complex, innovative projects co-designed with diverse stakeholders around the world. She has a background in environmental engineering and urban planning and has focused on climate resilience, environmental justice and water and sanitation systems. With experience advocating for and leading effective engagement, Meg is committed to uplifting communities as experts and empowering residents as active project participants. She is excited to join the team at Connect the Dots and contribute to equitable engagement in and around Philadelphia.

Pati is a planning and community development professional with eight years of experience in leading participatory processes with diverse neighborhoods, developing strategic plans, and managing diverse teams. Passionate about cities and the intersection of equitable development and social justice, Pati’s expertise is rooted in guiding organizations in the design and implementation of programs through meaningful stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, grant writing, and project management. With a dual master’s degree from the University of Maryland, Pati has served disadvantaged Philadelphia communities through technical assistance and financial planning services with an overarching focus on revitalizing the public realm by way of park activation and public space improvement projects.

Matt is a planning professional with experience working in transportation, economic development, and community engagement. He studied Community Development at Temple University, and honed his skills in engagement at various organizations in Philadelphia and New Orleans. Matt is passionate about equitable urban design and the positive effects that engagement can have on the community planning process – from Frankford Avenue in Fishtown, Philadelphia to O.C. Haley Blvd in Central City, New Orleans!

Dan Berez is the Transit Practice Lead at Journey and serves as a Transportation Planning Advisor for Connect the Dots. He brings both strategic planning and technical expertise, with over ten years of experience working with transit agencies, cities, and their partners to develop transit master plans, plan and launch service changes, and execute innovative corridor projects. Dan excels at breaking down complex transportation concepts for a wide range of stakeholders and identifying simple strategies for generating actionable insights. His past clients include SEPTA, PennDOT, the MBTA, MassDOT, RTC of Southern Nevada, Wake Transit Partners (NC), and The Boston Foundation, among others.

Vaughn Ross is the founder of Rvesta Consulting, a certified minority business enterprise providing advisory services to organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors focused on inclusive economic growth in urban areas. From 2016 to 2021, Vaughn served as First Deputy Chief of Staff to Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, overseeing key departments related to economic development, including Planning and Development, Commerce, and Transportation.

Prior to his work in government, he led successful fundraising efforts for political campaigns in Philadelphia, culminating in Mayor Kenney’s 2015 victory. Vaughn serves on several boards, including the Delaware River Port Authority, the Philadelphia City Fund, and Germantown United CDC. He is an active member of the African American Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the Urban Land Institute. Vaughn holds a B.A. in International Relations from Lehigh University.

Jennifer L. Hurley, PhD, AICP, FCNU, has over twenty-five years of professional expertise facilitating public involvement in planning and development issues. She founded the Public Participation Community of Practice and has been active in the new urban movement for over twenty years, working on numerous charrettes for regional planning, downtown revitalization, traditional neighborhood development, and form-based zoning. She is a past fellow of the Knight Program in Community Building at the University of Miami School of Architecture and is a National Charrette Institute Certified Charrette PlannerTM. She serves on the Board of the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Form Based Codes Institute Steering Committee. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Arts in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University, a Master of Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Bryn Mawr College.

Sylvie Gallier Howard is Founder & CEO of Equitable Cities Consulting, a practice focused on expanding the field and impact of inclusive, equitable economic development. Sylvie Gallier Howard has over twenty years of experience leading organizations and diverse teams in the non-profit, private and public sector. Prior to starting Equitable Cities Consulting in 2021, she served in a number of leadership positions, including leading the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and serving on the Mayor’s Cabinet, during the first year of the COVID pandemic. Since starting Equitable Cities Consulting in January 2021, Sylvie has worked with clients in the U.S. and abroad on topics related to building more equitable cities, including inclusive stakeholder engagement, equitable climate action, workforce development, innovation districts, small business and entrepreneurship, real estate, and inclusive growth. Sylvie has a B.A. in International relations from Barnard College of Columbia University and an M.A. in Sociology from Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO) in Ecuador – a graduate school in Latin America. Sylvie is fluent in Spanish and French. She is also the proud mother of four sons, including twins.

Sharpe is an accomplished urban planner with over a decade of leadership in the City of Philadelphia, most recently serving as Interim Deputy Mayor of the Department of Planning and Development. She spearheaded initiatives across key divisions, including Housing and Community Development, Planning & Zoning, and the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, driving transformative projects such as Phila2035, the city’s comprehensive plan. Sharpe’s career is marked by her commitment to inclusive, people-centered urban planning. Notably, she launched the “Planning and Equity: A Commitment to Change” initiative in 2020, addressing racial injustices within the profession. With degrees in architecture and city planning from Howard University and the University of Pennsylvania, respectively, she has also taught as an adjunct professor at several universities, combining her professional expertise with academic contributions.

Chris Baldwin is a member of Connect the Dots’ Extended Team. He is a successful mixed methods research professional with 5+ years of experience in large-scale fast paced marketing, consumer goods, and tech organizations with a passion for learning, coaching, research design, program management and community engagement.

Tariq is currently a Community Liaison at Connect the Dots, having joined the team in April 2023. He has developed skills in connecting with local people, listening to their needs, and facilitating impactful projects that bring people together as a dedicated community engagement specialist, Recreation Specialty Instructor and an Elite trainer. He is motivated by the power of community-driven change and works tirelessly to inspire and mobilize individuals to get involved and make a positive difference in their neighborhoods. He believes in creating more inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome and empowered to contribute to the greater good.

Bridget is a nonprofit professional, passionate about community engagement and its role in program development, evaluation and implementation. Bridget has a background in Sociology and holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked with nonprofits in workforce development, education and community initiatives. Her career in research design, organizational development and program management, informs her community engagement for Connect the Dots.

Carrie is a creative, strategic, and intuitive professional with a decade of expertise in communications, brand design, writing, and community engagement. She’s had the privilege of supporting many small but mighty teams across sectors including local government, arts, nonprofit, youth mentorship, economic empowerment, education, and wellness. Passionate about driving meaningful change, Carrie is dedicated to collaborating with organizations committed to fostering transformative community impact.

Lily is a social impact and economic development professional passionate about inclusive community engagement, creative placemaking, and respecting historical context. Lily holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and has worked within nonprofits, development and real estate companies, and political advocacy organizations for ten years within the Philly region. Her career in grassroots organizing and collective change informs her work at Connect the Dots on the ground and within communities.