Marisa, Founder and CEO of Connect the Dots, is a 9-year stakeholder and community engagement expert. She established CtD as a WBE/DBE firm specializing in strategic stakeholder and community engagement, serving clients like SEPTA, Center City District, City of Philadelphia, and Comcast NBC Universal. Leading a diverse team with expertise in Urban Planning, Community Organizing, Graphic Design, Communications, and Mediation, Marisa is a Fulbright scholar and published on Meeting of the Minds for insight-driven decision-making in cities. She received a Knight Foundation award for civic engagement and teaches a course on Participatory Cities at the University of Pennsylvania.

Rosanne is a Principal and Strategist at Connect the Dots, based in Philadelphia. She earned a Masters in Community Planning from University of Maryland in College Park, and has since worked in the transportation field for the City of Chicago and economic development organizations in the Washington, DC area. Rosanne’s planning work is informed by a prior decade-long career in advocacy and public relations. Her varied experience has developed her priorities for creating high-quality communication, detailed project management, and innovative participatory processes.

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, Connect the Dots’ Project Manager of Community Engagement, brings 9 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.

Sophia, an Associate at Connect the Dots, excels in data analysis and reporting, leveraging her Bachelor’s degree in Political Sociology from Swarthmore College. She prioritizes listening to communities and effectively communicating their experiences by translating qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights. In her role, Sophia plays a crucial part in data analysis and reporting, supporting research and analysis throughout various project stages, including demographic profiling, stakeholder research, engagement data analysis, coding, and reporting. Additionally, she provides assistance with outreach, engagement activities, and administrative tasks.

David is a highly educated project assistant at Connect The Dots, providing valuable internal and external process development and support for client projects. He has a Bachelor’s degree in community development and is pursuing a Master’s degree in city & regional planning. With executive volunteer positions in student organizations and community groups, David aims to empower others in decision-making processes and foster relationships. He utilizes his communication, facilitation, planning, and teambuilding skills to ensure successful engagement strategies. As a project assistant, David supports team members in various projects, including community engagement event preparation, facilitation, and data analysis and reporting.

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.

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.

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.

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.