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.

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.

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.

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.

Sophia, Senior 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.