Equity Innovation Center hosts first Inclusive Think Tank

One month after unveiling the Equity Innovation Center at its newly renovated Gaviidae Commons headquarters, the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities hosted the region's first Inclusive Downtown Think Tank.

The 10-month series, which launched in March 2018, is a collaboration between the YMCA Twin Cities and the Minneapolis Downtown Council. It is being presented in partnership with East Town Business Partnership and 2020 Partners.

Amy Batiste, president of Creative Catalysts and a HunterSage strategic partner, is designing the Think Tank experience. Anne Hunter serves as a Think Tank small group facilitator and an Equity Innovation Center strategist.

The Think Tank is a cross-sector, research-to-action work group that engages thought leaders, community partners and Minneapolis Downtown Council members in imagining, defining and creating an inclusive downtown, according to Batiste. 

"It's happening at a time when the city is showing signs of growth, yet the gaps for many citizens paint a far different picture. To become an inclusive downtown, we must address the challenges of inequity and exclusion head on," says Hedy Lamar Walls, chief social responsibility officer at the YMCA Twin Cities and a force behind the Equity Innovation Center.      

Illustration Credit: Amy Sparks, graphic recorder