The Equity in Economic Development Fellowship Program Launches Its Second Cohort This Summer
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Columbus, Ohio – One Columbus was selected to be part of the second cohort of the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Equity in Economic Development Fellowship Program. This initiative is funded in collaboration with the Helios Foundation, and is part of their shared, ongoing commitment to advancing equity and closing disparities in the field of economic development.
Starting in June, Camila Batres, who is a currently studying at the George Washington University pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration will join One Columbus. She will earn valuable hands-on experience while advancing substantive and impactful projects in their community. This program will provide her the resources and opportunities to discover, strengthen, and apply their full capabilities as future leaders in economic development.
She’ll join six other outstanding young individuals who will serve as fellows at economic development organizations throughout the U.S. for eight weeks, gaining access to economic development resources, mentorship, and opportunities to impact lasting, tangible change.
“I am incredibly enthusiastic about this year’s cohort of bright, hard-working fellows and the economic development organizations participating in the 2023 Equity in Economic Development Fellowship Program,” stated Nathan Ohle, President & CEO of IEDC. “Programs that center equity in economic development are vital to developing a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive profession. Congratulations to our second group of fellows and economic development organizations!”
“As Task Force Chair and program originator, it is truly amazing to see how far the Equity in Economic Development Fellowship Program has come in just one year. I’m grateful that IEDC agreed to continue my proposed talent initiative. With last year’s successes, I am more excited than ever to see how the program continues to evolve and create positive change with each group of passionate, driven fellows,” added Julie Curtin, President of Economic Development Practice at DCI. “This year’s cohort is exceptional, and I am confident the work they do in their communities will be awe-inspiring and establish them as leaders among the next generation of economic development professionals.”
“The Columbus Region has established itself as the epicenter of economic development in the Midwest, and a major player nationwide,” said Mark Patton, Executive Vice President and General Manager of One Columbus. “Our success comes from incorporating smart, diverse, and creative voices into our team. We’re honored to have Camila join us and hope we can learn from her as much as she learns from us.”
About One Columbus
As the economic development organization for the 11-county Columbus Region, One Columbus’ mission is to lead a comprehensive regional growth strategy that develops and attracts the world’s most competitive companies, grows a highly adaptive workforce, prepares our communities for the future and inspires corporate, academic and public innovation throughout the Columbus Region. One Columbus expertly guides companies through the location decision process. Through strategic business outreach and customized research, the One Columbus team leverages public, private and institutional partnerships to grow the Columbus Region’s economy and strengthen its national and international competitiveness. Funding is received from more than 300 private organizations, local governments, academic institutions and JobsOhio. Learn more at ColumbusRegion.com.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at iedconline.org.
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One Columbus Media Contact
Jon Keeling
614-657-5917
jk@columbuspartnership.com